Colt Diamondback 2 ½” Blued .38 Special 6-Shot Revolver w/ Box
SOLD FOR: $1,911
WOA#: WY240213MC011
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback
Serial Number: D21205
Year of Manufacture: 1966 to 1991, This is an earlier model with silver medallion grips.
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DIAMONDBACK / .38 SPECIAL CTG.”, the right is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The side plate has Colt’s rampant logo, the left front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “U” at the rear. The crane and crane cut have the serial number and inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 2 1/2” with Full Underlug & Ventilated Rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a finely serrated ramp blade that is integral to the ventilated rib; the rib is matte finished for glare reduction. The rear sight is a flat top, square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base pinned to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut “Service Grips) panels with silver-colored Colt logo medallions. The grips have scattered light wear. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are some minor sparse and intermittent erosion in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. The action has minor operational wear with a thin, incomplete turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with its factory faux wood box in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: The Colt Diamondback, chambered in .38 Special with a 2 1/2-inch barrel, stands as a testament to Colt’s mastery in blending aesthetic elegance with functional prowess. Introduced in the 1960s as a more manageable counterpart to the larger Colt Python, the Diamondback distinguished itself with its sleek design, distinctive vent rib, and unparalleled finish. Its selection of the .38 Special caliber offered an optimal balance of stopping power and manageable recoil, appealing to those in law enforcement, personal defense, and target shooting for its compactness, accuracy, and ease of concealment.
This particular model garnered a cult following among the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers, prized for its reliability and precision, making it a favored choice for a secondary or off-duty weapon. The 2 1/2-inch Colt Diamondback’s association with the LAPD has only enhanced its mystique and collectibility, cementing its legacy not just as a beautifully crafted revolver, but also as an iconic piece of law enforcement history. Its continued desirability among collectors and shooting enthusiasts alike speaks volumes of its place in the pantheon of American firearms excellence, embodying a rare convergence of artistry and practicality in gunmaking. Please see our pictures and good luck! – L.S
