Colt Diamondback value

[giantsfan]

Hi Calgunners,

I got this nice 2.5" Diamondback from a friend of mine who is a retired police chief from a city in the Bay Area and I'm interested in your thoughts about the value of the gun.

I don't know how many rounds have gone through it but it doesn't look like many to me. There is a slight bit of holster wear on it but again, not much.

His initials have been "etched" into the frame but are not at all deep and could come out with a bit of polishing.

The cylinder release feels a little loose to me but maybe that's normal for a 1967 model. The lockup with the hammer back and trigger pulled is nice and tight. The lockup sounds a little loose when engaged.

The trigger feels perfect.

Let me know what you think

Thanks!

[dachan]

Looks like any other 2.5" Diamondback made in 1967. Unless you're giving it to one of us, what is the purpose of asking for opinions?

[Barbarosa]

Wow, nice score. NIB goes for $2500+; they command a really high price - almost equaling Pythons. Holster wear and a bit of looseness probably drops it to the $1800 - $2000 range. The killer is the initials - unless you find some with the same initials! My guess with the inscription is $1500 - $1800, but a very nice gun!

[giantsfan]

Looks like any other 2.5" Diamondback made in 1967. Unless you're giving it to one of us, what is the purpose of asking for opinions?

Thank you so much for your comments...that is all. ;-)

[Waffleobill]

Looks good. Worth $100, but I'll be a pal and give you $200. Unless it was owned by Lt. Frank Bullitt, then I'll go $300!

Waiting for your reply...

[giantsfan]

Now it's clear why the Democrats are trying to pass the ridiculous gun laws that they are. Thanks for the clarity. What a friendly and constructive forum this has become...

[9mmepiphany]

It is in pretty good shape, but it has had more than a few rounds through it.

The wear at the muzzle and between the bolt notches are too bad and would be normal wear. That takes it out of the collector market and into the shooter market.

Of greater concern is the wear around the side plate...meaning that someone has been messing around inside the action. A reputable pistolsmith wouldn't have left those kinds of marks if they opened it up.

The etched initials would be the deal breaker. To remove those, you're be talking about a complete refinish. I think it would be hard to get into the $1k range in it's current condition. Of course, you might get lucky and find that "one buyer" who just has to have a 2.5" Diamondback

[giantsfan]

It is in pretty good shape, but it has had more than a few rounds through it.

The wear at the muzzle and between the bolt notches are too bad and would be normal wear. That takes it out of the collector market and into the shooter market.

Of greater concern is the wear around the side plate...meaning that someone has been messing around inside the action. A reputable pistolsmith wouldn't have left those kinds of marks if they opened it up.

The etched initials would be the deal breaker. To remove those, you're be talking about a complete refinish. I think it would be hard to get into the $1k range in it's current condition. Of course, you might get lucky and find that "one buyer" who just has to have a 2.5" Diamondback

Thanks for your opinion. The gun won't ever be for sale I was just curious what others thought. I'm going to have it refinished and some work done on it. It is definitely a shooter in good condition.

By a few rounds I meant probably something in the 300 to 500 range. The original owner didn't have it long and my friend only put a couple hundred through it at most he said then stashed in a drawer as he didn't like how it shot.

Thanks again..

[razr]

At an auction it will bring 1800 to 2200 easily. The buyer will then pay a fee and sales tax on top of it. Since they are rear you won't have any issues selling it as is. Good Luck!

[Lor]

Beautiful handgun.

[I Swan]

Personally I deduct 40-50% or so for any names or initials or SSN's or DL numbers engraved or etched on guns and I really don't like buying them. I am not sure how much a refinish lowers value on a Diamondback. 2.5in Diamondbacks should bring a good premium in CA through which will bring up the value.

[ARDude]

Colt revolvers are sooo expensive now.
I bought my Python in 1977 for less than $375.00 brand new.
Diamondbacks were going for less than that.

I sure wish I had bought more....

[brassburnz]

Thanks for your opinion. The gun won't ever be for sale I was just curious what others thought. I'm going to have it refinished and some work done on it. It is definitely a shooter in good condition.

By a few rounds I meant probably something in the 300 to 500 range. The original owner didn't have it long and my friend only put a couple hundred through it at most he said then stashed in a drawer as he didn't like how it shot.

Thanks again..

Don't do anything to the finish or the initials. Just leave it alone. Anything you do to the original finish will reduce the value considerably.

If the revolver requires any mechanical work, make sure to take it to someone who knows Colt revolvers.

If it safe to shoot, then go out and shoot it. I have a 4" Diamondback in .38 Special. Bought it for $300 in the 1988 or so. It's worth quite a bit more today.

[jeffrice6]

Colt revolvers are sooo expensive now.
I bought my Python in 1977 for less than $375.00 brand new.
Diamondbacks were going for less than that.

I sure wish I had bought more....

20/20 I would have bought a lot of things ~ Cars, property, gold, etc..... Where's that back to the future almanac?!?