Diamondback in the rough

Hatchett · October 1, 2012, 08:15 PM

I bought a Diamondback in need of some serious help because it was the right price. It's not even that old, so I don't know where all the bluing went, but that's not the problem. The sideplate was on crooked when I bought it. I figured I could remove it and put it on properly, but it's not fitting right. The edges all fit in, but it's acting like there's a pivot point in the middle so i can get one of the three corners to fit flush at a time only. The other two lever up like a seesaw.

Turning the gun over, I noticed this:

On all my other Colt revolvers, that shallow hole is filled by a pin or bolt just barely protruding from the side, but here it is about 1mm deep instead of protruding. Is this as simple as me needing to push something in further under the sideplate to make the sideplate fit? I hope?

dfariswheel · October 2, 2012, 08:17 PM

You have trouble.

That pin is the hammer pin.
It's pressed in place with a special press device. DO NOT attempt to hammer it in, you'll deform the frame.
Send the gun in to Colt to get it properly repaired. If you want, they'll re-blue it to look like brand new while they have it.

The pin is a very tight press-fit so it's probable that someone attempted to either remove the pin for some reason, or attempted to install a new pin for one damaged.
You need to check the frame closely for a bulged frame around the pin hole.
Hopefully whoever did this didn't ruin the gun.

Also check for a bent side plate.

Again, don't attempt repair yourself or allow any local gunsmith to attempt repair.
The pin must be a very tight fit and installation requires a special press and special support dies to prevent frame damage.

People who do things like this to expensive guns should be shot with them.

skidder · October 2, 2012, 08:36 PM

Listen to dfariswheel.... He knows his Colts.

Jaymo · October 2, 2012, 09:01 PM

I agree with dfariswheel. That is a crime against gunmanity.

788Ham · October 2, 2012, 09:37 PM

SEND it to Colt, likes been said, dfaris knows what he's talking about, get a new re-blued piece outta the deal, then let us know how it shoots!

doc2rn · October 2, 2012, 09:39 PM

dfariswheel is correct, and if you doubt his sage advice ask oldfuff. But I bet you get the exact same reply.

Hatchett · October 2, 2012, 11:50 PM

Was basically waiting to see what dfariswheel could tell me. The frame looks pretty straight all around to me. Everything on the gun mechanically seems to work fine, by some bizarre miracle. It doesn't sounds like too costly a repair, so even if I go for the reblue with the price I paid I shouldn't have done badly.

My Python has needed to be retimed as well. I guess I'll have them do both at the same time and save on shipping. Thanks a lot for the info.

Old Fuff · October 3, 2012, 12:20 AM

Quote:

dfariswheel is correct, and if you doubt his sage advice ask oldfuff. But I bet you get the exact same reply.

Indeed! You are dead on, and so is dfariswheel.

Besides the obvious, Colt can inspect and check for undetected damage. As for refinishing, it's something that won't get less expensive, and it is a classic revolver that's not likely to be duplicated in the future. Think of it as a junior Python.

bikemutt · October 3, 2012, 12:27 AM

Have then get rid of the horrible rubber thing hanging off the grip frame too

Jaymo · October 3, 2012, 06:10 PM

I halfway wonder if that revolver was in a fire and then stored underwater.

Guillermo · October 3, 2012, 08:50 PM

Hatchett,

I feel for you.

I too am a sucker for old Colts but it had better have been REALLY cheap.

This is no cheap fix

Hopefully Colt will have the parts.

Best of luck...

Keep us informed.

Hatchett · October 4, 2012, 04:56 PM

It's on its way to Colt now. Going to ask them to service it and royal blue it. Hopefully the fix.is a matter of dissassembly and competant reassembly, which it should be since all the parts are there and the gun works fine. If it takes more than that I'll just tell them to do what they have to. It's going to be a beauty again.

Hatchett · October 4, 2012, 07:37 PM

Another question:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Colt-Firearm...item337c7f1960

Are these the original style grips for a 1984 vintage and is that a reasonable price for them?

dfariswheel · October 4, 2012, 08:39 PM

Those TYPE of grips are correct for a 2 1/2" Diamondback, but not a 4" or 6".

Those specific grips are not totally "correct" since by the early 1980's Colt had stopped using Silver medallions. By 1984 all Colt's had Gold medallions.

Price-wise that's a steal these days for genuine Colt factory grips, *IF* those are genuine factory and not a replica.

Hatchett · November 29, 2012, 10:21 PM

Got the report letter back from Colt. They didn't mention anything being a problem. They said they'd restore the gun to factory spec, reblue, and test fire it all for the cost of the reblue alone. I sprang for the Royal Blue for 325. Even if that's not the original finish, it'll make it look like a perfect sidekick to my Python. Already phoned in my payment info. Now we play the waiting game.

I bought those ebay grips too. I'll be in it for just a tad more than I wanted to be overall, but I don't think I did too bad and I expect this will be one of my very favorite guns if everything works out from here on.

Cocked & Locked · November 30, 2012, 12:01 PM

Sounds like a real deal to me! You made a good decision that you won't regret. I'm ready to see some pictures! I'd love to have a 2.5" Diamondback someday.

Hatchett · Yesterday, 01:30 AM

So I still haven't gotten my gun back, but nor have I heard of any problems springing up. I sent the Diamondback at the beginning of November, received the letter and paid it at the end of October. It's been almost eight months since I sent the gun, six since I paid for the work. Is this normal? Should I call to see if the problems dfaris pointed out are as bad as I was afraid of? I'm more than willing to continue to wait patiently if that's just how long it takes.

Has anyone refinished a revolver with Colt recently? How long did it take to get back?

Cocked & Locked · Yesterday, 02:20 AM

My curiosity would have me calling.

bannockburn · Yesterday, 06:16 AM

Hatchett

Maybe it required more work or parts than they originally estimated. I don't see a problem with contacting them to find out the status of your gun. Hope they at least give you some sort of timeline for when it will be finished.

22-rimfire · Yesterday, 07:58 AM

I'd email them first and then call if you don't hear anything in a week or so. You don't want them to loose it.

OleReb · Yesterday, 09:21 AM

I'd have to call and ask,i'm sure its just because everyone is swamped with work right now but i'd have to atleast ask them.

Hanshi · Yesterday, 11:54 AM

I agree; treating a classic revolver like that is criminal.

dfariswheel · Yesterday, 07:16 PM

Colt is WAY behind on repairs and refinishing.
However, it can't hurt to call and check.

Just be prepared to wait a LONG time on the phone. The phones are also jammed from the time they open to the time they close.

raveneap · Yesterday, 11:19 PM

I'm in the same boat with Smith & Wesson. Sent a Highway Patrolman in for refinishing in early March. They told me at that time that turnaround was about 12 weeks as they're really backlogged. But I'm sure it'll be worth the wait as will be your Colt.

October 1, 2012, 08:15 PM	#1
Hatchett Member Join Date: July 24, 2003 Posts: 265	Diamondback in the rough I bought a Diamondback in need of some serious help because it was the right price. It's not even that old, so I don't know where all the bluing went, but that's not the problem. The sideplate was on crooked when I bought it. I figured I could remove it and put it on properly, but it's not fitting right. The edges all fit in, but it's acting like there's a pivot point in the middle so i can get one of the three corners to fit flush at a time only. The other two lever up like a seesaw. Turning the gun over, I noticed this: On all my other Colt revolvers, that shallow hole is filled by a pin or bolt just barely protruding from the side, but here it is about 1mm deep instead of protruding. Is this as simple as me needing to push something in further under the sideplate to make the sideplate fit? I hope?

October 2, 2012, 08:36 PM	#3
skidder Member Join Date: March 26, 2011 Location: Montana Posts: 941	Listen to dfariswheel.... He knows his Colts. __________________ Gun permit?? A bread crumb tossed to a sleeping society awoken by the sound of complacency. "They are for your own good", and "you will understand when you see all the lives they save". Yes master, what else will you toss me from your bag of infringements?? Do you want me to roll over and play dead? I do that very well. --skidder

October 2, 2012, 09:01 PM	#4
Jaymo Member Join Date: August 21, 2010 Posts: 2,506	I agree with dfariswheel. That is a crime against gunmanity. __________________ Who do you trust when everyone's a crook?

October 2, 2012, 09:39 PM	#6
doc2rn Member Join Date: August 6, 2006 Location: Back in Ohio Posts: 3,304	dfariswheel is correct, and if you doubt his sage advice ask oldfuff. But I bet you get the exact same reply. __________________ I am my brother's keeper! C.S.S.= Can't Stand Stupid

October 2, 2012, 11:50 PM	#7
Hatchett Member Join Date: July 24, 2003 Posts: 265	Was basically waiting to see what dfariswheel could tell me. The frame looks pretty straight all around to me. Everything on the gun mechanically seems to work fine, by some bizarre miracle. It doesn't sounds like too costly a repair, so even if I go for the reblue with the price I paid I shouldn't have done badly. My Python has needed to be retimed as well. I guess I'll have them do both at the same time and save on shipping. Thanks a lot for the info. Last edited by Hatchett; October 2, 2012 at 11:56 PM.

October 2, 2012, 08:17 PM	#2
dfariswheel Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Posts: 5,735	You have trouble. That pin is the hammer pin. It's pressed in place with a special press device. DO NOT attempt to hammer it in, you'll deform the frame. Send the gun in to Colt to get it properly repaired. If you want, they'll re-blue it to look like brand new while they have it. The pin is a very tight press-fit so it's probable that someone attempted to either remove the pin for some reason, or attempted to install a new pin for one damaged. You need to check the frame closely for a bulged frame around the pin hole. Hopefully whoever did this didn't ruin the gun. Also check for a bent side plate. Again, don't attempt repair yourself or allow any local gunsmith to attempt repair. The pin must be a very tight fit and installation requires a special press and special support dies to prevent frame damage. People who do things like this to expensive guns should be shot with them.

October 2, 2012, 09:37 PM	#5
788Ham Member Join Date: September 24, 2010 Location: Hills west of Denver Posts: 2,532	SEND it to Colt, likes been said, dfaris knows what he's talking about, get a new re-blued piece outta the deal, then let us know how it shoots!

October 3, 2012, 12:27 AM	#9
bikemutt Member Join Date: December 24, 2010 Location: Renton, WA Posts: 1,976	Have then get rid of the horrible rubber thing hanging off the grip frame too __________________ They were just a bunch old dead white guys but they invented this country, and they meant what they said. The Second Amendment isn't about the National Guard or the police...It is about law-abiding, private U.S. citizens. Period. - Charlton Heston

October 3, 2012, 06:10 PM	#10
Jaymo Member Join Date: August 21, 2010 Posts: 2,506	I halfway wonder if that revolver was in a fire and then stored underwater. __________________ Who do you trust when everyone's a crook?

October 3, 2012, 08:50 PM	#11
Guillermo member Join Date: February 20, 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 6,346	Hatchett, I feel for you. I too am a sucker for old Colts but it had better have been REALLY cheap. This is no cheap fix Hopefully Colt will have the parts. Best of luck... Keep us informed.

October 4, 2012, 04:56 PM	#12
Hatchett Member Join Date: July 24, 2003 Posts: 265	It's on its way to Colt now. Going to ask them to service it and royal blue it. Hopefully the fix.is a matter of dissassembly and competant reassembly, which it should be since all the parts are there and the gun works fine. If it takes more than that I'll just tell them to do what they have to. It's going to be a beauty again.

October 4, 2012, 07:37 PM	#13
Hatchett Member Join Date: July 24, 2003 Posts: 265	Another question: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Colt-Firearm...item337c7f1960 Are these the original style grips for a 1984 vintage and is that a reasonable price for them?

October 4, 2012, 08:39 PM	#14
dfariswheel Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Posts: 5,735	Those TYPE of grips are correct for a 2 1/2" Diamondback, but not a 4" or 6". Those specific grips are not totally "correct" since by the early 1980's Colt had stopped using Silver medallions. By 1984 all Colt's had Gold medallions. Price-wise that's a steal these days for genuine Colt factory grips, IF those are genuine factory and not a replica.

November 29, 2012, 10:21 PM	#15
Hatchett Member Join Date: July 24, 2003 Posts: 265	Got the report letter back from Colt. They didn't mention anything being a problem. They said they'd restore the gun to factory spec, reblue, and test fire it all for the cost of the reblue alone. I sprang for the Royal Blue for 325. Even if that's not the original finish, it'll make it look like a perfect sidekick to my Python. Already phoned in my payment info. Now we play the waiting game. I bought those ebay grips too. I'll be in it for just a tad more than I wanted to be overall, but I don't think I did too bad and I expect this will be one of my very favorite guns if everything works out from here on.

November 30, 2012, 12:01 PM	#16
Cocked & Locked Member Join Date: January 21, 2006 Location: Goat Hill NC Posts: 1,746	jealous here Sounds like a real deal to me! You made a good decision that you won't regret. I'm ready to see some pictures! I'd love to have a 2.5" Diamondback someday. __________________ C&L

Yesterday, 01:30 AM	#17
Hatchett Member Join Date: July 24, 2003 Posts: 265	So I still haven't gotten my gun back, but nor have I heard of any problems springing up. I sent the Diamondback at the beginning of November, received the letter and paid it at the end of October. It's been almost eight months since I sent the gun, six since I paid for the work. Is this normal? Should I call to see if the problems dfaris pointed out are as bad as I was afraid of? I'm more than willing to continue to wait patiently if that's just how long it takes. Has anyone refinished a revolver with Colt recently? How long did it take to get back?

Yesterday, 02:20 AM	#18
Cocked & Locked Member Join Date: January 21, 2006 Location: Goat Hill NC Posts: 1,746	My curiosity would have me calling. __________________ C&L

Yesterday, 06:16 AM	#19
bannockburn Member Join Date: April 24, 2007 Posts: 4,956	Hatchett Maybe it required more work or parts than they originally estimated. I don't see a problem with contacting them to find out the status of your gun. Hope they at least give you some sort of timeline for when it will be finished. __________________ "An elegant weapon for a more civilized age."-Obi Wan Kenobi

Yesterday, 07:58 AM	#20
22-rimfire Member Join Date: June 11, 2005 Location: TN Posts: 9,524	I'd email them first and then call if you don't hear anything in a week or so. You don't want them to loose it.

Yesterday, 09:21 AM	#21
OleReb Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Location: SW Florida Posts: 25	I'd have to call and ask,i'm sure its just because everyone is swamped with work right now but i'd have to atleast ask them.

Yesterday, 11:54 AM	#22
Hanshi Member Join Date: September 25, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 278	I agree; treating a classic revolver like that is criminal.

Yesterday, 07:16 PM	#23
dfariswheel Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Posts: 5,735	Colt is WAY behind on repairs and refinishing. However, it can't hurt to call and check. Just be prepared to wait a LONG time on the phone. The phones are also jammed from the time they open to the time they close.

Yesterday, 11:19 PM	#24
raveneap Member Join Date: September 13, 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 172	I'm in the same boat with Smith & Wesson. Sent a Highway Patrolman in for refinishing in early March. They told me at that time that turnaround was about 12 weeks as they're really backlogged. But I'm sure it'll be worth the wait as will be your Colt. __________________ ... ed ...