Baby Python?

[FM2Wildcat]

Well guys I bagged a sweet deal on that Colt Detective Special I've been been after. For my taste it's a better deal, $350.00 than the S&W J frames plus it's cylinder is 'Bank Vault' tight.
It's great to have a revolver as my BUG again.
It's VERY accurate for what it is and a pleasure to shoot.
Upon close examination the Detective Special appears to be a Baby Python!
She's a '73 Model and is in like new condition, even has the original box and papers.
Other than the sights, look at the frames, split lines, screw locations and various features side by side. It's a miniature version of our beloved snake!
Plenty of these still available fellas!

Cheers!

FM2

 

[SaxonPig]

Hmmm... I must be missing something. I don't see any resemblance at all between the DS and the Python. Different barrel style, a smaller fixed-sight frame on the DS, and a different hammer.

The Diamondback is much more like a mini Python but of course it's only cosmetics. The internals are completely different and frames are different sizes. Here's a couple of 4" D'backs posing with a Python (rear).




Not that the DS isn't a cool gun. I have the 4" version of the same frame design designated the Police Positive Special. I bought this for my wife but she turned out to not like revolvers so I kept it. I just realized that was about 20 years ago. Geez, how time flies.

 

[Piedmont Plinker]

That is a 3rd generation Detective Special I'm pretty sure.
Python's shortest barrel was 2.5'' Shorter than that and they couldnt fit the distinctive Python barrel on it (the one with the slits above it, cant think of its name)
When I first saw a Diamondback I thought it was a Python.

 

[FM2Wildcat]

After doing some research I think your right Saxon.
The Diamondback does look more like a baby Python because of the barrel.
They're not exactly giving those Diamondback's away are they. Ouch!
Oh great now I've got to get one of those now too lol.
Big gun show in Springdale Ar this weekend, maybe I'll get lucky. Hey honey! Look what followed me home.

ps Nice collection Saxon!

 

[Old Fuff]

The lockwork in a Detective Special of 1973 vintage, as well as the Diamondback, is exactly the same as the Python's except it is scaled down for the smaller D-frame. Also the firing pin is in the hammer rather then frame-mounted. This is part of the reason Colt's gunsmiths, as well as some others, can tune the little snubby to get an exceptional double action trigger pull that is still reliable. Take a look at an exploded view drawing of these guns and you'll see what I mean.