Colt Diamondback 2.5" Barrel

[Sandy50]

Well....as many of you good folks have told me, I am now completely hooked on the Colt "Snake Guns". I recently purchased a 4" Diamondback and absolutely love it's size and balance for both carry and accuracy. I am now seriously shopping for a 2.5" stubby for even greater concealed carry qualities. I would very much appreciate all of you Colt Diamondback owners of the 2.5" barrel weighing-in with your thoughts and experience with this stubby revolver.

As I mentioned above, my 4" nickel is truly beautiful to behold and shoot, but it may not be the best choice in all cases as a concealed carry piece.

Look forward to hearing from all of you.

Best regards,

Sandy

 

[Barkoff]

No pictures, no advise.

 

[O C]

Your's look like this? Depending on the condition, it may be too valuable to use as a CCW. Maybe choose another snubbie as a carry gun, and just fondle the "Snake".

 

[22-rimfire]

I think you will find the 2.5" very carry friendly as they traditionally came with combat stocks rather than target stocks like the one above. They are great 38spl revolvers and quite the looker. Had the perfect 2.5" 38 DB... first year of production.... about 85-90% condtion..... sold it. Darn. At the time it was not nice enough for me. Stupid is as stupid does....

 

[Colt Smith]

Go get the 2.5" Diamondback if you want it. For CCW might I suggest the 2.5" S&W model 19 or 66?

 

[S&W-Keeper]

If it a good price buy it.They are outstanding.

 

[snooperman]

I like snakes too..especially the diamondbacks..

I recently traded an older S&W model 27 for a 2.5" 38 special and I like it much better than the 27. That said, it is a wonderful gun to shoot and is quite accurate. I am not carrying it because I am so used to the lighter Colt Agent and magnum carry that I have been using for many years . However, if you can handle the extra weight, it is as fine a gun as can be found. The extra weight has advantages for quick followup shots that are more accurate. All in all a fine gun. I think you would not be disappointed with it.

 

[silversport]

I didn't care for mine...first handgun I had ever bought 'round 1982 or so...mine had some issues when a "smith" decided to improve it...I paid a LOT of money (at the time) to get it back to Colt specs and then I realized it was heavy for a pistol that can only carry .38 specials - regular diet - non +P...I didn't like the trigger pull but interestingly enough I recently bought a near NIB 1967 Colt Cobra and love it...how the times change...if you like it...get it...

Bill

 

[snooperman]

Aside from my above comments on the 2.5" diamondback..

I think, on a personal note, it to be one of the most beautiful of snubby revolvers ever made as well as the action being smooth as butter.

 

[Standing Wolf]

As long as you take good care of it, you'll always be able to sell a Diamondback for as much as or more than you paid for it.

I personally prefer the 2.5-inch Python to the same sized Diamondback or two-inch Detective Special, but if the .38 special cartridge is enough for you, you might as well treat yourself to the best .38 revolver ever made.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I agree with Standing Wolf...If I were gonna carry the same sized package around, I'd buy a 2.5 Python and also agree that if CCW were my main concern, I'd go for a D frame....Detective Special, Agent or Cobra.

 

[HankB]

Years ago, I had a 2.5" Diamondback in .22 rimfire, which I received as an 8th grade graduation present. It was a well-made, easy to shoot little gun, surprisingly accurate . . . though sometimes in DA the light hammer fall wouldn't set off the .22. (It was NOT monkeyed with - it was 100% stock.)

Got traded off a long time ago . . . in a way, I wish I still had it.

 

[J-Bar]

Steve McQueen carried one in the movie, "Bullitt", for those who are interested in trivia...

 

[Guillermo]

I have a couple of DB snubs.

Great guns.

Trigger is amazing. Easy to shoot fast and accurately.

Only problem is finding gun leather. I had a great guy, Cotton of Cotton Custom Leatherworks make me one. Charged about the same as an off-the-shelf holster.

You will find a DB snubby on my belt more often than any other gun. (I have a "beater" cobra when I have to leave a gun in the car)

They are my favorite carry guns.

 

[4v50 Gary]

J-Bar said:

Steve McQueen carried one in the movie, "Bullitt", for those who are interested in trivia...

John Wayne also carried a Diamondback in Brannigan, a US cop who is sent to England and carries his gun with him. How uncivilised of that brute.

 

[Gordon]

If you really want to regularly CCW a .38 , get the Cobra with the shrouded barrel or the Ugly Later Agent (or one of the few finished ones) and don't look back! Believe me I have them ALL and CCW an Agent . If you want a 2.5" Diamondback then better wait on a good deal as they are a premium item on the Internet gun auctions!

 

[ColtPythonElite]

x2 on a Cobra or Agent for CCW....Either one is great for dropping in your front pants pocket. You can carry one all day long and forget you have it.

 

[kdave21]

I know this is an old thread, but I was researching the diamondback with 2 1/2 barrel, and came upon this. I had a guy tell me he would sell me a 38 spc diamondback in almost perfect condition for 520ish a couple of days from now. Sounds too good to be true... we'll see.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

520ish sounds too good to be true to me...If is it in almost perfect condition, I'd give close to 1k for one.

 

[DC3-CVN-72]

I'm with C.P.E. on this one.

 

[hq]

520ish sounds too good to be true to me...

Search for "Diamondback" at eGun.de (use german, the search on english version is buggy) and be prepared for a shock. Very nice Diamondbacks have been sold for €150-200 / $210-280 lately. They're not that collectible in central Europe.

Before you bid, remember to check if the seller is willing to ship internationally. Few are.

 

[kdave21]

Well I bought it. On the phone, the seller told me the only thing wrong with it was there was a chip in the grips. I guess he didnt notice the loss of bluing. So once I saw the condition, it all made more sense Still, at a little over $500, I didnt think it was a bad deal and picked it up anyway. Its for sale on GB right now, so we'll see what the market thinks its worth.

 

[kdave21]

PS Im not selling it because I think it is a bad gun. My intention was always to sell. Ive saw a similar gun on GB sell in the mid 700's if I recall correctly.

Before you bid, remember to check if the seller is willing to ship internationally. Few are.

?? Im not bidding, Im selling! Bought in America, being sold in America, with good ol greenbacks.

 

[Guillermo]

at a little over $500, I didnt think it was a bad deal

if it is mechanically good, that is a very good deal