Diamondback Price check

[JiminCA]

Saw a 95%+ Diamondback today. I don't know these guns too well, but it appeared to be a 3-1/2 or 4 inch barrel. Beautiful bluing, supertight cylinder lockup. Original grips, clean rollmarks, red insert front sight, ventilated rib.

So what would something like this go for. Obviously hardly shot at all.

Thanks for your help.....

Jim

 

[Majic]

It has a 4" barrel as there were no 3 1/2" barreled models. Was it chambered in .38sp or .22lr? The .22lr models are more expensive.
A 4" .38sp in 95%+ condition could start around $450 and go as high as $800 depending on location. A 4".22lr in the same condition could start at $600 and go to $900 or more. Having the box and papers will drive the price up, but look for most nice specimens to be on the higher end of the price scale.
They are excellent little revolvers.

 

[JiminCA]

Thanks. It's a 38 sp, don't know about the box. They wanted 600 bucks, which strikes me as a bit high. My gut told me about 500 was right, but maybe given the collector value it is higher.

Whatever the case, it sure balanced nicely and fit well in my hand.

Tell me, are they good for +P ammo?

Jim

 

[JNewell]

I don't know about CA pricing, but I'll bet that's roughly the going rate there now.

On the +P question, it will fire them safely but you will find that the nature of the Colt lockwork means that you will wear parts faster, and good Colt-smiths are a lot harder to find that capable S&W-smiths.

They are certainly very fine revolvers, a joy to shoot and to own.

 

[tbeb]

My book says 95% (high end of very good) to !00% (excellent) is worth $522-$550.

 

[Majic]

Being an older D-frame they were never rated for +P ammo. The D-frames of that time period was said to be able to handle a limited amount of +p ammo, then returned to the factory for frame inspection.

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

The original Diamondbacks did not have a red ramp front sight. This is an aftermarket item. Check to make sure was professionally done.

There were no 3.5 inch barrels. Either four inch or six inch.

Plus p is o.k. if done sparingly. It looks like the Python but isn't. Stick with special loads.

The price is average. At 100% expect to pay $600 or more.

 

[Marshall]

I picked one up monday, a 4 incher for $475.00, he was asking $500.00. It's a 98-99% gun. I also picked up an FN Browning Hi-Power SAS that is LNIB, never fired for $425.00. I don't think I could have got $25.00 of the Diamonback if I purchased it alone.