Oooooohhhh, ahhhhhhhh!!!! How cool would it be if Colt simply made a .22 on the new Python frame and called it the new Diamondback? Sign me up!
My Ruger MKI 6 7/8” heavy tapered barrel Target. Filled it full of Volquartsen goodies and it’s just an easy and fun gun to shoot well.
View attachment 918816
I've heard rumors that may happen, but right now they're not even meeting demand for the .357 Python.
It could be a trick of the light, but it appears that the .22 Python depicted is on the smaller "D" frame compared to the "I" frame .357 above it, which would have made it nothing more than a rebadged Diamondback.Actually Paul, that already has happened. The 1981 Colt Catalog depicted an 8-inch barreled Royal Blue Python in .22 rimfire caliber. I had the $$$ squirreled away to get one as soon as they hit the distributors inventory. But, alas, it didn't happen and only 3 actual revolvers were made in that caliber and Colt executives snatched those up. Can you just imagine what those three would be worth if they hit one of the auction sites these days? :
View attachment 923784
It could be a trick of the light, but it appears that the .22 Python depicted is on the smaller "D" frame compared to the "I" frame .357 above it, which would have made it nothing more than a rebadged Diamondback.
On second glance, it looks like it may have been an "I" frame with a shorter cylinder window. Hmmmmmm......
I suppose they could build a new rimfire Diamondback on the current King Cobra Target frame. Give it a fully lugged barrel and a nice polish job, Voila!
I have a 4” Colt Diamondback in 38 special. I bought it used in the mid 80s. Don’t remember what I paid for it, but it was no where near what they are selling for now. I also have a 1958 S&W model 18, no dash. I consider it to be one of the finest rimfire revolvers ever made. I have always wanted a Diamondback .22, but they are priced too high right now. I never thought about how one would compare to a model 18. Mine Is a very well fitted and finished revolver. The blue is right up there with Colt. Well polished and deep. I have always thought the bluing Colt did, back then was the best. This little S&W makes me reconsider that. I just always liked the way the Diamondback looked, and thought one would be nice in .22, but your post made me realize, I would not have anything, any better, than I have in my model 18. I still may get one, if I ever cross paths with one that is nice and priced right. It would be hard to keep house, without a few fine rimfire, anything around. Below is a couple pictures of my model 18, with Culina English walnut grips, I had made for it, a few months back.A pair of them...Diamondback and S&W Model 18...the Smith's a better revolver in every way. YMMv Rod
View attachment 923870