python/diamondback differences

[absolute0]

I've recently become quite enamored with exquisitely blued, ribbed barreled revolvers with little horsies on 'em, but the idea of having to relieve myself of close to a grand to get one is giving me pause.

HOWEVER...

It seems a 90% + diamondback chambered in .38 special seemingly can be had for a much more reasonable sum, $400-500. I'd be using this revolver strictly as a paper puncher and high class plinker, so the inabilty to shoot .357 isn't much of a concern.

What do you guys think? Do you get the same level of quality and craftsmanship from the average '68 diamondback as you would from a '68 python?

Let's hear it!

 

[BigG]

I would think so as to quality. The Diamondback appears to be on the small frame like Detective Special, Police Positive, etc. while the Python is a little larger, built on the so called .41 frame. As far as class, the Python is probably just slightly above nearly any other revolver, but that's how fickle fame is. These older Colt designs were built with the Fibber McGee® works so they are more fragile than a similar sized S&W product. I would think with reasonable care they would last a lifetime, however.

A Diamondback has always been on my want list. Good luck!

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

I've never owned a 38 Diamondback but have owned two 22 Diamondbacks.

(Why, oh, why, did I ever sell them? Stupid. )

They were both 70's vintage, as is my Python. The action on all were comparable, i.e., smooth as glass.

The finish was also comparable.

Yes, the old Diamondbacks IMHO are every bit as good as the Pythons.

 

[RON in PA]

If you can live without the rib and the adjustable sights an old (last year of manufacture was 1969) Official Police will do fine and give you the advantage of the larger .41 frame. Also look out for the Officers Model Match, has adjustable sights (once a top bullseye gun). Both are much less than a Python although the OMM probably costs as much as a Diamondback. All are very accurate with a choked barrel and good SA triggers, not so hot in the DA compared to a Smith.

 

[dfariswheel]

The Diamondback was a Python look-alike, not a Python equal.

Although made on the same machinery as the Python barrels, the Diamondback barrel wasn't made to the same higher standard, and didn't have the Python's tapered bore.

The Diamondback's blue job wasn't polished to the Python's standard.

The Diamondback's action was fitted to the same standard as all the other Colt "D" frame revolvers like the Detective Special and Police Positive Special.
The Python action received MUCH more hand fitting and polishing than any other production revolver ever made, including the Diamondback.

In total, although probably the highest quality .22 and .38 Special revolver, the Diamondback was a slight step below the Python in every respect.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Do you get the same level of quality and craftsmanship from the average '68 diamondback as you would from a '68 python?

The sad, sorry, simple fact of the matter is that Colt quality has always varied enormously. The best Diamondbacks are of equal quality to the best Pythons; unfortunately, the best weren't exactly common.

On the whole, Diamondbacks are of comparable quality to Pythons, but there was so much variation, it's almost pointless to say so.

 

[Gordon]

Ferris wheel is spot on! My $.02 is that after 69 the quality of all Colt products became spotty. Some late 70's and later Pythons were glorified King Cobras IMHO. I think they stopped tapering the bore and "silver balling" them in this period from what I've heard from Colt employees.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Here's the picture I meant to post last evening, but forgot. The Diamondback above is in .22 long rifle. The Python below is in .357 magnum. Both wear stocks from the good folks at http://www.herrett-stocks.com

 

[Gordon]

Beautiful Brace!!!!! :

 

[4v50 Gary]

Ditto!

Warms the heart to see those snakes.

 

[Hardtarget]

I've got two Diamondbacks from the early '70's. A 4" .38 and a 6" .22 .Yes, I like them very much but they are not Pythons. Maybe one day I'll bring home a Python...my wife will be O.K. with the snake from Colt.
Mark.

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Fitz Grips Experience

Colt Viper series before and during WW2 were issued to Officers both police and military and without a better grip like a Fitz they were no way a target pistol.

However I have never heard of a Python being issued and had to be bought by pistol team members to have a chance in any competition as I have competed as an officer against them.

A MK1-2 Python is head and shoulders above any prewar Viper Series weapons and the same for the cheaper MK3 Python as advised by my worldwide competitive Saeco Bullet Mold and Star Progressive Reloader Customers

 

[9mmepiphany]

i've had both 22lr and .38 diamondbacks and would not part with them. i like to think of them as "little brothers" to my pythons...but they are really just "half brothers".

the major differences in feel have to do with the diamondbacks smaller frame and narower trigger. the major differences in appearence, besides the "smaller scale", are the different level of polish, different adjustable rear sights and the serrations (instead of checkering) on the hammer spur. i actually prefer the shallower angle of the diamondback's hammer spur...it looks "sleeker"

 

[absolute0]

Great info guys!

Thanks for all the info fellas. Based on what you all are saying, the market pricing accurately reflects the subtle differences between the two.

After careful consideration, the decision here is to save my pennies and eventually get one (or more) of each of the earlier built guns and enjoy them both.

Standing Wolf, I haven't seen such a nice pair since my last date with Salma Hayek!!!



OOOOH MY!!!!