Colt Diamondback .22 LR Revolver, 4-Inch Barrel, 1968 Production, High-Polish Blue Finish
This 1968 Colt Diamondback is an early-production, small-frame “snake gun” chambered in .22 LR. It pairs the model’s trademark ventilated-rib barrel and full underlug with factory checkered walnut target grips and silver Colt medallions. A matching, serial-numbered factory test target dated November 19, 1968 accompanies the revolver, underscoring its collector appeal.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The revolver exhibits a few minor scratches and blemishes in the high-polish blue finish. The bore is clean and shiny. Action cycles smoothly, and cylinder lockup is tight. There is light pitting on the rear sight assembly and hammer.
What’s Included
- Colt two-piece wood-grain presentation box
- Colt “Handling the Handgun” manual
- Factory test target dated 11-19-68 (serial-numbered)
Introduced in 1966, the Diamondback brought Python-style features to Colt’s smaller “D” frame. This example showcases that lineage with a 4-inch carbon-steel barrel capped by a ventilated rib and full underlug, giving the revolver distinctive balance and visual appeal.
Finished in Colt’s high-polish royal blue, the carbon-steel frame, cylinder, and barrel display deep, even coloration. The bluing contrasts sharply with the wide, serrated target hammer and serrated trigger face, both designed for confident handling.
The adjustable Accro-pattern rear sight teams with a ramped, serrated front sight that is machined integrally with the rib. This sight picture allows precise elevation and windage tuning for rimfire target work.
Factory checkered walnut target grips feature silver Colt medallions and sharply defined checkering that remains crisp. The grips’ palm-filling profile complements the revolver’s double-action/single-action mechanism for controlled, accurate shooting.
Production of .22 LR Diamondbacks was comparatively limited, and examples from the late 1960s with matching factory paperwork are sought after. This revolver’s overall condition, original presentation box, and dated test target make it a strong candidate for any Colt or rimfire collection.