The Colt Diamondback: A Snake Gun with a Rich History

Colt's Snake Guns family is iconic for its grouping of seven deadly serpents - including the Python, Diamondback, Cobra, Anaconda, King Cobra, Boa, and Viper. Among these snakes, the Colt Diamondback holds a special place in the hearts of many gun enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the Colt Diamondback is its single-action trigger, which breaks at 3lb, 3oz with crisp perfection. The double-action trigger is smooth, with a bit of stacking but not too heavy at 8lb, 4oz. Despite being a robust revolver, it's easy to hold and natural to point.

The Colt Diamondback has been praised for its fit, finish, and function, which are excellent by the standards of both its time of manufacture and today. Although it may not have had the same level of craftsmanship as the famed Python, it is still a premium revolver made from premium parts and assembled by very experienced workers.

In terms of aesthetics, the blued finish on my particular Colt Diamondback is impressive, even mirror-like in the right lighting conditions. The nickel specimens are worth about 30% more than blued revolvers of similar condition, but I opted for the bluer finish, which was also far less expensive.

I managed to negotiate a very amenable price for this revolver due to its near-excellent condition and my preference for the blued finish. The only drawback is that it's missing its original walnut grips, which have been replaced with 80's vintage Pachmayr 'Compac' grips.

Overall, the Colt Diamondback is a worthy addition to any collection, especially for those who appreciate the craftsmanship and heritage of Colt revolvers. With its rich history and impressive performance, this snake gun is sure to remain a popular choice among gun enthusiasts for years to come.

Colt diamondback history