By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
It’s lifespan was only 22 years, and it seemed to be overshadowed by its larger visual sibling, but for revolver afficionados, the Colt Diamondback double-action revolver was and remains a classic.
When I recently posted some images of this sixgun on social media, the response was surprising. The images drew several admiring comments, leaving no doubt the Diamondback was one of Colt’s more prized “Snake Guns,” of which the legendary Python is king, followed by the Anaconda, Cobra and King Cobra. While all of those other models have been revised and slightly updated, the Diamondback appears doomed to remain in the shadows of history.
Perhaps it is because the Diamondback was never chambered for a magnum cartridge. It was offered only in .38 Special and .22 Long Rifle, in barrel lengths from 2 ½ to 6 inches. I’ve fired specimens of both and own a 4-inch version in .38. I also own a 6-inch Python from the 1980s.
The Diamondback did get some screen time, with the snub model carried by Steve McQueen in Bullitt and a 4-incher used by John Wayne in McQ and Brannigan.
Had I been in charge at Colt during the years between 1966 and 1988, I would have been sorely tempted to introduce a version in .32 H&R Magnum.
The Diamondback was essentially a beefed-up Detective Special with a thicker top strap, leaving many in the firearms community saying it will handle today’s +P ammunition, though others counsel against using higher pressure cartridges in the gun, built on the “D” frame, since the cylinder chamber walls are the same as the Dick Special.
I’ve managed to brew up some very good handloads using 125-grain JHPs ahead of CFE Pistol or HP-38, and they fall within the SAAMI specs for the standard .38 Special load, which has a maximum pressure of 17,000 psi. Check any reliable reloading manual and you can find scores of good handloads, and there is plenty of factory .38 Special available.
Interesting fact: Saddam Hussein was said to have been a Diamondback collector, though I haven’t a clue where that collection might have gone after the fall of his regime.
As a trail gun, the Diamondback has proven itself satisfactorily in my book many times over. Loaded with my handloads, which might include a moderate-velocity 158-grain LSWC bullet over 3.5 grains of HP-38, it can conk a rabbit or other small game, and clobber a large grouse without tearing up the meat too badly.
For personal protection, the Diamondback carries well in a belt or shoulder holster, including one I personally built for inside-the-waistband carry when I was operating my now-closed custom holster shop.
What made the Diamondback a winner in my humble estimation were a couple of things.
The barrel configuration with a full underlug and vent rib on top—clearly capitalizing on the Python’s oh-so-sexy profile—provides good balance and enough weight forward to tame any recoil one might feel using full-power .38 Special loads.
It has a wide, serrated target hammer with the firing pin attached, fully-adjustable rear sight and a smooth action, though not as smooth as the Python. Still, when the trigger is pressed, the cylinder locks up tight for alignment with the forcing cone, and I’ve never experienced any shaved lead while shooting.
Accuracy is rather good out to 25 and even 50 yards, depending upon one’s ammunition and steadiness of gun hand. Various law enforcement agencies allowed officers to carry Diamondbacks as duty sidearms because they would not allow the use of more potent .357 Magnums.
I replaced the factory grips on my gun, which was acquired about 15 years ago, with a set of Herrett’s “Detective” checkered stocks, and they fit my hand very well.
My gear includes a couple of HKS speedloaders and an old 6-round snap-on cartridge slide from Safariland, two or three holsters—or maybe four—and a set of Pachmayr rubber grips for use during the traditionally wet Northwest winters.
Some people argue the Diamondback may not stand up to serious shooting but I’ve never seen that to be the case. I don’t subject my revolver—or any other of my handguns, for that matter—to a diet of hot loads. There is no reason to abuse my sixguns in such a manner, and I’m convinced many of the complaints about the Diamondback’s—or the Python’s—fragile natures come from people who push the envelope with their handloads. No handgun will stand up under constant abuse, and I’ve found good accuracy and performance using less-than-full-power ammunition.
For those who own a Diamondback—and I know of people who own several—take good care of it and it will take good care of you. I have seen asking prices at gun shows ranging upwards of $1,000 for good specimens, and I once had a guy offer to sell me a 2 ½-inch model for $1,200. I politely turned down the opportunity, as I didn’t care to exhaust my grocery budget!
