Where are Diamonbacks going, market wise??

[1966Python]

I too have noticed Diamondback prices at gun shows have almost doubled over the past year and a half. Other than the Python looks I was never impressed with the accuracy of a few I shot. But they do get high marks for good looks.

[22-rimfire]

People say that the Python was made for 50 years and the Diamondback about 20 years, hence the Diamondback numbers "must be" lower than total Python production. I am not so sure about that, but Diamondback production was certainly concentrated in a couple variations which sold pretty well. Essentially the blue 4" guns sold very well in both 38spl and 22LR. In the early days (until the bottom feeders took over), police officers carried Detective Specials and Diamondbacks (police positives too), but most could not afford a Python. More generally carried S&W revolvers as they were a little less expensive and a well made product. The 357 mag guns began to get more law enforcement interest but there were really no high Colt production 357 mag revolvers except the Python.

Wish I knew what the total Diamondback production when Colt stopped making the revolver in 1986. It would make for interesting discussion and speculation.

[kcub]

Bad year for guns. Reagan signed the McClure Volkmer act limiting the 2nd amendment to 1986 technology.

[diamonback68]

Wish I knew what the total Diamondback production when Colt stopped making the revolver in 1986. It would make for interesting discussion and speculation.

I agree, it certainly would.

Not sure a agree with your Diamondback to Python ratio. Around here, I see 20-30 (maybe higher) Pythons for sale for every one Diamondback.

[22-rimfire]

That was pure speculation on my part Dick. But I know you know that.

Which would you rather own and sell? Python or a Diamondback... or it doesn't matter? Do we see a lot of Pythons for sale simply because of the prices today or is it availablity? For my part, I would rather own more Diamondbacks than Pythons. I would sell a Python before a Diamondback if I wanted to liquidate some iron for cash.

[diamonback68]

Which would you rather own and sell? Python or a Diamondback... or it doesn't matter? Do we see a lot of Pythons for sale simply because of the prices today or is it availablity? For my part, I would rather own more Diamondbacks than Pythons. I would sell a Python before a Diamondback if I wanted to liquidate some iron for cash.

EXACTLY! Of course you and I always seem to agree.

[Armyphotog]

The 2.5 inch barrels seem to bring more. I would have thought the $1,200 figure would be more in the range for that. Usually, the 4 inchers bring a litte less.

[22-rimfire]

Tis why I have a hard time even affording a Diamondback anymore. I have to really want a particular gun these days and the price would have to be a little better than the $1200 figure mentioned for a 4". It is easy to say what you think you might do, but when the urge hits, it is hard to say no and walk sometimes. Looks like a great gun to me. I'd be proud to own it.

I used to buy the 4" 38's for $300-$325 (and occasionally the 2.5" 38's) at shows fairly often. Wish I would have kept a few of them. But that's the gun business. It was a fun ride.

If I had to put a number on Diamondbacks these days, I'd say you can expect about a 10% gain in value per year for the nice ones. Basically you see the prices being bumped up $100 to $200 each year for the more common ones.

[digger]

if your interested in selling I might be interested in buying depending on the asking price

[what would you say]

A few weeks back I was in the LGS when a fella sold a 2 1/2 Diamondback in a 38, no box. maybe 97%. I may have posted about it because I didn't know about the grips. The dealer said he'd take 1500 right then. Next day I knew the grips were Colt combat grips but not original to the gun, so I passed. My money keeps going to the Single actions.. and the action seems to be on the snake guns. Dealer put it in the case for $1800. He's usually high and not too negotiable either. The Diamondback is gone now. He also lists on Guns International, so I'd like to know if he got that figure.