Where are Diamonbacks going, market wise??

[azdave]

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Just curious, seeking opinions from Colt afficianado's.....does the market trend for Diamondbacks seem to be catching up to Pythons?

I just "stumbled" into a 1967 4" Blue model, 38 with original box, but no paperwork/manual.......that appears unfired.

I went to a gun show with a NIB 1989 Sig 228, saying I have to get away from NIB safe queens....and a Ruger 44 mag, saying I want to get out of that caliber (again)....AND THIS COLT IS WHAT I TRADED FOR...another NIB safe queen. I feel like I'm into it just a "bit" heavy, but probably a fair deal. I know many will think "whats so collectible about a Sig 228?"...but among Sig guys, the early W. German's, NIB, are.

It absolutely dazzled me....kinda hypnotic. Never owned a Diamondback (or a Python for that matter), but have owned many other Colts.

Should I sit on this, like I did the 228 for years, wondering why I have guns I "won't" shoot???? Or turn it into one or two pieces I will shoot??

Funny..I've wanted a minty 2" Lawman mk III for years....and would have NO problem enjoying one at the range, even if it was NIB...yet I want to handle this thing like a museum piece

[thor447]

Can we get a pic?? Love to see the diamondbacks

[needsmostuff]

Does the market trend for Diamondbacks seem to be catching up to Pythons?

It absolutely dazzled me yet I want to handle this thing like a museum piece

I'm suprised none of the regulars had an answer for you and while nowhere near up too date on these beautys, in their absense, I will try . If you have not been following Colts for a few years the landscape has changed. Python is high on the investment scale and it seems the high condition Diamondback follows close behind. While I do not follow them that closely I have seen prices from "Pie in the sky" gun broker dreams to a more realistic $1200 gun show price (in box in new or like new cond). Well used or ratty of course much less..
Like I said, them that really know and who buy, collect and sell them may have a different take and should pipe in.

[capstan]

I bought a 4" .22 diamomback with box for 1200$. It has no cosmetic blemishes and no mechanical issues and shoots well. I tested it with various .22 shells and it shot good with all but best with federal 40 grain. At 15 yards I can shoot a 1 to 1 1/2" group in the bull off sandbags after i adjusted the sight a hair. So Im happy with it. The .22's have been typically more money than the 38's. It was just a year or 2 ago when I saw quite a few 4" 38 spl. diamondbacks for around $800. Now, I dont see them at that price. I was at a gun show this weekend and a dealer had a diamondback 38 spl. 4" barrel that cosmetically looked excellent(no box) He wanted $1400. He would not budge on the price -cash or not. I saw another for $1300 and that also was a 38 spl. That's just 1 show but It seems they certainly are Asking a lot more now.

[azdave]

Thanks for the input guys. I attached a pic in my first post (that enlarges when clicked on)...not a computer guy, so had to fumble around a bit.
Yea, that $1200ish number seems to be a realistic "selling" price on these in new/near new condition.

The only fault on my specimen is a small, light scratch on the underlug....and the slightest of a turn line, which I helped to add to---just couldn't help myself, had to feel the perfect timing/lockup.
But definately unfired....had to clean out plenty of factory grease from chambers, bore and crevices and corners.

[needsmostuff]

Yup, that one qualifies for top shelf values , but I'm not the guy to tell you what that is . I would put that in the save or sell pile and resist shooting. Others may differ.

[22-rimfire]

I think it is a real nice Diamondback. The 4" Blue 38spl is the most common but that size is my favorite in terms of looks and shooting. I think the price will continue to move upward slowly with some of the uncommon variations garnering pretty big prices (perhaps amazingly high prices).

I can't make good comparisons with Pythons in terms of price. I personally track the Diamonbacks and not necessarily the Pythons.

[Kid Sopris]

I think Diamondbacks will continue to enjoy their time in the spot light. Though not as smooth or robust as the Python, they did carve out a spot in the Gun Market. Bought properly one could see a increase in value. Bought poorly, you might as well bought a Lorcin.

[azdave]

Thanks for the feedback!
Yea, the desire to shoot it has passed...but deciding whether to bury it in the back of the safe or turn it into 2 "shooters" or 1 "shooter" plus cash is now nagging at me.
Guess its best to set it aside and let the dust settle.

[smkummer]

Just my theory but as collectors buy up Pythons they then search for its baby brother the diamondback to add. And since the diamondback was only made 20 years compaired to the almost 50 of the Python, I speculate that they will be priced about the same or maybe more in the not to distant future. Also the diamondback sure fits the wife's hand so much nicer than the bigger and heavier python.