New to Colts and have a DiamondBack question

[burgerdude]

I have an opportunity to aquire a 1978 (the owner volunteered this) blued 6" DB for about $950 here in California. I noted it had rubber grips and a blue two latch plastic box that looks like it was made for it. From the photos I've seen the finish looks good and the owner said he was the second owner and he said it hadn't been shot much. I'm a complete newbie when it comes to Colts. Is this a fair price that's being asked?IMG_1907.jpg

[ssgunnip]

That box is newer than 1978 and would have an outer white picture cardboard box. Grips are also wrong but price is a decent one.

[Colt75]

That box is newer than 1978 and would have an outer white picture cardboard box. Grips are also wrong but price is a decent one.

+1 - I agree. Have you bought it yet?

[burgerdude]

Because of Labor Day being tomorrow I'll be getting it Tuesday if the inspection is good. Pictures tell a lot but not everything...
About what year did Colt start using those blue plastic cases?

[big_gus]

Colt started with that case style with outer sleeve in 1990 and continued until sometime in late 1996. Box is not original to gun, but would bring $50 pretty fast by itself. Sounds like a great price on the DB, that is the only barrel length of the 3 different lengths made where the 38 is just as desirable (and scarcer) than the 22.

[Seabee_CO]

The Diamondback is a great revolver and I would buy it at that price. Be aware that if you want to find an original pair of wood stocks for it, it will be difficult and set you back $200 or so. I would sell off the non original box to help offset the cost of the stocks.

[MtnSpur]

950 in CA isn't too bad I reckon. You will want to get the rubber off and put some wood shoes on her like so:

1978 Diamondback 4"

1978 Colt Diamondback (1024x575).jpg

[burgerdude]

Wow! About $200 for grips? Like I mentioned, I'm new to Colts and have a lot to learn apparently! :-)

[big_gus]

Wow! About $200 for grips? Like I mentioned, I'm new to Colts and have a lot to learn apparently! :-)

Yes for a real nice set, $200 it is or maybe a little more. Pythons are even worse, like 250+ for a really nice set. By the way unfortunately the grips on it are only worth about $10 that is if you can find someone looking for a set. I don't even try to sell them anymore (Pachmeyers without the medallions), when I do get a set which isn't often since I mainly only buy nib/lnib now, I just throw them in a drawer and give a set to a buddy once in awhile.

[burgerdude]

Okay, I took possesion of the Diamondback today. After taking a look at it I would say it's a very easy 97-98%. The rubber grips were removed and it looked like it had been quite awhile since anyone had taken them off but everything looked good. The screws weren't buggered up and I was truly impessed with the fit and finish. What really did impress me was the trigger pull, I've got a Ruger sp101 and compared to that the Diamondback was like butter. If this is typical of Colts I can see why they're desired so much! I'll post pictures when the Diamondback gets out of 10 day jail here in CA. The serial number is R544xx, is that a 1978 manufacture? Thanks for all the input.