[Lumberjack]

There is a Diamondback on Gunbroker auction number 368406747. It is serial number R29003 and it is a .22 2 1/2" barrel. The odd thing is this serial numbers to around 1978 and it has a 1986 or later maroon box. When you look at the label however this thing really looks correct unlike some of the stuff that has been showing up that is not correct. Also as far as I know 2 1/2" .22s were only made from 1969 through 1970. I am seriously wondering if this is a last year production parts cleanup gun. But if it is would the serial number the stamped on the frame and used during that year or would it have a P prefix like a 1986 should. Also check out the royal blue finish. It is really deep unlike what I am accustomed to seeing on Diamondbacks. This is either one very rare guy or the best fake box I have ever seen. As good as it is I am leaning towards it being original. I did leave a question with the seller asking him about a letter and he said he was quite confident everything was correct with it. Check it out and see what you think.

 

[BigG]

Wants plenty bucks. He should give you a letter or wait till you get one if you want to buy.

 

[eagleeye]

Colt Diamondback RARE Snub .22 Superb NIB 22 : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

he is from Tenn.:bang_wall:

nice , very nice. i does need a letter

 

[ace]

those target grips look out of place, I believe it should have the smaller service grips no matter when it was made.

 

[Kanatak]

Lumberjack, you are correct that an R29003 is from 1978 and I see a number of problems with the gun, if it was issued by Colt in 1978. Incidentally, I see problems with a number of his Gun Broker listings.

- Correct package would be wood grain box with gold foil label
- Manual would be small scale version
- The Colt Companion is a reproduction based on its near white color
- I assume the rest of the paperwork and hang tag are fake

I agree with you that the only other possible explanation is that Colt happened to issue this 1978 DB during the years it packaged its guns in the "Craftsmanship" maroon box with yellow label; I'd say sometime in the 1985 to 1987 range. If this is a reproduction/fake label, it is a very good one. So good that one must look at all the other inconsistencies in judging the package's authenticity.

Has anyone seen a R prefix serial number Diamondback packaged in anything but a wood grain box with gold foil label? I don't think I have.

Again I agree that only a Colt letter showing a ship date in the mid 1980s would satisfy me that it is not a bogus package.

 

[22-rimfire]

There is no way I would pay that without a Colt letter. I have never seen a 2.5" Diamondback with factory target stocks. The box looks very good... don't know. I may have to give the seller a call. I'd love to look at it.