Ok in order:
1. I didn't mean to imply that the Diamondback was made RIGHT after the war. Colt firearms are usually defined by the Pre/Post war period, and I was discussing the ERA, not actual dates.
2.You're right, the PPS didn't disappear, I blew that one. Plead late night posts.
However, the PPS WAS made during this time, but production fluctuated enough that that some years the only PPS's that were actually produced were for mostly foreign police sales, and some years there was little ACTUAL production at all.
Records may show production, but some times none were actually available for US sales.
There is a considerable amount of confusion with the Colt line-up in the later post-war years. The PPS was sometimes produced, but not listed in Colt's catalog, sometimes it was in the catalog, but not actually available.
During this time, most police and civilian shooter's wanted either 2" barreled revolvers or larger framed guns. The market for the 4" "D" frame fluctuated enough, that some times Colt just didn't turn many out.
3. "The Detective Special was never made with a 4" barrel".
I beg to differ. The late Colt collector John Wright had in his collection a post-72 FACTORY 4" DS with a full shrouded barrel. This is a VERY rare item, almost unknown.
I may have implied that this was a common item, and I apologize for that presumption.
4. I wasn't discussing the TOTAL design changes to the Colt "D" frame guns, and I didn't bother to mention the changes to the length of the butt. Or the changes to the ejector rod system , hammer, safety, trigger, frame, grips, cylinder retention system, cylinder, and other, more obscure changes.
6. I didn't mean to imply that the Viper was a steel gun, I simply meant that the poster might want to take a look at it, because he might like the appearance better.
My credentials: I'm a retired Master watchmaker/pro gunsmith specializing in Colt revolvers. Many of my family in Connecticut were long time Colt employee's who, in the 60's to the late 80's kept me up to date with Colt info.
I do make mistakes, but not by intention.