WHEN WAS MY COLT MADE?
Feb 27, 2011. Dec 30, 2019.
WHAT COLT MODEL DO I HAVE?
A common first question for a Colt owner is 'When wasmy Colt made'.The second questionis often 'What Colt do I have'?
And therein lies a real can of worms.
Before you can determine when a Colt was made, you firsthave to determine WHAT Colt model you have.
This can be a most difficult question to answer.
First, identifying a Colt revolver can be frustratingbecause beginning in 1840 Colt always started each new model at serial number'1', and progressed upward until the model was discontinued, OR untilthe mid-1960's when the serial number system changed to meet Federal law.
Since all Colt's started off at number '1' it'spossible to have a number of older Colt firearms all with the same serialnumber.
In 1968 the Gun Control of 1968 was passed.This law mandated that from then on all newfirearms had to have a serial number and that number had to be unique.
To comply with the law, Colt began adding letters to theserial numbers as prefixes and suffixes to make each firearm have a uniquenumber.
Colt Diamondback 22 Value
An added issue is Colt's often confusing serial numbersystem.Colt often mixed several modelsin the same serial number ranges or split models out by caliber.
During the mid-1950's the serial number data is so mixed asto be almost incomprehensible.
As example you may have a model of revolver made in .22 andin .38 Special, with the .22 revolver serial numbers mixed with a differentmodel Colt, and the .38 caliber version of that model in yet a different modelrange.
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Even after Colt began using unique serial numbers in the1960's, Colt often combined a number of models into one serial number range.
As example in the late 1960's Colt started combining allsmall 'D' frame models like the Detective Special, Cobra, Agent,Diamondback, Viper, Police Positive Special, etc in the same serial numberranges.
Because of Colt's serial number systems it may not bepossible to identify what model a Colt is based on just the number.
Since many of these guns used the exact same barrel exceptfor the model name stamped on it, we have situations where an owner isconvinced he has a rare, unknown model of aluminum frame DetectiveSpecial.
In fact, he doesn't. What he has is an aluminum frame Cobrasomeone installed a Detective Special barrel on.
When he attempts to determine when his Colt was made, itcomes back as a totally different model than what is stamped on the barrel.
Since these guns shared the same serial number ranges, itcan be quite confusing as to just what you have.
The problem with identifying a Colt is that Colt onlystamped the model name on the barrel.Most Colt revolvers had the same thread size and it was often possibleto install a barrel from a totally different model on a frame.
Since the frame had no identifying name and often sharedserial numbers with a totally different model, identifying what Colt model youhave can be almost impossible in some cases.
Years ago gun parts were terribly expensive and often almostimpossible to obtain.A gun owner or evengunsmith couldn't just log on or call up a big parts house and order the partshe needed.
Since parts were so difficult to get, it was common forbarrels from other models to be used as replacements.Most people were happy to get their gun repaired and since thebarrel was entirely usable, most people didn't care that the gun was one modelbut the barrel was marked as something else.
When you have anomalous information and just aren’t surewhat you have, then is when you need the experts and that's the experts on theColt Forum.
In most cases they can help you identify exactly what modelof Colt you have.Then you can proceedto determine when it was made.
This leads us to HOW to determine when your Colt was made.
There are several ways.
The first source is the Colt Firearms Company.
Colt now has a serial number look-up data base on their website.You plug in the serial number andit will give you a list of guns it could be.Since the data base seems to be a work in progress, many newer modelsmay not be listed.
Here is where problems may first appear when the data basedoesn't list what you think your Colt is, or returns no information.
If that doesn't return valid data, you can call Colt duringnormal business hours and they will give you a production date over the phone.
Note that they won't give you any more information.For that you have to buy a Colt ArchiveLetter.
Also note that the people working the phones are rushed, maynot be totally familiar with Colt models and have been known to give outincorrect information.
Another source of information online is Proofhouse.com.
This site has a data base that ends in 1979, so any Coltmade after that won't be covered:
R.L. Wilson is the last outsider to have access to the ColtArchive, and he has Colt serial number listings in several books andbooklets.His book 'Colt: AnAmerican Legend' has all Colt serial numbers for all models from 1836 into1986 along with magnificent color photos of every Colt firearm model made since1836.
On his web site he sells 'The Blue Book Pocket GuideFor Colt Dates of Manufacture' that goes into 2008.
Last, you can ask for help on the Colt Forum where a gooddeal of data is available from the members.
SOLD FOR $2,670.65
LSB#: 180102JM02
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback Model D5160
Serial Number: R47568
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DIAMONDBACK / .22 LONG RIFLE”, the right is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”, the left side plate has Colt’s rampant logo, the left front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle, and “H” on the rear portion. The crane and crane cut have the serial number, the cut is also marked “V”.
Barrel Length: 6” with Full Underlug & Ventilated Rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a finely serrated ramp blade that is pinned to the ventilated rib; the rib is matte finished for glare reduction. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a blade that is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut stocks with gold-colored Colt logo medallions. The stocks are free from any notable damages, there are two tiny marks on the butt of the right pannel. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory original
Colt Diamondback 22 Serial Numbers Number
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. A faint drag line, which has not gone through the finish is observed on close inspection. The surfaces are free of notable marks, this pistol looks to have spent most, if not all of its life in a box, please see our pictures of this beautiful item! The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Colt Diamondback 22 Serial Numbers For Sale
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Colt Diamondback 22 Serial Numbers 1
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the pistol’s serialized factory box, the end label has a tear, found again on the upper left corner, there is some roughing from storage, the sleeve is in Very Good condition. Also included are the two foam insert halves, a grouping of vintage factory paperwork and a sheet of wax paper, all in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: The Diamondback is essentially a shorter framed Python both in the cylinder and grip frame, sharing similar aesthetic dynamics and is no less striking than its predecessor. This revolver retains about 99% of its finish in stunning condition, sporting a bright, sharp bore and damage free stocks. The ‘positive lock’ action provides SOLID cylinder lockup, with smooth double and single action trigger pulls. Those familiar with the Python line understand the accuracy these revolvers are capable of, this one should prove to be no different but in its high condition it will probably be a collector’s piece at the end of the auction. Please see our pictures and good luck!
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