Replacement for 2" Diamondback

Z

zenner22

New member
I picked up a 2 1/2" Colt Diamondback a few years ago. 95% blue, great shape. I had Lobo Gunleather make a holster for it with the intent on carrying it, which I did for just a short time. I loved the fact it was a 6 shot .38 with real sights on it and a great trigger. The gun was so light it would disappear on your belt, you'd forget you were wearing it.

Then I got to thinking about the value of these and the fact that not many people can work on Colt triggers anymore. It's a bit tough to find accessories, etc. I decided to sell. I want something to use I guess, not something that will just sit around because I'm afraid to scratch it and ruin the value.

Now I'm looking for a replacement. But I am not sure there is one. I'm looking for a .38 6 shot small frame like the Diamondback with real rear sights and a good trigger. My K Frame S&W 19 2 1/2" is positively heavy compared to the Diamondback.

Any suggestions?
 
The 'K' frame is too heavy?

Try the 'J' frame Smith. Either that or find another diamondback, if weight is your primary criterion, that is.
 
The K Frame isn't too heavy. But the fact is I've got plenty of heavy carry guns. Not looking for another one.

Part of the reason I liked the Diamondback is that it is light enough you can forget you've got it on.

I confess to being the only one not impressed with the 442/642 J frames. Heavy triggers, no sights, 5 shots. They have their purpose for sure, but I'm looking for a step up from the standard Smith J Frame. Better trigger, real sights and if possible 6 shot capacity in a 38.
 
Nope, 15s are regular old steel. I wonder if you worried too much about your D-back. If you didn't shoot real tons of ammo out of it, it should never need service. My 1957 Cobra -used sparingly- has never been apart.
 
You might also consider another Colt D-frame like the Detective Special, Cobra, or Agent. They are still Colts but are not as outrageously priced as the Diamondbacks. If I belt carry a revolver these days, it's usually my Colt Agent in a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar holster. Mine is the parkerized version and is not pretty like a Diamondback, but the action is very slick and is better than my Diamondback. Of course, that's usually specific to the gun.

Colt_Agent_02.jpg
 
Now that Colt is just about what I'm looking for. Is there a modern version of this with sights on it made by S&W or Ruger? If there isn't, there should be. This is an untapped market.
 
I think the general consences is a 2" barreled hand gun does'nt really need ajustable sights for the close in work their disigned for.
But I like them on my Model 66 snubbie.
 
You are right, Grant, but that is why I liked that Diamondback so much. It was a quality snub that was not limited to close distances. You could do head shots all day long at 25 yards. It's a nice light gun just about the size of a J frame with none of the J frame limitations.
 
My answer to your dilema is to buy a Colt Detective Special and shoot the heck out of it. Don't worry about collector value. Are a few hundred dollars going to mean that much to you. I found a Detective Special that had some bluing wear on one side from improper storage. It will never be a collector gun, but it is a great shooter!!
 
Well, short of custom work, I guess the detective special is your carry gun. On the other hand, is 6 shots a big deal to you? There are some nice smiths with real sights. Another option for the 12 is sticking with 158 gr. loads. Those will hit POA.
 
P1020319.jpg


I just took this diamondback out for a try I just bought.
I shoot it dead on double action. Single action I shoot it a couple of inches to the right. Ammo was WWB 130 fmj. I like it. The gentleman who I bought it from put some nice no bark stag grips on it.
 
zenner22 said:
Now I'm looking for a replacement. But I am not sure there is one. I'm looking for a .38 6 shot small frame like the Diamondback with real rear sights and a good trigger. My K Frame S&W 19 2 1/2" is positively heavy compared to the Diamondback.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
At risk of becoming a cheerleader for Armscor ...

attachment.php


Review here: http://ezine.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=140

I have one I bought several years ago (the 4" version). Aside from not having the gorgeous, highly polished Colt blue finish, it's an excellent firearm. I generally choose to carry 1911s, but the Armscor is something my wife can deal with (she is not "into" guns) and I trust that it will work if she ever needs it.
 
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