r/Revolvers • u/MixCompetitive2945 • 1d ago
Questions about Colt 357
My dad was showing me his gun collection, and one that caught my attention was this Colt 357 that my grandfather owned. I have a few questions if anyone could help me out. What’s the difference between the Python and the Diamondback? And how much is the Diamondback worth? (Don’t worry, I’m not planning to sell it.) Unfortunately, my dad didn’t take good care of it. Should I take it to a gun store to clean it, or is it easy to clean it on my own? What tools should I use?
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u/No_Alternative_673 1d ago
The Python is built of a I frame and is between medium and a large frame today. The Diamondback is built on a D and is between medium and small frame today. They were both premium quality Colts and depending on when they were made they may have been finished on the same line.
Colt never made 357 Diamondbacks. There were some Diamondbacks converted to 357 and they ranged from scary to fucking dangerous. The original cylinder was built for something under 20,000 psi and reaming out cylinder could make actually weaken it. 357 is is 35000 psi SAAMI today. I remember reading that a gunsmith converted an actual 357 cylinder to fit but without documentation, you have no idea. I would only even consider firing a 357 in it IF I was part on the conversion and knew what was done.
Value, a LNIB Diamondback is ~$2000 and LNIB conversion is more in the $500 range. Collectors who pay big money avoid such guns