Colt Diamondback

[GaryAdrian]

I just came into ownership of a 1977 Colt Diamondback 22LR from my sister N law who wanted it out of the house. (It was her ex's leftover) .
I sent it into Colt to have it repaired and put back into factory condition and make it safe to shoot.
Question:
When I get it back, I still have to decide if I am going to re-blue the gun or leave it as is. Will it effect the value? If I do get it re-finished, who should I get to do it? Send it back to Colt?
Is it worth the trouble? Should I just keep it as a plinker?

Thank you in advance for the thoughts.



For more info: Colt Diamondback 22 LR 4" blue. Rubber grips. Vintage 1977.

[Keith B]

Unless the bluing is in very bad shape, I would leave it original.

Some of the .22's, especially in nickel snub-nosed are pretty valuable. Just check out Gunbroker to see some of the prices they want for them.

I own a .38 snub-nosed Diamondback in nickel (safe queen) and I have seen them sell for as much as $2500 plus. However, there was one that was refinished from Colt with the paperwork and it sold for about half what an original was going for.

[Salty1]

If you have it re-blued you will reduce it's value to a collector. Personally I would leave it alone and keep it lightly oiled to avoid any possible rust developing. Guns with wear add character.........