Colt Diamondback 2.5" Grips

[FJC]

As stated in a recent thread, I just purchased a pristine Colt Diamondback 2.5" .38 revolver. It's absolutely gorgeous, but it's missing the original wooden grips (it has some sort of large hard rubber grips).

It was made sometime before May of 1970 (as the original owner's receipt is in the box, and that's when he bought it). Serial number is D333xx.

Does anyone have a picture of what the grips should look like for this revolver, so I can start the search for some original grips? From what little I've researched so far, it sounds like around 1971 Colt changed the grip frame on the Detective Specials and Diamondbacks, is that correct? I've also heard that the 2.5" Diamondbacks came with much slimmer grips than the longer-barrelled versions.

Thanks for any insight/pictures/info that help me put this back into original condition. And if I ever get some time, I'll post some pictures.

 

[BBBS]

E-mail sent with pics.

 

[combatpreacher]

Try CDNN (target sports)...thay have a lot of grips for a reasonable price.

 

[dfariswheel]

Here's the difference between earlier Colt "D" framed revolvers and later models.

Earlier models had the original full profile grip frame, later models had the "stubby" frame.
ALL Diamondbacks had the short frame.



Here's the factory original grips for the 2 1/2" Diamondback.
Note that these are checkered walnut with GOLD Colt medallions.
These are basically the same grip as used on the Colt Police Positive revolver.

Note that these grips overlap on the bottom to convert the short frame to a longer grip.



Here's the Colt factory Target grips as used on the longer barrel Diamondbacks:

 

[FJC]

Thank you very much, great info and pictures.

 

[Old Fuff]

Colt used the same square-butt service stocks that came on Police Positive Special revolvers at that time.

Check and see if Colt still doesn't have some.