Diamondback Sidekick 9-Round Revolver 5.5″ Silver/Black
About this product
The Diamondback Sidekick 9-Round Revolver 5.5″ Silver/Black is a purpose-built double/single-action rimfire revolver with a unique nine-shot capacity and rapid reload capability. This design incorporates two interchangeable cylinders, a 5.5-inch barrel, and a Cerakote finish to balance range utility with practical field configuration. It operates outside the typical compact conceal-carry paradigm, instead prioritizing mechanical redundancy and cartridge versatility for a shooter who values adaptability over absolute minimalism.
What is the Diamondback Sidekick used for?
This revolver is primarily used for small-game hunting, informal range training, and as a reliable rimfire trail gun where its 32.64-ounce weight and 5.5-inch barrel provide manageable recoil and improved practical accuracy. The double/single-action trigger system allows for precise slow-fire shots and faster follow-ups, while the extended cylinder capacity means more time shooting between reloads during pest control or extended plinking sessions. Its alloy frame and laminate grips are configured for all-day carry in a field holster, making it a working tool, not a deep-concealment self-defense option.
How does the Diamondback Sidekick compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Diamondback Sidekick is directly better for sustained fire and rapid reloads, while the Ruger Wrangler excels in simple, no-frills reliability. The Sidekick's 9-round cylinder offers a 50% capacity advantage over the Wrangler's standard six-round cylinder, and its two included cylinders allow for a complete swap from .22 Long Rifle to .22 Magnum in under 8 seconds. The Wrangler operates solely as a single-action revolver, which is mechanically simpler but slower for tactical reloads and follow-up shots. For a shooter who prioritizes volume, flexibility, and modern features like the swing-out cylinder, the Sidekick is the superior platform, though the Wrangler maintains a price and weight advantage for pure minimalist use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the Sidekick weighs 32.64 ounces (925 grams) and measures 9.875 inches in overall length. The 5.5-inch barrel contributes to a stable sight radius and improved velocity compared to snubnose configurations. The cylinder diameter is 1.42 inches, creating a compact but substantial profile that fills the hand for a secure grip. This specific combination of weight and length positions it as a near-ideal field revolver, heavier than a .22 LR semi-auto like the Ruger Mark IV but lighter than a full-size .357 Magnum like those in our Stevens 334 Rifle family, which share the laminate stock aesthetic but are built for entirely different calibers.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a shooter seeking a primary concealed-carry defensive firearm for urban environments. Its 9.875-inch length makes IWB carry impractical, while the rimfire chambering does not meet the recommended threshold for defensive stopping power. It is also not ideal for a precision, competitive bullseye shooter who would be better served by a target-sighted semi-automatic pistol. Finally, it is not for the collector seeking a historically faithful single-action cowboy action replica; its double-action capability and modern composite grips place it firmly in the modern utility category.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one cylinder pre-installed for .22 Long Rifle, and one separate cylinder for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire. Each cylinder holds 9 rounds. The package also contains a standard cable lock, owner's manual, and warranty documentation. No holster, additional grips, or speed loaders are included, which is standard for revolvers in this price bracket but requires planning for an additional $30-$60 in essential accessories for field use.
Is the Diamondback Sidekick worth it at $377.99?
Yes, at $377.99, it offers a cost-per-function ratio that justifies the premium over a basic single-action-only revolver. The two-cylinder system alone represents a $50-$70 value if purchased separately for competing models. When you calculate the cost of nine rounds of .22 LR versus nine rounds of centerfire for training, the savings on ammunition over the first 500 rounds largely offsets the initial purchase price compared to a .38 Special revolver. For a dedicated rimfire enthusiast, hunter, or trainer who values the mechanical flexibility and extended capacity, this is a sound investment. For a general shotgun or rifle user checking out a different platform, like our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, your budget may be better spent on ammunition for your primary system.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-cylinder system—allows caliber swap from .22 LR to .22 Magnum in under 8 seconds
- 9-round capacity—provides a 50% advantage over standard six-shot rimfire revolvers
- Weighs 32.64 oz—maintains a manageable field weight under 2.1 lbs with laminate grips
- 5.5-inch barrel—delivers a 9.875-inch overall sight radius for improved practical accuracy
Trade-offs
- Alloy frame—limits durability under extreme sustained fire compared to a steel-frame revolver; expect more wear on crane and lockup points after 5,000+ rounds
- Fixed sights—offer no windage or elevation adjustment, requiring Kentucky windage or replacement for precision work beyond 25 yards
- Cerakote finish on alloy—can show holster wear and handling marks more readily than anodized aluminum or matte stainless steel
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 810035755819 |
| manufacturer | Diamondback Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | DB0580A501 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 9 |
| color | Black, Silver |
| length | 5.5 |
| model | Sidekick |
| package height | 1.7 |
| package width | 6.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.15 |
| sights | Blade Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it fit a standard .22 Long Rifle speed loader?
- No, standard six-round .22 speed loaders will not engage the nine-round cylinder. The Sidekick requires specifically designed 9-round speed loaders available from vendors like HKS, which typically retail for $18-$25. The indexed cylinder release and swing-out design is compatible with most universal loading blocks, however.
- Is it compatible with a Weaver rail for optics?
- No, the revolver's top strap is not drilled and tapped for a scope rail. The factory uses a fixed, integral rear sight notch milled into the frame. Adding a mount for red-dot optics would require professional gunsmithing, adding approximately $120-$180 in cost and potentially voiding the factory finish warranty on the Cerakote.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Standard processing and shipping times to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer are 2-4 business days after order verification. Shipments are typically sent via FedEx 2Day service, with an additional 24-48 hours required for the FFL to log the firearm into their bound book before you can complete the 4473 background check.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for mechanical defects or unfired inventory within 15 days of FFL transfer completion. The firearm must be returned in its original packaging with all included components, including both cylinders. A restocking fee is waived for manufacturer defects but applies at 15% for non-defective returns, approximately $56.70 on this model.
- Does this work with a Blackhawk! holster?
- It will depend on the specific model. The Sidekick's 5.5-inch barrel and full-length cylinder require a medium-frame revolver holster designed for a 4-6 inch barrel. Models like the Blackhawk! Size 4 Serpa for a Ruger GP100 may fit, but we recommend a molded holster specific to Diamondback's frame dimensions from a maker like DeSantis for optimal retention, priced around $45.