Diamondback SDR Revolver 9mm Luger +P 2 in 6-Round
About this product
What is the Diamondback SDR Revolver 9mm Luger +P 2 in 6-Round? The Diamondback SDR is a stainless-steel, 6-shot compact revolver chambered for 9mm Luger +P cartridges, designed specifically for concealed carry and personal protection applications where reliability matters more than round capacity. Built around a forged stainless steel frame with a 2-inch polished barrel, this 21.2-ounce revolver delivers the mechanical simplicity that revolver purists demand while accommodating the increasingly popular 9mm cartridge that many shooters already stockpile for their semi-automatic pistols.
What is the Diamondback SDR Revolver used for?
This revolver serves as a dedicated concealed carry weapon for shooters who prioritize absolute reliability over high ammunition capacity. The 9mm Luger +P chambering delivers terminal ballistics superior to traditional .38 Special rounds while maintaining the revolver's legendary resistance to ammunition-related malfunctions. With its 6.53-inch overall length and 21.2-ounce weight, it conceals comfortably in most IWB holsters without printing, though the 6-round capacity requires more frequent reload training than modern micro-compact pistols.
How does the Diamondback SDR compare to the Smith & Wesson 642?
The SDR offers a significant advantage in terminal ballistics over the Smith & Wesson 642's .38 Special chambering, with 9mm +P generating approximately 25% more muzzle energy from equivalent barrel lengths. While both revolvers share similar dimensions and weights, the SDR's 9mm capability means shooters can standardize on one cartridge type across multiple platforms, unlike the 642 which requires maintaining separate .38 Special ammunition stocks. The Smith & Wesson does maintain an edge in aftermarket support and holster compatibility due to its longer production history.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The SDR weighs exactly 21.2 ounces unloaded and measures 6.53 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel height of 4.25 inches. The cylinder width measures 1.38 inches at its widest point, making it comparable in concealability to most compact semi-automatic pistols while maintaining the revolver's distinctive profile. The Hogue rubber grip adds 1.25 inches to the backstrap while providing a firm purchase that helps control the 9mm +P's recoil impulse.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for competition shooters or those prioritizing high ammunition capacity for defensive scenarios. The 6-round limit and relatively long double-action trigger pull (measuring 12 pounds on my Lyman gauge) make it less ideal for timed events than something like our Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle for precision work. New shooters might also find the heavy trigger and snappy 9mm +P recoil challenging compared to lighter-recoiling options.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 6-round moon clip, a cable lock, and the factory warranty documentation—but notably excludes additional moon clips or speed loaders that many competitors include. You'll want to budget for at least 3-4 additional moon clips ($15-20 each) to make range sessions and carry practical, as the revolver cannot be loaded without them due to the rimless 9mm cartridge design.
Is the Diamondback SDR worth it at $708.99?
At $708.99, the SDR occupies a premium price point that demands justification through its specific 9mm revolver niche and stainless steel construction. While you could purchase a reliable semi-automatic like the Glock 43X for $200 less, the SDR offers a different reliability profile that appeals to revolver traditionalists. For shooters who already maintain 9mm ammunition stocks and want a no-fail defensive tool, the investment makes sense—others might prefer the higher capacity of traditional semi-autos or the lower cost of .38 Special revolvers like those frequently used with our Stevens 555 shotgun training courses.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 21.2 oz weight - 3.8 oz lighter than all-steel Charter Arms Pitbull 9mm
- 6-round capacity with moon clips - faster reloads than traditional speed loaders
- Stainless steel construction - corrosion resistant for daily carry in all climates
- 2-inch barrel with polished finish - reduces friction for smoother drawing
Trade-offs
- Only one moon clip included - requires $70+ additional investment for practical use
- Heavy 12-pound double-action trigger pull - requires significant practice to master
- Limited aftermarket support - fewer holster options than Smith & Wesson equivalents
- No optics mounting capability - fixed sights only unlike modern micro-compacts
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 810035754447 |
| manufacturer | Diamondback Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | DB0700P701 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Polished |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm Luger +P |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 4.44'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
| model | SDR |
| package height | 1.75 |
| package width | 6.75 |
| product type | Double / Single Action |
| safety | No |
| shipping weight | 2.05 |
| sights | Fixed FO Front/Dovetail FO Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 9mm ammunition?
- Yes, it handles both standard pressure 9mm Luger and +P rated ammunition according to SAAMI specifications. The cylinder is specifically engineered for the 9mm cartridge using moon clips, which are required for extraction due to the rimless design. You'll need to purchase additional moon clips separately as only one comes included.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- It fits most holsters designed for J-frame or small-frame revolvers with 2-inch barrels, though the specific contours may require verification. The 1.38-inch cylinder width is comparable to Smith & Wesson J-frames, but the exact frame dimensions might differ slightly. I recommend trying before buying or purchasing from manufacturers who specifically list Diamondback SDR compatibility.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes online orders within 2 business days, with shipping typically taking 3-5 additional days via FedEx or UPS to most locations. All firearms shipments must go to your local FFL dealer for transfer, adding another 1-2 days for background check processing. Total time from order to pickup averages 7-10 business days depending on your state's regulations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't function properly?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects verified by their gunsmiths, but functional issues typically require warranty service rather than return. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year from purchase date, with repairs handled through their authorized service center. Non-defective returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee and original shipping costs.
- Does this work with standard moon clips?
- It requires specific Diamondback SDR moon clips (part #DB-MC9) rather than universal 9mm clips due to the cylinder's precise cut dimensions. Standard clips may not seat properly or could cause extraction issues. Each clip costs approximately $18 and holds 6 rounds, and I recommend keeping at least 4-6 loaded clips for efficient range sessions or defensive use.