Diamondback Sidekick Revolver 4.5″ 9-Round Midnight Bronze
About this product
What is the Diamondback Sidekick Revolver 4.5″ 9-Round Midnight Bronze? It's a zinc-alloy frame revolver with a 4.5-inch barrel, nine-round cylinder capacity, and Midnight Bronze Cerakote finish designed for practical shooting applications. The Sidekick ships with two interchangeable cylinders and fixed blade-front sights for straightforward operation. This configuration prioritizes reliability and ease of maintenance over premium materials or complex sighting systems.
What is the Diamondback Sidekick Revolver used for?
The Sidekick handles range training, small-game dispatch, and recreational plinking effectively within 25-yard engagement distances. Its 32.5-ounce weight provides stable handling without excessive bulk, while the 9-round capacity offers more shots between reloads than traditional 6-shot revolvers. The zinc-alloy frame withstands occasional moisture exposure better than untreated carbon steel, making it suitable for field carry in dry conditions.
How does the Diamondback Sidekick compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Sidekick offers rapid follow-up shots and simpler manual of arms versus the bolt-action Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Winchester. While the Stevens delivers superior accuracy beyond 100 yards with its 20-inch barrel, the Sidekick's revolver mechanics allow faster engagement of multiple close-range targets. The Stevens platform excels at precision hunting; the Sidekick favors defensive and utility applications where speed matters more than long-range precision.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Sidekick weighs 32.5 ounces unloaded with an overall length of 9.88 inches from muzzle to grip base. Barrel length measures exactly 4.50 inches with a cylinder width of 1.5 inches across the chambers. These dimensions place it between compact concealment revolvers and full-size service models, optimizing balance for holster carry and range use without excessive bulk.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious competitors requiring sub-2-inch groups at 50 yards should avoid this platform due to its fixed sights and zinc-alloy frame flex under rapid fire. The Sidekick's 32.5-ounce weight also makes it heavier than polymer-frame alternatives like the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard (14 ounces). Hunters pursuing game beyond 50 yards would better serve themselves with a Stevens 334 in .243 Win for its superior ballistics and scope compatibility.
What's in the box?
Each Sidekick ships with two 9-round cylinders, one fitted for .22 LR and another for .22 WMR cartridges, plus a basic cable lock and owner's manual. The package includes no tools for sight adjustment or grip replacement, requiring aftermarket purchases for customization. Total unboxing time averages 45 seconds from sealed case to range-ready configuration with loaded cylinders.
Is the Diamondback Sidekick worth it at $292.99?
At $292.99, the Sidekick delivers exceptional value for shooters needing convertible cylinder functionality without $500+ price tags of comparable Taurus or Charter Arms models. The Midnight Bronze Cerakote adds $40-60 worth of corrosion resistance versus standard blued finishes. Budget-conscious buyers getting 9 rounds per cylinder instead of typical 6-round capacity gain 50% more shots between reloads for the same investment.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 32.5 oz — balances better than alloy-frame revolvers under 28 oz
- Holds 9 rounds — 50% more capacity than standard 6-shot .22 revolvers
- Includes dual cylinders — switches between .22 LR and .22 WMR in 15 seconds
- 4.5-inch barrel — adds 75 fps velocity over 3-inch snubnose variants
Trade-offs
- Zinc-alloy frame — shows measurable flex after 500+ rounds versus steel frames
- Fixed sights — require professional milling for optic mounting ($150-300)
- Polymer grips — lack checkering and swell of $40 Hogue aftermarket options
- No threading — cannot accept suppressors without $200+ barrel modification
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 810035755369 |
| manufacturer | Diamondback Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | DB0500A071 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Midnight Bronze |
| barrel length | 4.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 9 |
| color | BRONZE |
| length | 5.5 |
| magazine included | 2 x 9-Round |
| model | Sidekick |
| package height | 1.55 |
| package width | 6.7 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 3.0 |
| sights | Blade Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 WMR ammunition?
- Yes, the included second cylinder accepts .22 WMR cartridges directly. Swapping cylinders takes approximately 15 seconds using the push-button release. Standard .22 LR rounds must use the primary cylinder only to prevent dangerous pressure issues.
- Does it fit standard holsters for 4-inch revolvers?
- The Sidekick fits most universal holsters designed for K-frame revolvers with 4-4.5 inch barrels. Exact compatibility requires checking against Safariland Model 568 or Bianchi 5BL specifications. The 1.5-inch cylinder width may require adjustment on tight-leather designs.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana average 5 business days from verification clearance. Ironclad Armory uses UPS 2nd Day Air for all firearm transfers at no extra charge. Delays exceeding 7 days typically indicate background check holds requiring customer contact.
- Can I return it if the finish wears prematurely?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects including Cerakote adhesion failure. Normal holster wear or cylinder drag marks aren't covered. Documentation requires photos sent to [email protected] within 14 days of discovery.