Diamondback Sidekick Revolver — .22 LR/.22 Mag, 5.5 in, 9‑Round
About this product
The Diamondback Sidekick is a 9-round convertible .22 LR/.22 Magnum revolver designed for economical utility shooting. It's built with a 5.50-inch steel barrel, zinc-alloy frame with Cerakote finish, and a practical single- and double-action trigger system. This platform directly serves shooters who want caliber flexibility without the mechanical complexity of semiautomatic rimfire handguns.
What is the Diamondback Sidekick revolver used for?
The Sidekick is for range practice, small-game hunting, and general-purpose utility where caliber interchangeability matters more than target-grade accuracy. The twin-cylinder design allows immediate switching between .22 LR for economical plinking and .22 Magnum for increased terminal effect. This makes it particularly useful for training new shooters with inexpensive ammunition before transitioning to the more expensive magnum rounds.
How does the Diamondback Sidekick compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Sidekick handles both .22 LR and .22 Magnum cartridges while the Ruger Wrangler is .22 LR only. The Wrangler's 6-round capacity and simpler mechanics make it 3 ounces lighter at approximately 29.5 ounces versus the Sidekick's 32.5 ounces. For pure .22 LR plinking, the Ruger Wrangler is more economical, but the Sidekick's caliber versatility provides broader utility for the same approximate price point.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded weight is 32.50 ounces with the .22 LR cylinder installed. The barrel length measures 5.50 inches with a 1:16 right-hand twist, and the overall length reaches 10.88 inches. The steel barrel and zinc-alloy frame combine for a balanced feel, though the weight distribution favors the front end during extended shooting sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't for competitive precision shooters or those seeking concealed carry options. The fixed blade-and-notch sights, while durable, lack adjustment for windage or elevation beyond Kentucky methods. The 32.5-ounce weight and 10.88-inch length also make it impractical for everyday carry compared to compact semiautomatics in the same caliber family.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver with .22 LR cylinder installed, a separate .22 Magnum cylinder, and minimal documentation. Most buyers should expect to purchase a cleaning kit separately, as the included maintenance tools cover only basic cylinder removal. The lack of factory-provided snap caps or bore snakes is typical for this price bracket, but worth noting.
Is the Diamondback Sidekick worth it at $292.99?
At this price point, the Sidekick delivers tangible value through its dual-cylinder capacity and versatile trigger system. The included Cerakote finish adds corrosion resistance that surpasses blued finishes on comparable revolvers like the Heritage Rough Rider. For shooters considering both .22 LR and .22 Magnum applications without doubling their investment, this platform provides a logical entry point, especially when paired with budget-over-bore optics like those suitable for our Stevens 334 rifle or Stevens 334 in .243 Win.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-cylinder design switches between .22 LR and .22 Magnum in 15 seconds
- 9-round capacity exceeds typical 6-round revolver standards by 50%
- 32.5-ounce weight provides stable platform for new shooters
- Cerakote finish resists corrosion better than traditional bluing
Trade-offs
- Non-adjustable sights limit precision beyond 25 yards
- Zinc-alloy frame lacks the durability of steel-framed revolvers under sustained firing
- Proprietary grip design restricts aftermarket customization options
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 810035756052 |
| manufacturer | Diamondback Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | DB053CA001 |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Cerakote |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 9 |
| color | Black |
| length | 4.88'' |
| magazine included | 2 x 9-Round |
| model | Sidekick |
| package height | 1.6 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Double / Single Action |
| safety | No |
| shipping weight | 3.1 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Diamondback Sidekick compatible with suppressor mounting?
- No, the Sidekick lacks threaded barrel options for direct suppressor attachment. The 5.50-inch barrel features a fixed, non-threaded muzzle crown. For suppressed .22 plinking, consider semiautomatic pistols with factory-threaded barrels or aftermarket barrel modifications costing $120-180 plus tax stamp.
- Does the Diamondback Sidekick accept aftermarket grips?
- The grip pattern is proprietary to Diamondback's frame dimensions, limiting aftermarket options. Current third-party offerings are scarce compared to established platforms like the Ruger Wrangler. Factory replacement grips typically ship within 3-5 business days through Diamondback's direct parts program.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers averages 4-7 business days after payment processing. All shipments require valid dealer credentials on file before dispatch. Express options are available at additional cost, reducing transit to 2-3 business days.
- Can I return the Diamondback Sidekick if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted only for manufacturer defects verified by Ironclad Armory's inspection team. Cosmetic issues or preference-based returns incur a 15% restocking fee and require original packaging. The inspection process typically takes 7-10 business days upon receipt at our facility.
- Does this work with .22 Short or .22 CB cartridges?
- Yes, the Sidekick's .22 LR cylinder accepts .22 Short, Long, and CB cartridges within SAAMI pressure specifications. However, shorter cartridges may cause inconsistent ignition due to bullet jump before engaging the rifling. Expect velocity variations of 50-75 FPS compared to chambered .22 LR rounds.