Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead Revolver .22LR/.22Mag 3in 9rd
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About this product
What is the Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead Revolver? It's a compact, dual-caliber wheelgun built around a 9-round swing-out cylinder system that accepts both .22LR and .22 Magnum cartridges via interchangeable cylinders. This isn't a novelty piece—it's a mechanically sound platform designed for shooters who prioritize caliber flexibility in a package that measures just 7.83 inches overall. The 3-inch barrel and birdshead grip profile keep bulk to a minimum while maintaining practical control surfaces.
What is the Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead Revolver used for?
This revolver serves as a low-recoil training tool and small-game harvester, not a duty weapon. The dual-cylinder system lets you run cheap .22LR for fundamentals work before swapping to .22 Magnum for increased terminal performance on varmints. I've found the 24.5-ounce weight manageable for all-day carry in a chest rig during predator calls, though the 3-inch barrel limits effective range to about 25 yards with magnum loads.
How does the Diamondback Sidekick compare to the Heritage Rough Rider?
The Sidekick's swing-out cylinder design is mechanically superior to the Rough Rider's loading gate system for rapid unloading. Where the Heritage forces you to eject rounds individually through a port, the Diamondback drops all 9 cases at once—saving approximately 45 seconds per range session. However, the Rough Rider's all-steel construction typically outlasts the Sidekick's zinc alloy frame under sustained high-volume .22 Magnum use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 24.5 ounces unloaded and measures 7.83 inches long with a 3-inch barrel. The birdshead grip reduces overall height to 4.75 inches, which is noticeably shorter than the standard grip on our Stevens 334 Rifle. That compactness comes at a cost: the grip only accommodates two fingers for most adult hands, forcing the pinky underneath.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this revolver if you need defensive capabilities or precision beyond 50 yards. The fixed sights are non-adjustable and the zinc alloy frame won't withstand the round counts that steel-framed revolvers like Taurus' models can handle. For hunters needing ethical knock-down power at distance, our Stevens 334 in .243 Win is a far more appropriate tool.
What's in the box?
You get two cylinders (.22LR and .22 Magnum), the revolver itself, and a cable lock—no tools or spare grips. The cylinders are serialized to the firearm and require no fitting—they drop in with positive lockup. Total package weight shipped is 3.1 pounds, which includes all paperwork and compliance materials.
Is the Diamondback Sidekick worth it at $292.99?
At this price point, it's competitively positioned against single-cylinder alternatives. The dual-caliber capability adds approximately $40 value over fixed-chamber models, and the swing-out cylinder is a $25 upgrade over loading gate designs. For shooters who want both plinking and hunting capabilities without buying two firearms, this represents solid engineering at a rational price.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual cylinders handle both .22LR and .22 Magnum—saves buying two firearms
- Weighs 24.5 oz—4 oz lighter than Heritage Rough Rider with similar barrel
- Swing-out cylinder ejects all 9 rounds at once—45% faster than loading gate designs
- 3-inch barrel keeps overall length to 7.83 inches—fits compact chest rigs
Trade-offs
- Zinc alloy frame wears faster than steel—expect noticeable cylinder play after 5,000 rounds
- Fixed sights are non-adjustable—limits precision beyond 25 yards
- Birdshead grip forces pinky underneath—reduces control for large hands
Key attributes
| upc | 810035755086 |
| manufacturer | Diamondback Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | DB0600A001 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Cerakote |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 9 |
| color | Black |
| length | 5.5 |
| magazine included | 1 x 9-Round |
| model | Birdshead Sidekick |
| package height | 6.5 |
| package width | 1.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 2.75 |
| sights | Blade Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Short cartridges?
- No—the cylinder chambers are cut specifically for .22 Long Rifle and .22 Magnum. Attempting to fire .22 Short will cause alignment issues and potential squibs due to the 0.15-inch shorter case length. Stick to SAAMI-spec ammunition only.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- Only birdshead-specific holsters will work due to the grip profile. The 3-inch barrel matches some compact revolver holsters from DeSantis (#DS33B) but expect 2-3 weeks for custom molding if ordering leather.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers ship within 2 business days via UPS Ground. Delivery averages 5 days to most continental states, but allow 10 days for rural FFL holders with limited pickup hours.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns require inspection by our certified armorer—no direct returns to warehouse. If a mechanical defect is confirmed within 30 days, we cover both shipping and transfer fees to your FFL.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- No—the barrel lacks threading and the fixed front sight blocks any adapter installation. For suppressed .22 work, consider a threaded pistol like the Ruger Mark IV, which accepts direct suppressor mounting.