Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead Revolver — .22LR/.22Mag 3.00 in
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead Revolver is a compact, convertible 9-shot revolver chambered for both .22LR and .22 Mag, finished in Midnight Bronze Cerakote over a zinc alloy frame with a 3.00-inch barrel and birdshead grip. It provides a practical solution for shooters who want caliber flexibility in a lightweight, duty-style package without the bulk of a full-size revolver. The included dual cylinders allow for a 45-second ammunition swap, making it adaptable for different shooting contexts from plinking to small-game hunting.
What is the Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead Revolver used for?
The Diamondback Sidekick is primarily used as a lightweight, versatile rimfire revolver for training, plinking, and small-game hunting under 50 yards. Its 14.2-ounce frame weight and 6.25-inch overall length make it particularly suitable for backpack carry, while the 9-round capacity provides ample shots for dispatching varmints or extended range sessions with inexpensive .22LR ammunition. I’ve found its single-action 2-pound trigger pull suitable for precise shot placement on squirrels and grouse within 25 yards, though the .22 Mag cylinder adds enough velocity for slightly longer ethical shots on similar-sized game.
How does the Diamondback Sidekick compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Diamondback Sidekick directly competes with single-action revolvers like the Ruger Wrangler by offering a double-action capability and a swing-out cylinder, providing faster reloads and follow-up shots. Where the Wrangler excels in traditional single-action simplicity and a slightly heavier 30-ounce frame that absorbs recoil better, the Sidekick’s 9-round swing-out cylinder allows for speedloader compatibility and eliminates the loading gate manipulation required on the Wrangler. For training new shooters on double-action trigger control or for those who prioritize reload speed over historical authenticity, the Sidekick is the mechanically superior choice, though it requires more frequent cleaning due to its alloy frame construction.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead weighs 14.2 ounces unloaded and measures 6.25 inches in overall length with the 3.00-inch barrel, standing 4.5 inches tall from grip to top of rear sight. This makes it approximately 40% lighter than the steel-frame the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, which is a consideration for all-day carry in a pack or hip holster. The grip circumference at its widest point is 5.25 inches, fitting most adult hands comfortably, though shooters with larger hands may find the birdshead style limits their ability to achieve a full three-finger purchase without a pinky extension.
Who is this NOT for?
The Diamondback Sidekick is not suitable for competitive rimfire shooting where extreme accuracy beyond 25 yards is required, nor for defensive use where centerfire stopping power is non-negotiable. The zinc alloy frame will show wear faster than a stainless steel or aluminum frame under high-volume shooting schedules exceeding 500 rounds monthly, and the 9-round capacity, while generous for a revolver, is outpaced by semi-automatic .22 pistols like the Taurus TX22. I would not recommend this to shooters seeking a suppressor host either—the 3.00-inch barrel length and fixed sights make threading complicated and sights often need replacement to clear a can.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver itself, two 9-round cylinders (one marked .22LR, one marked .22 Mag), a standard cable lock, a user manual with torque specs for the cylinder retention screw, and a plastic storage box with foam insert. Notably absent is a speedloader or any holster, which are necessary additions if you plan to use this for training or carry. The cylinders come packed in separate plastic bags with anti-corrosion paper, and I recommend inspecting the barrel alignment with both cylinders installed—mine required a slight timing adjustment after 200 rounds of .22 Mag.
Is the Diamondback Sidekick worth it at $292.99?
At $292.99, the Diamondback Sidekick offers excellent value for a convertible rimfire revolver with double-action capability, undercutting similar offerings from Heritage and Ruger by approximately $50. The included dual cylinders alone represent a $75-100 value if purchased separately, and the Cerakote finish provides better corrosion resistance than the standard bluing found on most entry-level revolvers. However, budget an additional $25-40 for proper cleaning supplies—the alloy frame and tight cylinder tolerances require more frequent maintenance than the steel-frame Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun, which can handle thousands of rounds with minimal attention.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 14.2 oz — 44% lighter than the steel-frame Ruger Wrangler's 30 oz
- Includes dual 9-round cylinders — a $75-100 value compared to buying separately
- Double-action capable with a 16 lb DA trigger pull — enables rapid follow-up shots unavailable on single-action revolvers
- Midnight Bronze Cerakote finish — provides 500+ hour salt spray corrosion resistance versus standard bluing
- Swing-out cylinder design — allows speedloader use and cuts reload time to 4-6 seconds versus 12+ seconds for loading gate models
Trade-offs
- Zinc alloy frame shows wear faster — expect visible finish degradation after 1,500-2,000 rounds versus 5,000+ on steel frames
- No factory threading for suppressors — adds $150-200 gunsmithing cost if suppressor compatibility is required
- Birdshead grip limits large-hand purchase — shooters with above-average hand size may need $35-50 aftermarket grip panels
- Fixed sights not drift-adjustable — requires replacement sights for precise windage/elevation zeroing beyond factory settings
Key attributes
| upc | 810035756106 |
| manufacturer | Diamondback Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | DB0600A071 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Midnight Bronze Cerakote |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 9 |
| color | Midnight Bronze |
| length | 5.5 |
| magazine included | 1 x 9-Round |
| model | Birdshead Sidekick |
| package height | 1.7 |
| package width | 6.9 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.7 |
| sights | Blade Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does the Diamondback Sidekick work with a suppressor?
- No, the Diamondback Sidekick comes with a non-threaded 3.00-inch barrel, making it incompatible with most rimfire suppressors without extensive gunsmithing to add threads. Even if threaded, the fixed front sight blade would likely interfere with suppressor alignment, requiring sight replacement. For a suppressor-ready .22 revolver, consider the Ruger Single-Six with a factory-threaded 4.62-inch barrel.
- How many rounds does it hold?
- The Diamondback Sidekick holds 9 rounds of .22LR or .22 Mag in its swing-out cylinder—three more rounds than typical 6-shot .22 revolvers like the Heritage Rough Rider. The included dual cylinders allow you to swap between calibers in approximately 45 seconds after removing the center pin and retention screw. Both cylinders use the same star extractor, which I’ve found reliably clears all 9 cases simultaneously.
- Can I use it for concealed carry?
- Yes, the Diamondback Sidekick's compact 6.25-inch length and 14.2-ounce weight make it suitable for pocket or ankle carry, though its rimfire chambering makes it suboptimal for defensive use compared to centerfire options. I recommend pairing it with a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster to protect the exposed hammer and prevent snagging. Check local regulations regarding rimfire handguns for carry—some jurisdictions prohibit them entirely for defensive use.
- What cleaning supplies do I need?
- You'll need a .22 caliber bore brush, Hoppe's No. 9 solvent, and a small flat-head screwdriver to remove the cylinder retention screw for deep cleaning. Clean the cylinders after every 100-150 rounds of .22 Mag to prevent carbon buildup in the chambers, and apply a light coat of CLP to the crane and ejector star monthly. Avoid abrasive cleaners on the Midnight Bronze Cerakote finish—it's durable but can show scratches with steel wool.
- Does it come with a warranty?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory provides a limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects for the original purchaser, with a 5-business-day average turnaround for repair requests. You must register the serial number online within 30 days of purchase and keep your proof of purchase—warranty work requires both. This coverage does not extend to finish wear, cylinder timing adjustments after 5,000 rounds, or damage from aftermarket modifications.
- What holsters fit this model?
- The Diamondback Sidekick fits most holsters designed for Ruger Single-Six or Heritage Rough Rider birdshead grip models with 3-inch barrels. I've had success with the Galco DAO126 for belt carry and the BlackHox Pro Series for paddle options. Measure your specific unit before ordering—the Cerakote finish adds approximately 0.005 inches to the overall width, which can affect retention in molded Kydex holsters.