Not long ago I wrote a short review of the new Diamondback Sidekick, a nine-shot revolver in single and double action. This nice little western style revolver comes standard with .22 LR or .22 Magnum cylinders and finally hit the shelves in just the past month. I was able to get my hands on a copy and spent some time in the field with this newest release from Diamondback Firearms.
For folks needing a lightweight revolver for easy carry in the back country or around the farm and ranch the Sidekick may just be the what the doctor ordered. There is little doubt the .22 LR cartridge is an all-time favorite, but the option of the .22 Magnum brings out additional versatility for hunting and even self-defense, especially when considering this revolver can be fired single or double action.
The Sidekick comes with two cylinders and utilizes a quick convertible swing-out arm allowing the user to switch between standard and magnum rimfire cartridges in seconds. The Sidekick brings back memories of the classic western Colt Single Action but combines the often sought after classic western style and modern-day revolver features.
Firing the Sidekick in double action was no problem, and as with any double action revolver a trigger pull of around nine to ten pounds can be expected. Shooting the Sidekick by cocking the hammer and firing is smooth and crisp as one would anticipate in the single action mode.
This revolver comes with a 4.5″ barrel, smooth black Cerakote finish, and checkered polymer grip panels. The cylinder swings out just like any double action revolver allowing for the loading of nine .22LR or .22 Magnum cartridges.
A standard ejection rod on the front of the cylinder allows for easy ejection of all spent casings at one time. An old-style Colt Single Action ejection rod is in place but only to keep the appearance and feel of a vintage western revolver. The Sidekick weighs in at 32.5 ounces overall with a 1:16 RH twist and six groove rifling barrel that sports a fixed front blade sight. Rear sight is integral to the frame.
Specifications and features for the Sidekick are as follows:
- Caliber: 22LR / 22Mag Convertible
- Action: Single & Double
- Grips: Checkered glass filled Nylon
- Capacity: 9 rounds
- Front Sight: Blade
- Rear Sight: Integral on frame
- Barrel length: 4.5”
- Overall Length: 9.875”
- Frame & Handle Material: Zinc
- Frame & Handle Finish: Black Cerakote
- Weight: 32.5 oz
- Twist: 1:16 RH
- Grooves: 6
On the range I fired the Diamondback from a sandbag rest at 10 yards in single action in order to obtain the best group possible. Using CCI Mini-Mag in 22LR, 40 grain copper plated round nose, my best five shot group placed all shots into a half inch diamond.
Switching cylinders to the 22 Magnum, and again from a sandbag rest at 10 yards in single action fired five rounds. Using CCI Maxi-Mag in 22WMR, 40 grain total metal jacket, my best grouping was five shots all touching.
If there is any doubt of this revolver’s accuracy capability, that question is now laid to rest. Although the Diamondback does not have adjustable sights the shooter can obtain varied results by utilizing different brands and weight grains of rimfire ammo and minor adjustments in sight alignment.
My overall impression of the Sidekick is that it is a solid choice for any gun owner needing a reliable companion in the outdoors, especially if you are looking for the flavor of the old west. The Diamondback Sidekick was officially released on November 22, 2021.
MSRP for the Diamondback with both the .22 LR and .22 Magnum cylinders is $320.
To find out more information on this gun as well as other products from Diamondback Firearms check out their website at diamondbackfirearms.com.
