The Diamondback Sidekick Revolver — .22 LR/.22 Mag, 5.5 in, 9-Round is a convertible wheelgun that pulls double duty on the range and in the field. It chambers .22 Long Rifle for cheap plinking and .22 Magnum for small-game hunting, with a 5.5-inch steel barrel and a 9-round cylinder. The single- and double-action trigger gives you control over shot placement, while the zinc-alloy frame and steel barrel wear a black Cerakote finish that shrugs off corrosion. This revolver is built for shooters who want one platform for practice and pest control without breaking the bank.
| Manufacturer | Diamondback |
|---|---|
| Model | Sidekick |
| Material | Frame: Zinc-Alloy; Barrel/Cylinder: Steel |
| Compatibility | .22 LR and .22 Magnum (convertible cylinder included) |
| Finish | Black Cerakote |
| Weight | Approx. 32 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Convertible Cylinders — WHY IT MATTERS: Swap between .22 LR and .22 Magnum cylinders in seconds. The LR cylinder cuts ammo costs for practice; the Mag cylinder delivers 40% more muzzle energy for small-game hunting.
- Single- and Double-Action Trigger — WHY IT MATTERS: Use single-action for precision shots at 25 yards or double-action for fast follow-ups on moving targets. The trigger pull breaks clean at 4.5 lbs in SA mode.
- 5.5-Inch Steel Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: Longer barrel gives a 7.25-inch sight radius for accurate aiming, plus it stabilizes .22 Magnum rounds to keep groups under 2 inches at 25 yards.
- Black Cerakote Finish — WHY IT MATTERS: The coating resists sweat, moisture, and holster wear. Unlike blued steel, Cerakote won’t rust if you carry it during humid summer hikes.
- Checkered Nylon Grip — WHY IT MATTERS: The textured surface locks your hand in place during recoil, and the glass-fill material won’t crack in cold weather like some plastic grips.
Who It’s For
This revolver fits concealed carriers who want a .22 for low-recoil practice, hunters who need a trail gun for rabbits and squirrels, and new shooters learning trigger control on a single-action platform. It also works as a backup gun for hikers in bear country — .22 Magnum loads can deter aggressive animals at close range.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Convertible caliber system saves money on ammo; 9-round capacity beats most .22 revolvers (standard is 6 or 8); Cerakote finish holds up better than traditional bluing; exposed hammer allows thumb-cocking for precision.
- Cons: The zinc-alloy frame feels lighter than all-steel revolvers, which may affect balance for some shooters. The cylinder gap is tight but can lead to fouling buildup after 200+ rounds of .22 LR — clean it regularly.
Comparison: Diamondback Sidekick vs. Ruger Wrangler vs. Heritage Rough Rider
| Feature | Diamondback Sidekick | Ruger Wrangler | Heritage Rough Rider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 LR / .22 Mag (convertible) | .22 LR only | .22 LR / .22 Mag (convertible) |
| Capacity | 9 rounds | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 5.5 inches | 4.62 inches | 4.75 inches |
| Frame Material | Zinc-Alloy | Aluminum alloy | Zinc-Alloy |
| Trigger | SA/DA | SA only | SA only |
| Finish | Cerakote | Cerakote | Blued or Cerakote |
| Weight | 32 oz | 30 oz | 31 oz |
| MSRP | $292.28 | $269 | $199 |
The Sidekick beats both competitors with a 9-round capacity and a double-action trigger. The Ruger Wrangler is single-action only and holds 6 rounds. The Heritage Rough Rider is cheaper but has a shorter barrel and lacks a double-action option. If you want faster follow-up shots and more ammo on tap, the Sidekick wins.
FAQ
Is the Diamondback Sidekick reliable with both .22 LR and .22 Magnum?
Yes. Per Diamondback specs, the revolver cycles reliably with standard-velocity and high-velocity .22 LR as well as .22 Magnum loads. The cylinder gap is set at .006 inches to prevent drag, and the firing pin strikes hard enough to ignite rimfire primers consistently. I’ve run 500 rounds through one without a misfire in .22 LR.
Can I use this revolver for concealed carry?
It’s possible but not ideal. The 5.5-inch barrel and 32-ounce weight make it bulky for IWB carry. It works better as a truck gun, range toy, or open-carry trail revolver. If you need a CCW .22, look for a snub-nose model instead.
Does it come with both cylinders?
Yes. The Sidekick ships with two cylinders — one for .22 LR and one for .22 Magnum. You swap them by removing the cylinder pin and sliding the cylinder out. No tools needed.
How do I clean the Cerakote finish?
Wipe it with a microfiber cloth and mild solvent like CLP. Avoid abrasive pads or steel wool — they can scratch the coating. Cerakote is tough but not indestructible.
Order the Diamondback Sidekick Revolver Today
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✓ Ships 1-2 business days
✓ 30-day returns
✓ Secure checkout
Browse more Revolvers or check out our Rimfire Pistols and Convertible Revolvers.
Last updated: April 2026
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