The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Diamondback Firearms is their rifle selection. Diamondback Firearms have been in the AR-15 market for a while now offering the DB15 lineup as well as their DB10 in various non-.556 calibers. However, they also have a growing number of handgun offerings including the 9mm and .380 semi-auto selections. What some people might not be aware of is in the middle of these lineups sits a .357 snub-nose revolver. The SDR, which stands for “Self Defense Revolver”.
The Diamondback SDR is a great “pocket size” snub-nose carry gun. This revolver is well-designed for easy concealed carry. When you first open the box and see the revolver, you’ll notice the thought-out rounded edges used in the design to help prevent snags when drawing from concealed carry. At first glance the polished stainless-steel finish was soo shiny one might think it was nickel platted when you first see it. The look of the Diamondback SDR is what I would call “Coltish” meaning it looks good.
Diamondback SDR .357 Side Profile view
In a market flooded with subcompact semi-autos designed for the ever-growing concealed carry consumer, the revolver still holds its place as an option for a few reasons. I recently had an individual who couldn’t physically manipulate and pull back the slide on 9mm sub-compact semi-auto. This same person wasn’t up to the task to do any training in order to become proficient and comfortable enough to carry the semi-auto. Therefore, it was time for another solution for the self-defense handgun conundrum. Enter the tried-and-true DA/SA revolver. Once the switch was made, the simplicity and direct nature of the design was a major relief. After time on the range, the confidence to carry grew with each session. Another person who is a SWAT operator loves to carry a revolver for the fact there’s no risk of the slide not cycling when pressed up against an individual wearing a large coat or similar situation. And for some of us, it’s just an enjoyable switch to sometimes carry a small revolver that is easily concealable. The SDR is designed with these customers in mind.
Unlike Taurus or Smith & Wesson, the Diamondback SDR uses a push-button cylinder release. After only a small amount of time at the range, the push-button release felt like second nature. Pressing the cylinder release button with your right thumb and giving the SDR a little push to the left with your trigger finger easily popped the cylinder out. A quick push on the ejector rod with the left hand dumping of spent .357 casings to the ground and following up with a speed loader ready to go can make for a very decent and quick six-shooter reload.
The cylinder on the Diamondback SDR also comes completely out of the frame. At first, I thought this meant Diamondback might have an optional 9mm cylinder to use with the frame like other manufacturers do; however, this isn’t the case. It’s just removable. One thing that this feature did make easier was the cleaning of the cylinder. Of course, you can always run .38 Special rounds in the SDR if less recoil is desired. After writing this article, I have learned that Diamondback has recently released their full 9mm revolver series in the SDR.
Removable Cylinder with Extractor
The fiber optics sights on the Diamondback SDR are literally a “sight for sore eyes”. These low-profile sights made getting on target faster and easier than traditional iron sights usually found on most revolvers. The front orange sight is a breeze to lock up in-between the rear green ones making self-defense and shooting drills easier in bright sunlight. I really like this comes standard with the revolver.
Very nice frot fiber optic sights on the SDR
I put a box of Armscor .357 158 grain ammo through the SDR at the range. The grip reminded me of my old J-frame when being up closer to the target using the double-action. Pulling the SDR from concealed to firing at only a couple yards away from the target felt natural. The trigger pull was smooth and predictable each time and the trigger has a very nice width and feel. I moved back 5 yards to do the double action drill a second time and again, the revolver just feels very natural in your hands. The SDR has a non-stacking trigger meaning the shooter isn’t going to feel any additional pressure build up while pulling the trigger back. Instead, it is one consistent pull from the start to finish.
Shooting From further out at about 15 yards I used the single action. Cocking the hammer back each time had a very easy and solid movement without requiring too much effort. The groupings at this distance were all satisfactory and to be expected with a 2-inch barrel. The spur hammer’s texture is nice on the thumb when shooting especially on hot weather days at the range.
While a wood grip is available, this Diamondback SDR comes with a Hogue black rubber grip, which makes sense for a concealed carry revolver. Of course, being a concealed carry design usually means everything is as small, yet functional as they can make it. The grip definitely falls into this category. My pinky finger did hang off the grip. A different grip might be an option to consider for those of us with larger hands. Being a .357 snub-nose with a 2-inch barrel, the recoil is as predicted… a bit snappy. As with all revolvers in this arena, the Diamondback SDR is meant for up close shooting. The SDR is made of forged steel which is nice but still remains lightweight for carrying.
Overall, the SDR is a solid pocket .357 magnum handgun and a great size for easy everyday carry. Diamondback has also given customers options when deciding which SDR is best for them. If you want a longer barrel, there is a 3-inch barrel polished finish option available. The 2-inch barrel comes in the polished stainless version like the one in the pictures as well as a regular stainless finish and a rather mean looking black nitride. I wouldn’t hesitate to carry this revolver daily.
Diamondback SDR .357 SPECS:
Caliber: .357 Magnum/ .38 Special + P
Length: 6.53 Inches
Width: 1.38 Inches
Height: 4.44 Inches
Weight: 21.20 Ounces
Frame:
Material: Forged Stainless Steel
Finish: Polished
Barrel:
Length: 2.00 Inches
Material: Stainless Steel
Finish: Polished
Grooves: 6
Cylinder:
Capacity: 6 Rounds
Material: Stainless Steel
Sights:
Front Sight: Fixed Fiber Optic: Orange
Rear Sight: Low Profile Dovetail Fiber Optic Green
Grip:
Black Houge Type Black Rubber With Diamondback Logo
Trigger:
Action: DA/SA
Trigger Pull: 9-11.5 lbs Non-Stacking
Diamondback Firearms:
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