In 2021 we all enjoyed the debut of the Sidekick, a double action old west style double action revolver from Diamondback Firearms. Now following on the footsteps of its bigger brother the Diamondback Birdshead Sidekick, so named because of its bird’s head style grip, is newly released for 2023. The 3-inch barrel, nine-shot revolver is a double/single action revolver with vintage old west appeal. It is billed as a compact revolver and comes standard with .22 LR or .22 Magnum cylinders as did the original Sidekick.
The Birdshead Sidekick measures 4.95”-tall and 7.83”-long and is made of Cerakote-finished zinc. A crisp 2-lb., single-action trigger pull is standard, and makes it a breeze for anyone looking to place accurate rounds on target. A Patridge style blade front sight along with rear sighting notch along the frame’s top strap allows for quick sight alignment.
The barrel offers a 1:16” RH twist for bullet stabilization. Diamondback Firearms incorporated the cylinder release into the old school ejection rod which ejects all casings at one time. With only a width of 1.40” while weighing in at 24.5 ounces this revolver very easy to carry every day.
Getting my hands on the Birdshead Sidekick revolver I quickly got in some range and field time putting it to the test. I was pleasantly surprised with the accuracy of his little revolver after placing 9 rounds of .22LR in about an inch group at 7 yards right out of the box.
The Sidekick comes standard with both cylinders and uses a quick convertible swing-out arm allowing the user to switch between .22LR and .22Mag rimfire ammo in a matter of seconds. Quickly switching to the magnum cylinder, I easily placed 9 rounds of CCI .22Mag through a tin can off hand reminding me of my younger days with a .22 single shot rifle.
In all I fired a couple hundred rounds of various brand .22LR and .22Mag ammo through the Birdshead Sidekick without any problems what so ever. I would say the more I fired the revolver in double action mode the smoother the trigger pull became.
If you have need of a compact revolver for easy carry in the great outdoors or around the farm and ranch the Sidekick may just be the what you’ve been looking for. No doubt the .22 LR cartridge is an all-time favorite, but with the Sidekick offering the option of the .22Mag it becomes a viable option for self-defense and hunting. When considering the 3-inch barrel, 9 shot revolver can be fired in single or double action the versatility becomes obvious.
Diamondback Sidekick Revolver Specifications and Features:
- Double/Single Action Revolver
- Caliber: .22 LR or .22 WMR
- 9 Shot Capacity
- 3.0″ Barrel
- Twist Rate: 1:16″ RH
- Zinc Frame and Handle
- Birdshead Polymer Grip
- Blade Front Sight
- Integral Rear Sight
- Overall Length: 7.83″
- Weight: 24.5 oz
- Black Cerakote Finish
Includes:
- .22 LR Cylinder (9 rounds)
- .22 WMR Cylinder (9 rounds)
With an MSRP of just $327.00, the Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead Revolver is an affordable and reliable choice for any shooter. Looking around at different retailers I can find the Birdshead for about $300.
Want other color choices aside from the standard black finish? The Sidekick family offers additional colors such as Midnight Bronze and Dark Gray for the Birdshead. One caveat to remember, dry firing the Sidekick will void the guns warranty.
If you are looking for the vintage appeal of the old west the Sidekick may be just the revolver you’ve been looking for. The Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead has been available through dealers for most of 2023.
Bottom line I like this little revolver and it will find a place in my every day chores around the shop or my bugout pack. To find more information on this gun as well as other products from Diamondback Firearms check out their website at diamondbackfirearms.com
To locate a dealer near you visit www.lipseys.com/dealerfinder
About the Author:
TERRY NELSON – is a 30-year veteran of law enforcement with police and sheriff agencies, including SWAT and sniper roles, and has served as a state game warden. Nelson also served seven years with New Mexico State Guard. A lifelong hunter, guide, tracker and firearms enthusiast, Terry is sought for training in multiple disciplines by both civilian and police-serving agencies and companies. Nelson also holds a Basic Tac Med instructor certification from Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.