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Diamondback Firearms is located in Coco, Florida, and they have made a name for themselves with their ultra-compact DB380 and DB9 semi-automatic pistols. Today, they also offer a 1911 pistol, AR-pattern carbines and rifles, and suppressors. Their newest firearm is the double-action Diamondback SDR revolver, available in 14 different configurations. I tested the 3-inch-barrel version, which is ideally sized as a trail gun for the outdoorsman or as an everyday carry gun. Unfortunately, my test gun arrived just a week too late to be included in our 2026 handgun test, but don’t be surprised if it comes out near the top in 2027. Here is how it performed.
Quick Overview
Diamondback SDR Revolver
Pros
- Great trigger
- Good sights
- Lightweight
- Removable cylinder
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited sight adjustability
Specs
- Chambering: 38 Special/357 Magnum
- Action: Double-Action Revolver
- Sights: Low profile fiber optic rear, fiber optic front
- Barrel: 3 inches
- Length: 7.71 inches
- Weight: 23.9 ounces
- Frame: Forges stainless steel
- Cylinder: Stainless steel
- Trigger: Single Action 3.5 pounds/Double Action 9.5 pounds
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Grip: Hogue black Monogrip
- Accessories: Pistol rug
- MSRP: $766
Related: The Best Handguns of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
A Closer Look at the Diamondback SDR Revolver
At less than 8 inches long total and weighing in just under 24 ounces, the Diamondback SDR sort of falls between a compact and a mid-sized revolver. The frame and 3-inch barrel are machined from forged stainless steel, and it features a full-size Hogue rubber Monogrip. The six-shot cylinder has a trapezoid-shaped push-button release on the left side of the frame, and the crane link assembly is fully captured. Additionally, there is a push button on the right side of the frame that allows the crane and cylinder to be easily removed for cleaning.
The revolver is fitted with a pinned red fiber-optic front sight, and the rear sight is of the low-profile combat style, and it is dovetailed into the frame. The rear sight has green fiber-optic rods on each side of the sighting notch, but there is no mechanism for elevation adjustment. However, Diamondback does offer an XS Sights minimalist front and rear sight set for the SDR. With its flat-sided barrel and full-length underlug, the SDR has a sleek appearance with only a single screw that’s visible.
Related: Lipsey’s S&W Model 386 NightGuard Handgun Review—Expert Tested
Diamondback SDR Revolver Test Results
There’s always a concern with fixed-sighted handguns that point of aim and point of impact will not be the same. This is especially true for elevation with revolvers that fire both 38 Special and 357 Magnum ammunition. The SDR’s sights were about as good as could be expected. Most 38 Special loads hit very near point of aim at 10 yards, with full power 357 loads striking the target a bit higher. For me, with all loads, the revolver shot just a shade to the right, with five-shot groups averaging between 1.0 and 1.5-inches at that distance. There were no functioning issues with the SDR; it worked just like it was supposed to every time, and I fired 300 rounds of 38 Special and 357 Magnum ammo through it.
The trigger on the SDR was fantastic. I’ve shot revolvers costing twice as much that had worse triggers. The push-button cylinder release was also convenient and comfortable to depress, and the ability to completely remove the cylinder from the frame with a single button is an extremely nice feature typically found only on much more expensive revolvers. The ejection rod is on the short side, but there were no issues ejecting fired cases—even those from full-power 357 Magnum loads easily fell out. Speed loaders and holster fit are always an item of interest with revolvers, and the SDR takes the HKS DSA speedloader and Galco makes their excellent Combat Master Belt Holster for the SDR.
Related: Springfield-Armory’s Echelon 4.0FC COA Wins “Best Value” Pistol for 2026
Final Thoughts on the Diamondback SDR Revolver
Given how well the Diamondback SD performed, here’s a comparison to illustrate the value it offers. The Ruger SP 101 revolver is very similar to the Diamondback SDR, and the SP 101 has a great reputation. However, the SP 101 costs 20% more, weighs 12% more, and it does not have sights as nice or the easy-to-remove cylinder. Any way you look at the SDR, it is a great buy that should be right at home on the hip of any outdoorsman. One of the 14 variations that Diamondback offers is bound to appeal to you, and the 2-inch barreled model even weighs 3 ounces less. Every outdoorsman needs a good revolver, and Diamondback’s SDR is a solid, reliable, and affordable choice.
Related: Wilson Combat Bulwark Handgun Review—Expert Tested
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For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
Editor’s Note: Richard Mann’s new book, Rifle Cartridges for the Hunter: A Hunting Journal Spanning a Half-Century details 50 rifle cartridges through real hunts, practical insight, and hard-earned lessons. It is essential reading for serious hunters and riflemen who appreciate ballistic science and authentic outdoor adventure.
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