The Diamondback Sidekick Revolver .22LR/.22WMR 5.5in 9rd is a modern take on the classic rimfire wheelgun that gives you two calibers in one package. It ships with dual cylinders—one for .22 LR, one for .22 WMR—so you can plink cheaply or reach out with a hotter magnum load. The 5.5-inch steel barrel and zinc-alloy frame wear a Midnight Bronze Cerakote finish that looks sharp and shrugs off sweat and scratches. Single- and double-action operation gives you control over trigger feel, while the swing-out cylinder makes swapping and ejecting fast. This is a revolver built for range days, trail walks, and that satisfying steel-ring at 25 yards.
| Manufacturer | Diamondback Firearms |
|---|---|
| Model | Sidekick |
| Material | Zinc-alloy frame, steel barrel (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .22 LR & .22 WMR (includes both cylinders) |
| Finish | Midnight Bronze Cerakote |
| Weight | Approx. 32 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Convertible Dual Cylinders – Why it matters: You get two guns in one. Drop in the .22 LR cylinder for cheap practice or swap to .22 WMR for small-game hunting and varmint control without buying a second revolver.
- 5.5-Inch Steel Barrel with Midnight Bronze Cerakote – Why it matters: The longer barrel gives you a solid sight radius for consistent accuracy, and the Cerakote finish resists rust and wear better than standard bluing—perfect for humid range bags or dusty holsters.
- Single & Double-Action Trigger – Why it matters: You can thumb-cock for a lighter single-action pull when you need precision, or just stage the double-action for fast follow-ups. It’s a revolver that adapts to your shooting style.
- Swing-Out Cylinder with Simultaneous Ejection – Why it matters: No poking each case out one at a time. Push the cylinder release, swing it out, push the ejector rod, and all empties drop free. Reloads are quick enough for rimfire fun.
- Fixed Blade Front & Integral Rear Sights – Why it matters: No adjustments to lose or snag. The low-profile sights are fast to acquire and tough enough for field use—just point and shoot.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the collector who wants a retro-styled rimfire that actually works. It’s for the gun show regular who appreciates a zinc-alloy frame that keeps weight down and price low, but still wants a steel barrel for accuracy. It’s for the plinker who burns through bricks of .22 LR on weekends and the hunter who wants .22 WMR for squirrels or raccoons. If you like the feel of a single-action sixgun but want modern convenience—swing-out cylinder, double-action capability, and a durable finish—this Sidekick belongs in your safe.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Dual cylinders let you shoot both .22 LR and .22 WMR out of the box; swing-out cylinder speeds up reloads; Cerakote finish is tough and looks great; single- and double-action trigger gives flexibility; 5.5-inch barrel balances accuracy and handling.
- Cons: The zinc-alloy frame is lighter than steel, but some shooters prefer the heft of an all-steel revolver for recoil management—though with .22 rimfire, it’s hardly an issue. Fixed sights mean you can’t adjust windage or elevation, so you’ll need to learn your hold with different ammo.
Comparison vs. Competitors
| Feature | Diamondback Sidekick | Heritage Rough Rider | Ruger Wrangler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 LR / .22 WMR (dual cylinders) | .22 LR / .22 WMR (convertible models) | .22 LR only |
| Frame Material | Zinc-alloy | Zinc-alloy | Aluminum alloy |
| Barrel Length | 5.5 inches | 4.75 or 6.5 inches | 4.62 inches |
| Action Type | Single & Double | Single only | Single only |
| Cylinder Ejection | Swing-out, simultaneous | Loading gate, single ejection | Loading gate, single ejection |
| Finish | Midnight Bronze Cerakote | Blued or case-hardened | Cerakote (various) |
| Price | ~$292 | ~$150–$250 | ~$250–$300 |
The Sidekick stands out with its double-action capability and swing-out cylinder—features neither the Heritage Rough Rider nor Ruger Wrangler offer. If you want a traditional single-action plinker, those are fine options. But if you want a modern revolver that handles both calibers and gives you faster reloads, the Sidekick wins.
FAQ
Does the Diamondback Sidekick come with both cylinders?
Yes. The revolver ships with two cylinders: one for .22 Long Rifle and one for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire. Swapping them takes seconds—just swing out the cylinder, push the pin, and swap.
Can I shoot .22 Short or .22 Long in the .22 LR cylinder?
Technically yes, but reliability varies. The cylinder is cut for .22 LR length, so .22 Short rounds may rattle and cause misfeeds. Stick with .22 LR or .22 WMR for best performance.
Is the Sidekick safe for +P or high-velocity .22 WMR loads?
The Sidekick is designed for standard-pressure .22 WMR ammunition. Per Diamondback specs, +P-rated .22 WMR loads are not recommended. Stick to factory loads from CCI, Winchester, or Remington.
What holster fits the 5.5-inch barrel model?
Most universal revolver holsters sized for 5- to 6-inch barrels work. Look for leather or nylon holsters made for Ruger Single-Six or Heritage Rough Rider with similar barrel length. The Sidekick’s frame is slightly different, so test fit before buying.
Get the Diamondback Sidekick Revolver .22LR/.22WMR 5.5in 9rd
This is a rimfire revolver that does double duty without doubling your budget. Whether you’re teaching a new shooter, burning through .22 LR bricks, or hunting small game with .22 WMR, the Sidekick delivers. Order yours today and grab a few boxes of ammo—you’ll want to run both cylinders right away.
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Browse more options in our Revolvers, Rimfire Firearms, and Cerakote Finished Guns collections.
Last updated: April 2026




Reviews
There are no reviews yet.