“Defensive” revolvers still have a niche in real-life concealed carry scenarios – and for some good reasons: they are basically jam-proof and, above all, inherently safer and easier to use even under stress. In addition, recent years have seen a surge in modern, innovative designs. The new Diamondback Firearms SDR-A (where the SDR acronym stands for “Small Defensive Revolver”) is one of them: a lightweight, hammerless aluminum-frame, double-action only revolver engineered specifically for everyday carry, the SDR-A is chambered for .38 Special +P with a cylinder capacity of six rounds. Designed for personal protection, it provides concealability thanks to its small size.
Video introduction: Diamondback Firearms SDR-A
Diamondback Firearms SDR-A: lightweight, compact, reliable
Headquartered in Cocoa, Florida, Diamondback Firearms is a relatively young company having been founded in 2009. Part of the SDR revolver family, the new SDR-A is built on a forged 7075-T6 aluminum frame and weighs just 15.6 ounces – or 442 grams – which makes it the Diamondback’s lightest revolver to date. Being an hammerless design there are no snag points during draw. Both the 2”/50 mm long barrel and cylinder are stainless steel. The smooth, non-stacking DAO-only trigger pull is rated between 4 and 5.2 kg, optimized for safe, consistent EDC use and tuned for smooth travel and predictable break. The revolver uses a push-button cylinder release for fast, intuitive operation, and comes with a Hogue rubber grip with Diamondback logo for enhanced control while maintaining compatibility with J-frame-style grip options.
The fixed orange fiber-optic front sight is paired with a low-profile green fiber-optic rear sight for rapid target acquisition while remaining snag-resistant for concealed carry. The Diamondback SDR-A also features a glass bead blast finish.
“The SDR-A was designed with real-world personal protection in mind,” said Dave Larson, Marketing Director at Diamondback Firearms. “Its aluminum frame dramatically reduces carry weight, and the hammerless design makes it ideal for concealed carry without compromise. This is a revolver you can comfortably carry every day, not just own.”
Overall, the SDR-A bears a strong resemblance to other modern defensive revolvers such as the Kimber K6s series – but this is not not necessarily a defect. Especially since the Diamondback's product is offered at an affordable price point, that is $614 in the US.
Diamondback Firearms SDR-A technical specifications and price
Caliber: | .38 Special +P |
Barrel Length: | 2”/50 mm |
Overall Length: | 170 mm |
Width: | 35 mm |
Height: | 124 mm |
Barrel Material: | Stainless Steel |
Cylinder Material: | Stainless Steel |
Frame Material: | Forged 7075 T-6 Aluminum |
Weight (Unloaded): | 442 g |
Trigger Action: | Double Action Only |
Trigger Pull Weight: | 4-5.2 kg, non-stacking |
Grip: | Hogue black rubber |
Capacity: | 6 Rounds |
Sights: | Fixed fiber optic – orange front, low profile dovetail fiber optic – green rear |
Finish: | Glass Bead Finish with DBGuard Finish |
Price (MSRP in the US): | $614 |
