Diamondback Firearms has been steadily building a reputation for delivering simple, well-engineered defensive handguns at sensible price points — and the new SDR-A chambered in .38 Special +P continues that tradition with a purpose-built, everyday-carry focus. Whether you’re a seasoned revolver enthusiast or new to wheelguns altogether, this compact, hammerless six-shot delivers what many shooters have been asking for: a snub-nosed revolver with modern ergonomics, rugged reliability, and carry-ready practicality.
With an overall design that blends the classic feel of a pocket revolver with functional improvements aimed at everyday carry (EDC), the SDR-A enters a crowded field of defensive handguns with a distinct identity — lightweight aluminum construction, intuitive controls, and sights that work when the pressure’s on.
At its core, the SDR-A is a defensive revolver optimized for everyday carry and close-range performance. From the factory, Diamondback outlines its role clearly: a simple, dependable, and concealable sidearm that points naturally and performs when it matters most.
Traditional steel-framed revolvers tend to carry weight penalties that dissuade daily carry — a factor often overlooked until you’re shouldering that extra ounce after an eight-hour workday. Diamondback solves this with a forged 7075-T6 aluminum frame, which trims overall weight to just 15.6 ounces unloaded. That’s remarkably light for a six-shot wheelgun, especially one built to handle .38 Special +P loads.
Side Shot of the SDR-A .38 Special
In practical terms, that means the SDR-A rides comfortably on the belt or in a pocket holster without feeling like a burden — and noticeably lighter than comparable six-round revolvers boasting full steel frames.
The hammerless, double-action only (DAO) design eliminates snag points that can slow a draw, particularly from inside the waistband or pocket. Without an external hammer spur to catch on clothing, this snubnose revolver slides cleanly into motion, a feature many defensive shooters value highly in high-stress scenarios.
Proven Caliber and Practical Capacity
While the modern handgun market has seen a surge in micro-pistol designs and high-capacity semiautos, the .38 Special cartridge remains a trusted performer for personal defense. The SDR-A embraces that tradition but also accommodates +P ammunition, giving shooters access to hotter defensive loads with increased performance potential.
One of the SDR-A’s standout attributes is its six-round cylinder — a capacity that nods to classic wheelgun reliability while offering an edge over many lightweight revolvers that only carry five rounds. That extra round can matter in defensive situations where every shot counts.
Diamondback engineers paired this capacity with a compact 2-inch stainless-steel barrel and cylinder, striking a balance between compact concealability and the ballistic performance that .38 Special enthusiasts expect. Paired with the light aluminum frame, the SDR-A maintains manageable recoil and quick recovery for follow-up shots.
Fully captured cylinder and crane link assembly
The SDR-A’s controls lean toward straightforward and intuitive — no gimmicks or unnecessary features. The DAO trigger system delivers a consistent pull on every shot, rated between 9 and 11.5 pounds, a weight that errs toward safety in everyday carry without sacrificing control. While that might seem heavy compared to lighter target triggers, the predictable nature of DAO breaks builds confidence in rapid defensive practice.
Grip ergonomics are handled with a Hogue black rubber grip featuring the Diamondback logo. The slight finger grooves and rubberized texture give a secure purchase on the revolver, holding steady through recoil and rapid fire. It’s a simple solution, but one that pays dividends when consistency matters most.
Diamondback’s push-button cylinder release is intuitive and smooth, allowing fast access for loading and unloading without the need to alter your grip drastically. This straightforward control setup makes the SDR-A a great choice for shooters who prefer uncomplicated, instinctive operation under stress.
Push button cylinder release
Too often, defensive revolvers ship with plain sights that disappear in low light or stressful conditions. Diamondback addressed that shortcoming with appealing, functional fiber-optic sights.
A bright orange fixed front fiber-optic sight pairs with a low-profile dovetailed green fiber-optic rear to create a high-contrast sight picture that’s fast to acquire and forgiving when seconds count. These sights give the SDR-A a distinct advantage over traditional notch and post configurations, especially in defensive drills or real-world encounters.
While not adjustable, their low-profile setup reduces snagging on clothing and holsters, preserving the revolver’s clean draw sequence — an essential detail for daily carry revolvers.
Fiber Optic sights on the SDR-A
Concealable in size but not lacking in performance, the SDR-A measures 6.70 inches in overall length, 1.38 inches in width, and 4.92 inches in height. Those dimensions, combined with the aluminum frame and compact barrel, make it ideal for pocket, IWB (inside-the-waistband), or ankle carry.
The glass bead finish with DBGuard corrosion resistance ensures that daily carry conditions — sweat, humidity, or rain — won’t quickly degrade the revolver’s surfaces. Stainless-steel barrel and cylinder components further enhance durability and long-term reliability.
For many shooters, the allure of a lightweight revolver lies in how unobtrusive it feels throughout the day. Whether worn on a hot summer shift or tucked in a jacket during cooler months, the SDR-A manages that balance seamlessly — a product of thoughtful engineering rather than compromise.
Value and Positioning
With an MSRP around $614, the SDR-A comes in at a price point that undercuts many traditional steel revolvers while delivering modern features and defensive capability. That’s a notable achievement given the combination of aluminum framing, six-shot capacity, and fiber-optic sights that typically push pricing upward in other platforms.
Diamondback’s decision to lean into aluminum framing — indicated by the “A” in SDR-A — speaks to a niche of shooters who prioritize weight savings without sacrificing rigidity or defensive performance. Where steel-framed revolvers may carry extra ounces, the SDR-A trims weight and cost, opening access to shooters who want a capable wheelgun without the premium price tag.
Shooting results from 15 yards
The Diamondback SDR-A 2″ .38 Special +P revolver delivers a compelling blend of concealability, practicality, and classic defensive capability. From its lightweight aluminum frame and intuitive controls to its six-round capacity, fiber-optic sights, and manageable dimensions, the SDR-A embodies what many defensive shooters look for in a modern snub-nose revolver.
While semiautos continue to dominate conversations in the self-defense market, there’s a timeless appeal and unshakeable reliability in wheelguns — and the SDR-A brings that heritage into the 21st century with style and substance. For those seeking a no-nonsense EDC companion that performs as well on the range as it does on the street, the SDR-A is a revolver worth a close look.