Gun Digest Tests Diamondback's Six-Shot SDR .357 Magnum Revolver

Gun Digest reviewer Richard A. Mann spent about a month with Diamondback's new SDR, a six-shot .357 Magnum revolver, and says he would have no qualms carrying it for self-defense.

Key points

• Specs: The tested 3-inch model weighs 23.9 ounces unloaded, measures 7.71 inches long and lists at $803.
• Trigger: Mann measured a 9.5-pound double-action pull that did not stack and a crisp 3.5-pound single-action break.
• Accuracy: Firing two .38 Special loads and one .357 Magnum load from a rest at 10 yards, the revolver averaged 1.30 inches across its five-shot groups.
• Design: The review highlights a push-button cylinder release and a frame button that lets the whole cylinder and crane assembly come out for cleaning.
• Options: Diamondback offers 14 versions with 2- or 3-inch barrels, with suggested prices from $751 to $852 depending on finish.

Quick take

Mann, who was issued a revolver when he joined a police department, argues the revolver is still a capable defensive choice. He put more than 300 rounds through the SDR, rated its trigger better than some revolvers costing twice as much, and found full-power magnum loads accurate but unpleasant to shoot. He reports that the HKS DSA speed loader and the Galco Combat Master holster both fit, and that street prices run under $700, compared with a $939 base price for the heavier Ruger SP 101.

Read the full story at Gun Digest.