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  4. Diamondback SDR-A: New Aluminum Framed 6-shot .38


Diamondback turned heads with a new snub-nosed Self Defense Revolver at the recent SHOT Show-- its lightest ever. 

The company has been making its SDR line for the past few years, and it performed well when tested here by the Guns.com crew. Whereas the previous models were steel-framed and chambered in .357 Magnum-- a stout choice in a pocket-sized snubby-- the new double-action-only SDR-A in .38 Special uses a forged 7075-T6 aluminum frame to trim weight to just under a pound (15.6 ounces) while maintaining rigidity under recoil. 

Combined with a stainless steel six-shot fluted cylinder and 2-inch barrel, Diamondback says the new offering delivers long-term durability in a lightweight package. It has a non-stacking trigger in the 9-to-11-pound range. 
 

the new Diamondback SDR-A
The SDR-A weighs just under a pound and has an overall length of 6.70 inches. The platform is rated for 38 SPL +P, and has a six-shot cylinder, a substantial difference from many comparable designs that only carry five. (Photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
the new Diamondback SDR-A
It has a glass bead DBGuard finish and uses a fixed green fiber-optic front sight with a low-profile dovetail rear. Hogue black rubber boot-style grips are standard. The revolver uses K6 speed loaders and J-frame grips. 


The MSRP on the new Diamondback SDR-A is $614, which is a good bit lower than the company's all-steel revolvers, which start at $777. 

Video by Ben Philippi. 

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