Long a popular option for concealed-carry use, revolvers have seen something of a comeback in recent years, and one of the brands that has capitalized on the resurgence of the carry revolver is Diamondback Firearms. For our latest "I Carry" episode above, we paired the six-round Diamondback SDR DA/SA snubnose revolver with a simple leather holster from Galco, along with one of the latest EDC flashlights from Streamlight.
"Diamondback launched its SDR line of revolvers a few years back," American Rifleman Executive Editor Jay Grazio said. "They started off with your very traditional .38 Special/.357 Magnum and branched out into different finishes, different barrel lengths. And what we have here today is a 9 mm version. It does take moon clips, as you would imagine. It has a push-button cylinder release. It's very easy to operate."
One of the stand-out features of the Diamondback SDR is its unique, push-button release for the gun's cylinder crane, which allows users to remove the entire cylinder and crane assembly from the front of the frame. This feature makes it easy to clean and maintain the gun, but it also provides options for possible caliber-conversion cylinders in the future.
"To carry the Diamondback SDR, we've gone with a very simple Galco Hornet belt holster," Grazio said. "This is a standard single-piece leather holster. It's stitched around the the external belt loop. There's also a tunnel belt loop so it keeps it nice and tight close to the body. Even worn outside the waistband, this is really easy to conceal. Full coverage on the firearm, on the trigger guard."
Rugged simplicity is the key with this Galco Hornet holster, as it has reinforced stitching around the rear belt loop, along with a reinforced belt tunnel located on the body side of the holster for secure carry. This design, though it is an outside-the-waistband configuration, hugs closely enough to the body that it can be concealed with a larger cover garment, such as a jacket, vest or sweater. The holster fits all belts up to 1.5 inches in width.
"Rounding out the kit, we have, brand new from Streamlight, this is the Wedge SL handheld flashlight, and what it is this is a flashlight that has up to 500 lumens in a temporary mode," Grazio said. "Fits in a pocket. Super, super handy. Easy to have with you. Lightweight. Several different color options available, if you want, but it's a handheld light you can have on you at all times."
Standard modes for the Streamlight Wedge SL include 100 lumens on high and 50 lumens on low. The light is USB-C rechargeable and comes with an LED indicator that provides an indicator of remaining battery life.
