Bought a new Diamondback DB9

W

wild cat mccane

New member
I've owned a few before but sold all due to concerns about construction. However, for some reason I can't shake wanting the DB9 pocket pistol to work...so I just bought an SL model from Buds today. Part of my concern was I didn't care for the finish-the anodized stainless takes care of that worry.

I've previously owned the Kahrs (PM40, CM9, CW380, and PM9) but found them all too heavy and block like for pocket carry. Additionally, the 9 and 40 are just huge compared to the 380 options. I think my photo here of my P3AT vs CM9 captures the difference better than putting the two on top of each other:
Nj6cBoc.jpg


Time will tell. I'll update with a comparison between it and my LCP gen2 in stainless.
 
I had an Original Gen 1, and it totally sucked. Numerous failures to feed and a cracked frame at around 535 rounds. They did replace the frame and my gunsmith told me right there to sell it.

They have their own forum. Check it out. I believe you need to modify the magazine with a Keltec spring, and use a dremel to polish the slide.

Best of luck but that's the last gun I'd consider getting again.

I carry a Glock 19 MOS with an RMR.


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anodized stainless
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Are these actually anodized, or just bead-blasted?

It is possible to anodized stainless steel, but it's not a particularly durable finish, and usually requires some sort of protective sealer coat. It's not particularly suited to firearms.
 
Anodizing is a chemical treatment for aluminum. You can't anodize stainless steel. The web site says the slide is "coated" -- it doesn't say with what. Anodizing is not a coating, it's a chemical conversion of the surface payer of the base aluminum alloy.
 
wild cat, I understand wanting the DB9 to be a success. I fear the design pushes the dimensions and tolerances just past the point of dependable reliability.

I have one that I'm in the process of selling - bought it used and the back rails broke off after about a 150 rounds. DB sent me a replacement frame at no cost - so great customer service from my perspective. I just can't trust it for carry though.

If they'd change the frame to steel, I'd keep one & find ammo that was dependable. Best of luck with yours.
 
Every time I consider buying one of these I do two things. First I remember my experience with the DB380 and then I visit the Diamondback forum and read a few threads. Problem solved.
 
Well, I have decided not accept the transfer.

I was on the DB forum yesterday and someone just posted that the one hollow point that is suppose to be flawless through the DB9, Remington UMC 115gr jhp, failed a person multiple times. Given 115gr isn't great to begin with, I'm just going to accept the LCP for what it is and
 
I carry a DB9. I have had no problem with 9mm ball ammo. With hollow points, what I do is keep one in the chamber, my next round is 9mm ball ammo and the rest are hollow points. It seems that the first round out of the magazine tilts differently than the rest. I can't say this works in all DB9's but it works in mine.
 
I was in your situation wanting a DB9 because of the size.

I read some reviews and watched videos.

I decided to accept the small increase in size and go with the Kahr CM9.

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The DB9 was the worst pistol I have ever owned. Horrible reliability and worse customer service. My advice is to stay away. Garbage.
 
With the reputation these pustols have, I don't know how they stay in buisness. I tried the DB380 out and it was an unreliable pos at best. The best reviews come from people who don't shoot them at all or put a magazine or two through it.
 
The best reviews come from people who don't shoot them at all or put a magazine or two through it.
Click to expand...

An anecdote to support that idea: I was at a range and a young fellow had just purchased his first pistol, a DB380, and was quite proud of it. He wanted me to try it, and when I did I was pretty unimpressed. I reciprocated and had him try one or two of my pistols (I can't honestly say that I even remember what they were) and he became more and more disenchanted with his pistol, without me giving voice to any criticism, just by comparison. I felt kind of bad, but he left feeling bad about his purchase without me saying a single negative word about it.
 
Well what are we really talking about here?
I mean a quick search shows that right THIS very second you can get one from Classic Firearms for 179.99 shipped..

And who knows it might have been even cheaper in the past meaning it'll probably be cheaper in the future.

Personally when we get to the 200ish price range Im willing to gamble and see for my self (usually).
https://www.classicfirearms.com/diamondback-firearms-db9-9mm-for-sale-db9
It has been my experience that most of the negativity of a particular brand or model is almost always blown out of proportion, The internet loves drama and hyperbole.
Actually maybe it's just the gun community.. I mean people still bring up the broken Beretta slides 30 years ago.

I have never owned a DB, I know the 380 had generally good rep and that it shot well, although I seem to recall a few people having cracked frames, but what % it's hard to say.. I mean you're more likely to find someone vocal about a bad experience then a good one.

Unless money is so tight you can't risk it I'd go ahead and get one if you want one.. it's about the cost of a case of 9mm.

Here's a video of the owner and some of the factory, Kinda interesting.
Apparently they're known for making boats.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMXBjlJdtvg
 
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