DB9 has returned, we'll see?

[LightningMan]

A while back there was a post on Daimondbacks DB9, asking the question if they have improved or not? I told my problems with mine, first being the problems with feeding & ejecting, and getting it back only to have a trigger bar break after 4 rounds fired. Well now I have it back from its second trip, and we'll see if it will shoot without any more issues. Will get back with a report when I make it to the range this weekend. Here's to crossing my fingers. LM

 

[mtnkid85]

Ill be watching this. Just got to fondle one of these, the size sure is appealing.

 

[WardenWolf]

I've yet to hear from a single person who hasn't had problems with these guns, so I'm not crossing my fingers. DB's tend to self-destruct quite readily, in the event you can get them to actually feed and shoot to begin with. I've actually heard of people having better luck with potmetal guns from Jennings / BryCo than these things. A trigger bar is not something that should ever break. It's not a "wear" part. If that part breaks, it means it has the bare minimum amount of structural integrity needed to function under ideal circumstances, and speaks loads to the quality of the product.

 

[VBVAGUY]

I've yet to hear from a single person who hasn't had problems with these guns, so I'm not crossing my fingers. DB's tend to self-destruct quite readily, in the event you can get them to actually feed and shoot to begin with. I've actually heard of people having better luck with potmetal guns from Jennings / BryCo than these things. A trigger bar is not something that should ever break. It's not a "wear" part. If that part breaks, it means it has the bare minimum amount of structural integrity needed to function under ideal circumstances, and speaks loads to the quality of the product.

I have a Diamondback DB9 and have not had any problems with mine. I have modified my CrimsonTrace Laser to fit and work with my DB9. I used to sometimes carry a S&W Bodyguard 380, but since the DB9 is about the same size but uses a more powerful cartidge, I will be selling my S&W BG380 and the DB9 will be taking its place. God Bless

 

[LightningMan]

Update!

Update range report; I just got back after running about 150 rounds through my DB9 and heres my results. I first started with some factory ammo, (Federal Premium) 124gr Hydra-Shok, 20rds. Started with a full mag, but I would maybe get 2-3 rounds before a FTF would happen,( bullets nose would hang up on the feed ramp) so I would refill the mag, as I wanted it to fire a full mag without a mishap, besides I only had 20 rds. Out of that box I only was able to get a full mag ( 6rds ) to fire without issue. :banghead: So next I tried a box of my reloads,( 50rds)-( 125 RNL over 3.7 grs Bullseye ) Again many FTF, but it's possable this load was a bit light and the slide may not have been picking up the next round as I had a few times when the gun fired then the next pull of the trigger went click. Next up, 25 rds of Hornady Critical Defence 115 gr. FTX, This performed well, but still had 1 FTF out of 25 rds. Not sure why on this one. The last rounds I tried were again reloads, ( 50rds ) this time Rainier 115 plated RN bullets over 4.5 grs of Bullseye. This load worked flawless, every round no problems, even shooting the pistol as fast as I could get back on target. This is not a great review of my range trip, but at least my pistol didn't break a trigger bar like last time. FWIW, unless I can find some factory personal defence ammo, that will run like that last box of reloads, this pistol will not be in my carry rotation. LM

 

[booboo22]

Try that mag mod witht the PF9 spring. It seems to have done the trick for me, and quite a few others. Only costs about 6 bucks also.

 

[NG VI]

Maybe there's a distinct preference for light bullets with decent charges for this pistol?

Normally I'm all about the 124-147 bullets, heavier especially in shorter barrels, but you've got to figure out what the system wants to digest and stick with it.

 

[Yuman2]

I bought a DIAMOND BACK DB9 recently. Haven’t had the chance to test it extensively yet. I shot (guessing) about 50 rounds of 2 or 3 diff. brands of ammo through it … some with jamming failures as described in this forum, and I can definitely relate to the guy who said “you need 3 hands” in order to fix it. I have one question at this point in time … can anyone here please tell me which (self defense) ammo is most reliable? Better yet … is there one which seems to approach 100% reliability, since this would be my primary carry gun? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[BSA1]

FMJ i.e ball is the most relible.

 

[LightningMan]

I will give an updated usage of my DB9, while I haven't shot it much sence that last outing, I have put about 100 rds through it sence then. Again the plated RN reloads worked well, but still had a couple of FTF out of 50 rds, and the same with RN lead reloads, which were better than the earlier test, as they were not on the wimpy side. IMO the biggest problem with this pistol is the recoil spring, and the way it is put together. I really think if they would use a captured recoil type spring, it would improve things. I have an idea, I've been giving some thought about, ok I've already ordered one and going to try a different recoil spring assembly. If this works I will report back. LM

 

[StrikeFire83]

These pistols are GAR-BAGE. The heir apparent the Locrin and Raven junk.

 

[Nasty]

Just posted this in another thread, but here it is again...

Bought one two months ago (YB serial) as a lark and have nothing but success with mine. Restricted to 124gr and lighter and no P+ but I can live with that.

Several hundred rounds through it now...no issues whatsoever.

Target below is 75 rounds at 20 yards rapid fire offhand.

 

[C0untZer0]

It's been a while since I've been to DB's site. I decided a while ago to pass on the gun. It obviously had a lot of documented problems - not only on forums like this and The Firing Line but on the DB forum itself.

I don't recall seeing where DB acknowledged a design flaw or announced any change to the DB9.

What would make the buying public think that the pistols are different now than they were a year ago?

 

[Swing]

I had a chance to look one over at a gunshop recently. Amazingly small for a 9.

 

[Nasty]

By their adding a third trigger pin perhaps?

It's on the website...

 

[FREERANGETIME!]

DB Pistols

Had the .380, it was the worst P.O.S. I ever owned, the 9mm came out, decided to give it the benefit of the doubt, it was the 2nd biggest P.O.S. I ever owned, I have ranted and raved here on THR in great detail of the MANY reasons to view these guns AND the company that makes them, as WORTHLESS.
Let me put it to you like this, if I was going into what I KNEW was a life or death situation and I had only a sharp stick or a DB pistol as options for self preservation, I would choose the sharp stick, at least then I would stand a chance.

 

[LightningMan]

UPDATE: I forgot about this thread, and really can't remember where I left off with my problems with the DB9, but the last time I sent it back to the mother ship they sent me a new pistol in return. I dropped it like a hot potato. Took it to a local pawn shop, that will sell guns on consignment and they get 10% of the take with the minium price set by me. I got more than I was willing to let it go for, as I wanted at least $275, but got $290 for my trouble. Not to bad for buying it used for $285 and getting a new one, then selling it to get my money back. Now when I see these POS at gun shows, I just think to myself, how many more of these will end up going back, because they won't hold up. LM

 

[FREERANGETIME!]

Same situation

After the 2nd time my .380 went back they sent me a new one, as soon as I recieved it I opened the box to verify it was there, then took it to my dealer and sold it to him, I got the $300 I had into it but it had 2 mags because I didnt send the mag back when I sent it to the factory, plus I was out over $100 on money spent on ammo trying to get it to work along with shipping and FFL transfer fees, my dealer told me less than 30 minutes after I left his shop he sold it to the first guy that laid hands on it for $350, this is also the same dealer I got my DB9 from and he told me of the 5 DB9s he sold every single one of them ended up going back to the factory, dude I got the .380 from told me of the 2 he sold both went back to the factory and both ended up being replaced and the guy that got the other replacement ended up having to send that one back in too, how the hell is DB even still in business, how is it that the whole damn world is not yet aware of the need to avoid buying thier P.O.S. guns?

 

[kokapelli]

It is a complete mystery to me why anyone that has done any research on DB pistols would buy one!

 

[C0untZer0]

Because they added a third trigger pin...

 

[LightningMan]

The only reason I can think of as to why DiamondBack stays in business, is I believe the vast majority of people that buy one will only shoot it once to see that it functions, then just carry it when they think they will need it. I don't think DB believes there are people that will actually shoot there pistols much, which is possable considering how painful the DB9 is to shoot. LM

 

[WardenWolf]

Guns like this are why I convinced my father to get a Polish P-64. He was eyeing the Diamondback .380. After looking at all the problems people had with the various commercial .380 pistols compared to milsurps like the P-64, it was an easy choice. We both bought P-64s, and we're both happy with them.

 

[Ehtereon11B]

I have not heard anything good about the reliability of the DB pistols. It is one thing to herald the size and weight in the press releases and everyone hides when someone mentions the R word. I have also heard they downright hate (read as explode) with +p ammo. Most modern firearms I have seen will say "you can shoot +p but it will wear down the parts faster." So Diamondback is a little behind on that game. And not to mention they look like they are knock off Baby Glocks with Hi-Point prices. Get what you pay for.