Diamondback .380 Range Report

[kowenjr]

Took my new DB out to the range and put 50 rounds of American Eagle, 50 rounds of WWB flat nose and 20 rounds of Corbon DPX through it. I had 1 light primer strike and 1 FTF in the first four mags of AE and then was smooth sailing from there on out. Compared to my KelTec P3AT, it shot much nicer with the better grip and better sights. I did make sure I held on tight so I could rule out any limp wristing if there was any problems. I didn't know what to expect after reading all the reports online. I read alot of bad stuff about KelTecs too but have two and both of those have been 100% with hundreds of rounds through both. I need to put more through the DB to feel confident to carry it daily, but I am hoping it stays reliable because I really like the feel of the gun (much better than the KelTec). I figured there may be a lot of people looking into this gun so I just wanted to throw one more report out there for you to consider

 

[G.A.Pster]

Did you clean it before you took it out to shoot?

 

[juk]

It is the same Diamondback that makes fan/air boats, right? I have heard that it is the same company, and that compounds my curiosity. Do you have any pics of the gun? Maybe even internal shots?

 

[bannockburn]

kowenjr

I have seen and handled a couple of them at the local gunshows. While I like the grip size I am a bit concerned about the smaller area within the trigger guard. Seems to be kind of cramped in there, with not a lot of room between your finger and the trigger. Did you notice this at all?

 

[kowenjr]

Yes it is the same company that makes air boats from what I understand. I did clean it before I shot it. With the Keltecs and the Kahr PM9 I did a fluff and buff on each of them and they were all 100%. On the DB I did not as the feed ramp seemed very polished and I did not want to use the 1500 grit wet sandpaper on the blackened barrel. It is very comfortable in the hand. It feels more like a gun than the KT's do, plus having actual sights makes shot placement much better. I have medium size hands but my fingers are a little on the skinny side so the trigger guard size was not a problem. It would be hard with gloves that were not tight fitting.
The fit and finish on the gun are pretty impressive for such a little gun. It does look like a miniture Glock and operates almost exactly the same. The only thing I had trouble with was the takedown lever. When you pull down on them one side or the other will drop but it's hard to get both to pull down at the same time. They are very small.
I was hoping for the best and prepared for the worst when I shot it. It wasn't 100% but my confidence grew by the end of shooting. After the next range time I hope to be carrying it daily.

 

[SKILCZ]

Thanks for the range report. If I could get my hands on one to try, it might find its way into my carry rig if it lives up to the hype.

 

[G27RR]

Mine hasn't lived up to the hype due to 1-2 failures to extract per mag. I have tried other mags so I assuming it's an extractor issue. It should be broken in by now because I've got about 200-225 rounds through it.

On the plus side, mine breaks down easily, handled well, shot better than my LCP but not as good as my Sig P238, and had nice sights (although not quite asnice as the P238).

I also like the appearance and the fit and finish seemed okay for the price.

 

[ecsimmons66]

Diamondback 380

I took mine out, every other round stoved piped, i was not happy. My lcp 380 fired alot better but the db 380 has a better grip and beaver tail, so i will try it again might to put more rounds through it.

 

[heeler]

My Diamondback 380 now has slightly over 600 rounds through it and burns through all ammo I put through it except Hornady Critical Defense which it just will not feed reliably.
I am pretty happy with mine.
It did have to go back to DB for the magazine popping out after each shot starting at round number 217 but since that repair it's been a great little pistol.
I have it on me as I type this.

 

[TDR911]

I have had no issues with mine at 240 rounds. I would try several different ammo brands and go from there.

 

[cop4u17]

Makes a great paper weight!

I saw the little gun it felt good in my hand, and the guy at the gun shop talked very highly of it. So I bought it for a back-up and off duty weapon. I took it out to shoot it to get the feel of the gun. The gun would fire only one shot, and try to double feed. It did this time and time again. The owner of the gun shop was kind enough to send it back to the factory for me, stating that the gun was to be used as a back-up weapon for a law enforcement officer, so to please test fire. I got the gun back with a response from Diamond Back stating that the extractor was replaced and had 20 rounds fired with no misfires. After shooting 16 rounds it began doing the same thing. I’ve had it with Diamond Back! I need a weapon that is going to be dependable. My life could be at stake.
If you have the $$$ to spend…..” it makes a great paper weight”

 

[M2 Carbine]

Makes a great paper weight!

That's what I call mine now.

6-7 different kinds of ammo. About 200 rounds.
Fails to feed.
Fails to extract and or eject.
Light primer strikes.
Trigger randomly fails to reset.

Finally the gun stopped shooting all together.
A trip to DB cured nothing and DB wanted me to pay the shipping on a gun that was only 6 weeks old.

I liked the gun but it does make a better paperweight than a defense gun.

 

[harmon rabb]

Yes it is the same company that makes air boats from what I understand.

Glock made shovels before making guns.