Getting a Diamondback DB380

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Horvath819

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I've been looking at the DB380's and have decided to get one. Problem is I can't decide whether to get the black, matte silver, or nickel finish slide. Price difference doesn't really matter and I like the nickel finish a lot. I'm just worried about the durability of the nickel slide which makes me lean towards the black or matte silver, HELP ME OUT!
 
I had one of those that had the same exact problem. It left me for another brand.
That's just the frosting on the cake.

The slide locks back at random times.

The trigger fails to reset often.

The firing pin block decided to lock the firing pin all the time. That's when I finally had to send the gun to DB and I was told DB would not pay for the shipping (on a 6 week old gun).
Then when I got the gun back from DB the firing pin block worked properly but the the trigger won't reset.

I could have easily fixed the firing pin block problem myself but DB said they would not sell me the parts.


Horvath819, like a fellow told me after I bought the DB and SIG P238 (another problem child),
"I warned you, but you didn't listen". :banghead:
 
Wow I wasn't aware of all the problems these guns have. Maybe I'll get a Kel-tec PF9 instead. Anyone know who has the PF9 in stock?
 
FYI, The company won't sell you extra recoil spring(s), I know, I tried to buy one so I would have a spare for when it's needed. LM
 
I look at those (and the SCCY) at about the same level I look at off-brand, 1-ply toilet paper. And I'd use them for the same function, and that would be all. (Though I might get some pleasure out of flushing them down the tube.) :D
 
For the better quality, I would very heavily consider the Sig Sauer P238 if I were you. It used to have a lot of problems when it was first released, but now I don't hear any more problems about the little gun (Sig has fixed the issues slowly since its initial release). If you look up reviews, forum posts, et cetera about the pistol, make sure to always check the date the article was posted. Almost any recent article shows the gun is clear of any remaining problems. It is a lot nicer to shoot than most of the other small .380 ACP pistols (including the Kel-Tec or Ruger).

If money is a big issue (the P238 isn't a ton of money, but more than some of the others), then you are making the right choice with the Kel-Tec. But it definitely won't be as comfortable to shoot for long periods of time; some might tell you that this isn't a big problem, because it's not intended to be a range gun. HOWEVER, if you plan to use this gun as a CCW, then you want to get as comfortable and confident with it as you possibly can. This includes being able to shoot it often at the range to really become proficient with the weapon, as well as being able to put a good amount of self-defense rounds through it (so you know that it is reliable with whatever brand you choose).

The P238 is a different action then most of the other pocket .380 ACPs. Instead of the favored double-action only pistols, it acts like a 1911-style pistol by being single-action only; meaning the best way to carry is condition 1 (cocked-and-locked). Make sure to check the date of the gun you buy to insure that it is made sometimes after May or June of 2010. Then you'll likely be problem-free with this great pistol.
 
I do, I've got a PF9 and P11 that have been flawless from the gate. Some require a little "fluff and buff" on the feed ramp, but that doesn't turn me off whatsoever. They are a less-expensive gun, but not CHEAP at all. Just my .02
 
Well I just ordered a Kel-Tec PF9 from Bud's for $278. Thanks guys for all your feedback and talking me out of the DB380, seems like that gun would have been nothing but problems. I saved about $50 and I get an extra round with the PF9 over the DB380. How is the blued finish on the PF9, pretty durable?
 
Good choice, the reviews for the DB380 are overwhelmingly negative. It's a shame because the gun is a great concept. I hope they start making proper guns.

I hear the pf9 finish is ok, not Glock like, but good enough if you take care of it. Wipe it down with a gun rag (not the kind you read) after each day of carry and you should be fine. I think you will also enjoy the cheaper and more powerful 9mm ammo that the pf9 is made for. Also, kel-tec as great CS.
 
Good choice passing on the Diamondback & getting the pf9. I don't own one but I have heard only good things about them. I have a TCP that has had some bad press also, but not as bad as the DB380. I hope they get that gun straightened out because it looks & feels great. I almost bought one this past summer. It would be a welcome addition to the 380 ranks with the bugs worked out.
 
The fact that the DB380 was pretty much based off a Glock design, and the grippy looking slide serrations almost sold me on it. It's too bad there's so many problems with the DB380
 
What should I do for break in on this gun? Should I shoot 100 or so FMJ, and then some JHP rounds before I carry it?

You got it. My usual new gun break in includes a pre-cleaning an lube, then a racking of the slide a few hundred times to help the recoil spring break in (while wearing work gloves), this probably isn't all that neccessary but it helps and is a habit I picked up from getting my kahr pm9. Then I put at least 100 fmj rounds and a box of my defensive ammo through the gun (and I expect most of them to be trouble free, especially the bulk of the later rounds)before trusting it. Get a good holster, an extra mag or three and maybe some snap caps for frequent practice and you're set IMO.
 
I had a pf-9, it's not the most comfortable to shoot but it is a very comfortable gun to carry. I used to carry it iwb and would forget it was there. I found it a bit large for pocket carry (not a big fan of that carry method anyway). My pf-9 performed flawlessly and was surprisingly accurate, but wasn't that comfortable for me to shoot.
 
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