Diamondback Pistol Review - Pocket pistols have been popular for as long as there have been firearms. From paper cases to derringers, men and women are often looking for small guns that can be deeply concealed for self-defense.
In this Diamondback DB9 GEN 4 review, I look at the reliability and usability of this small 9mm pistol that was designed for such use.
Diamondback Pistol Review
As the GEN 4 modifier suggests, the pistol I am reviewing is an updated version of the original DB9 pistol. Is the new gun better than the first generation gun? Of course.
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The DB9 GEN 4 is a subcompact 9mm polymer pistol. It is less than 0.9 inches and holds 6 rounds in the magazine. In short, this is a very smooth and easily concealed pistol chambered for a decent defensive cartridge. It can be considered as an alternative to the classic J frame for pocket carry.
The original gun came out about 10 years ago and I had a chance to review it then. Now I'm looking at the GEN 4 gun and comparing it to the original.
The size of this gun will be the first attraction for many shooters. It is relatively small at only 5.7 inches long and 4 inches tall with a flat magazine. With an empty magazine, the gun weighs 13.4 ounces.
In my opinion, one of the most important dimensions of this gun is its thickness. At its widest point, the gun is only 0.89″. Maximum slide width is 0.81″. Some have thicker wallets than this gun.
Diamondback Db9 6 Rd 9mm Fde Pistol
Despite its small size, Diamondback Firearms was able to fit this gun into a 3.1 inch stainless steel barrel.
I envision it as a possible replacement for the J-frame revolver. Most people carry 5 shots. 38 Special in the front pocket for easy to carry and conceal. But the DB9 GEN 4 offers a longer barrel, more cycles between reloads, more effective self-defense ammunition, and a smoother profile than the Smith & Wesson 642. Oh, the DB9 GEN 4 is even lighter.
The texture is on the front and back of the frame in the grip area. The slide, also made of stainless steel, has deep grooves on the front and back for a positive grip. The slide has QPQ black nitride.
The DB9 GEN 4 is a single action pistol with a recoil. You get a consistent pull every time you pull the trigger. The trigger is round with a flat face.
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There is a lot of short-term money. Using an average of 10 pulls with a digital Lyman trigger gauge, I measured the pull weight at just under 7.4 pounds.
When the trigger is cocked, the trigger rests against the gun frame, eliminating potential movement. Recovery is relatively short.
That's probably the best word to describe the DB9 GEN 4 pistol sights. Many, if not most, sights on pocket pistols are small and difficult to use. When you add in how your sights change due to the body's alarm response in a self-defense encounter, many subcompact handgun sights are functionally useless.
Diamondback firearms were selected with large sights compatible with Glock mounts. This means that if the factory views don't ring your bell, you can swap them out for any other design on the market.
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Before you go to the Brownell catalog to find a new set, check the stock location. They are very good. In fact, they are the best factory 3-dot sights on any subcompact handgun currently on the market.
The Diamondback uses a wide U-shaped rear sight that allows for quick sighting in defensive positions. While potentially less accurate, the design should allow you to get your gun on target quickly for massed center shots. Many aftermarket companies are turning to this style because of its performance.
Having a gun to protect yourself is only part of the equation. Another variable is the quality of the sheath. Fortunately, Diamondback works with holster companies to make sure you have the available concealed carry options.
However, there are other companies to consider: Blackhawk and DeSantis. Both of these companies offer pocket boxes that are compatible with the DB9 GEN 4. Of these, my top pick is the DeSantis Nemesis.
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I have used various sizes of Nemesis for all kinds of pocket pistols including the 642 and the Kahr CM9. The Nemesis works well, is durable and affordable.
Diamondback Firearms offers a limited lifetime warranty on the DB9 GEN 4. You must have proof of purchase to obtain warranty work, and you may be responsible for some handling charges. Of course, Diamondback doesn't cover anything you want to fix or break. Also, you need to observe the correct accessories of the weapon. Running a "Super Blaster Double ++P++" will void your warranty, as with any firearm manufacturer.
When it comes to defensive firearms, reliability is king. If a gun is not reliable, it is not suitable for personal defense.
The DB9 Gen 4 was completely reliable with over 10 different 9mm loads. These loads were a heavy mix of both point blank and practical loads, standard speed and +P. All of them ran flawlessly.
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Accuracy was acceptable for a subcompact pistol. Most loads fell in the 2″ – 2.5″ range for an unsupported 5 shot at 7 yards.
Subcompact pistols are small in nature. If you have large hands, this gun will feel small. Make sure you feel it in the store so you know what you're getting. While I had no problem shooting it, others might.
My primary concern at the range with the DB9 GEN 4 is recoil. In a small pistol, 9mm cartridges can feel fast. The slim nature of this gun – about 0.89″ at the rear – pushes the rear into a tight wrist area. When I was shooting after the shot, that part of my hand became tender from the repeated blows.
For a little practice in the range, the recoil won't bother the average shooter. However, if you plan to shoot advanced pistol classes with the DB9, you will feel it.
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The second concern for me is that the magazine release button is small and difficult to activate. This is a double-edged sword. If the button sits proudly above the edge of the frame, there is a good chance it will be depressed during shipping. Alternatively, difficult access makes quick reloads difficult.
Statistics compiled by John Correa in his Proactive Defense show that reloads rarely occur during illegal deadly force encounters. This suggests that ease of access to a journal publication that cannot be accidentally activated while in a pocket is less important.
I would prefer an easier to activate release, but you may be comfortable with how the DB9 GEN 4 works.
While there are obvious connections between the two guns, the GEN 4 version of the DB9 is a significant improvement over the original. Here are some important points:
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Ammunition - While both guns are chambered in 9mm, only the GEN 4 is rated for +P loads. If you're not familiar with the term, +P is the industry standard that indicates when a cartridge increases chamber pressure above the standard load. Many self-defense loads are rated +P and can be fired in GEN 4, but not in the original pistol.
Note: SAAMI, the industry organization that sets cartridge standards, has a specific range of pressures that are considered safe for the 9mm +P rating. If a load has a +P+ rating, it produces a higher pressure than any SAAMI specification and should not be fired in that gun.
Also, Diamondback Firearms recommends only 124 grain or lighter bullets in the original gun. According to Walker, the new gun has no such limitations.
Sights - This is another important upgrade to the gun. The original DB9 had small sights that were difficult to use. With the GEN 4, Diamondback included serious combat sights on the guns and used Glock-style mounts to allow for a wide range of upgrades as needed.
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Recoil Spring Assembly - The GEN 4 gun uses a recoil spring. This makes mowing and assembling areas much easier.
Another note about the recoil spring is that it is noticeably lighter on the GEN 4. I have seen many people struggle to ride the slide on the original DB9. In contrast, the GEN 4 slide doesn't require nearly as much power to handle properly.
Trigger – According to the company, the new pistol has an “improved trigger pull and shorter recoil”. I'm a little confused about the new gun.
The original gun had a long but continuous draw during the stroke. Using a Lyman trigger pull gauge, I measured my original DB9 10 at an average of 5 pounds, 15 ounces.
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The new DB9
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