Sidearms & Scatterguns Diamondback 9mm: First Impressions (DB9 vs DB380)

stmcelroy

stmcelroy

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 21, 2006
383
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Madras, OR
www.rkbaholsters.com
#1
Just got back from picking up my new Diamondback 9mm and figured I would share my initial impressions.

To start with this thing is tiny, being just a hair larger than the Rohrbaugh and about the same length and height as a Kahr PM9. The maximum width on the Diamondback is .81" whereas the Kahr PM9 is 1.00" across when the slide stop is included.

Slide width on the DB9 is .81", the PM9 is .91".

More pics and impression located here: DB9 vs DB380

IMG_8530.jpg
 
#5
Re: Diamondback 9mm: First Impressions (DB9 vs DB380)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sled Dog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Amer Rifleman just did a dope bag on the 380. Seems like a solid option. </div></div>

The first DB380 I bought sucked and I wouldn't have trusted it at all, the newer one has been flawless after a few break in rounds. Hope the 9mm works out, seems like the perfect pocket gun.
 
#10
Re: Diamondback 9mm: First Impressions (DB9 vs DB380)

its too bad they didnt have the 9mm when i bought the .380 otherwise i probly would have went with the 9mm... guess it doesnt matter anyway i carry a kimber CDP II Ultra now anyway
smile.gif
 
#11
Re: Diamondback 9mm: First Impressions (DB9 vs DB380)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SpenceDaddy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">its too bad they didnt have the 9mm when i bought the .380 otherwise i probly would have went with the 9mm... guess it doesnt matter anyway i carry a kimber CDP II Ultra now anyway
smile.gif
</div></div>

9mm's better than .380 any day, even nicer that it's cheaper to shoot.

I'm going to have to try another 1911 one of these days, sounds like a nice gun you have there.
 
#12
Re: Diamondback 9mm: First Impressions (DB9 vs DB380)

Here are a couple of pictures of the Pocket Holsters for the DB9 and DB9 w/CT. I will also be offering a wedge shaped holster that's better for use in jeans/dress pants.

IMG_8547.jpg


IMG_8553.jpg


There are a couple of more pictures on my blog, should have the IWB holster done Friday or Saturday.
 
#13
Re: Diamondback 9mm: First Impressions (DB9 vs DB380)

Pulled the Crimson Trace off because I started to have some FTF's and there have been reports of rails breaking because of the CT. With the CT I could not shoot Winchester Ranger SXT 147gr JHP's.

Since removing the CT I have fired 103 rounds of both Blazer Brass 115gr FMJ and Winchester Ranger 147gr JHP with absolutely no issues. Shooting was completed rapid fire, as quickly as I could load magazines.

Loving this gun and ready to make it my go to pocket carry gun. Who wouldn't love 6+1 rounds of Winchester Ranger 147gr JHP's in the same package most of the .380's on the market?
grin.gif
 
#15
Re: Diamondback 9mm: First Impressions (DB9 vs DB380)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: M855</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Since these are from the same city as keltech makes you wonder?</div></div>

Former KT employees.
 
#16
Re: Diamondback 9mm: First Impressions (DB9 vs DB380)

Finished up a new pocket holster for my DB9, fits in my summer shorts pocket perfectly.

Has a thumb push built in and a hook to make sure it comes off completely. Has worked every time that I have drawn the gun practicing today.

IMG_8649.jpg


IMG_8650.jpg


IMG_8651.jpg


Here's a link to a blog with this holster and some of the newer stuff that I've done lately: http://rkbaholsters.blogspot.com/2011/07/recent-holster-work-kydex-and-leather.html
 
#17
Re: Diamondback 9mm: First Impressions (DB9 vs DB380)

I'm in the market for pocket or close to pocket gun in 9mm. I'm tempted by the DB9(wish it had same grip stippling as db380), hope the bugs are getting worked out. The db380s had issue, some db9s too though the db380 was learning curve towards db9. The PM9s are realiable and popular but something about the PM and MKs bug me. I looked into the sig p290 until I read the weight-(weighs more than glock 19!) so I quickly disregarded that one! So for me its between two (non-pocket) guns, the Kahr p9 or the Glock 26, the Ruger LC9 and possibly the db9. I'm still kinda wait and see on the db9. I'm rooting for it not just because I may want one but also I'm rooting for an American company that can sell good guns cheaper than other imported guns. Kel-Tec is highly regarded now though initially had issues. I hope DBA has better luck than Kel Tec and gets through the growing pains much quicker! Many like me are liking what they see but forgive me that I'm still a little hesitant.

One last thing, if Sig ever decided to make a 9mm version of the p238, that would be my TOP CHOICE!
Hint Hint c'mon Sig ya gotta be recieving thousands of requests for a 9mm p238!

PS:
NICE HOLSTER WORK!
 
#19
Re: Diamondback 9mm: First Impressions (DB9 vs DB380)

I prefer the grip on the DB9 over the DB380, like to be able to hold onto my gun during recoil.

Being sued and being found guilty of doing something wrong are two different things, lots of companies sue every competitor(ie: Arms).
 
#20
Re: Diamondback 9mm: First Impressions (DB9 vs DB380)

That lawsuit will be wait-and-see for me. Anyway I'm probably not going to get a DB9-at least not now. I will wait a year+ until I'm more confident in their QC. The small slide rails on a 9mm make me a little hesitant. I don't know if the small surface area rails can handle controling slide motion back n fourth when a slide is wanting to go everywhere else as well! Its a lot of force to deal with in a small space and small rail parts. Its a great gun for pushing the limits and I hope DBA garners a great rep! I may get one for total conceal confidence at a later date but I'm probably in the short term deciding on a Kahr standard P9 and good IWB holster. BTW the Kahr P9/PM9 went through a long teething process of several years! They had mag retention issues and other things and I think they also still require 200+ rds break-in!
I hear DBA may have both the 380 and the 9mm buttoned up by now for most of the problems. If that is true that is actualy quite impressive for a gun that's been out roughly 3 months so far! I hope its true!

PS: I might break down and get a P3AT bug at some point if I don't ever get a DB9 and that IWB holster on your website looks like it would do nicley!
 
#21
Re: Diamondback 9mm: First Impressions (DB9 vs DB380)

Ok guess I'm wrong questioning the viability of the small frame rails embedded into the ploy frame of the DB. The Glock also has 4 small rails, spaced apart(Glock owners yelling DUH). The kahr fullsize P9 has longer rail surfaces than the glock though the long front rails are combination of plastic (part of frame molding) with thin metal strips on top the rails. Some consider that flimsy but it works for 9mm. That thin strip will wear over time but keeping a thin amount of lube on them will help extend life.

In a reversal I'd speculate the solid thick rails of the DB probably are better than the thin metal strip/plastic combo rails for the Kahr! Though reality probably is both are fine!-(I hope, cause I just bought a Kahr P9
smirk.gif
)
 
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