Diamondback DB9....let's talk about it

[NyleRN]

Who owns one and do you pocket carry it? So many articles on pocket 9s list guns that are simply not for pocket carry. I'm wanting something in 9mm that I can actually put in the front pocket of my dress slacks. A shield won't do it, a G26 won't do it, LC9 won't do it either. I've narrowed it down to the DB9, Kahr cm9, or wait for the ruger lcr in 9mm. I'm afraid the lcr9 might be a tad too large. Any thoughts?

 

[Taurahe]

I bought a DB9 and sold it two days later. They had many problems with pins working out, as well as general quality control n issues. I would not even waste the money on one. It would be a good idea to Google the db9 and read up on its known issues. Ymmv

 

[Taurahe]

Have you considered the xds 9mm?

 

[NyleRN]

I bought a DB9 and sold it two days later. They had many problems with pins working out, as well as general quality control n issues. I would not even waste the money on one. It would be a good idea to Google the db9 and read up on its known issues. Ymmv

I've read they fixed that problem by going from 2 pins to 3

 

[Rookie]

I had one. It would jam at least once per mag. Sent it in, they "fixed" it, and it still jammed.

 

[NyleRN]

I had one. It would jam at least once per mag. Sent it in, they "fixed" it, and it still jammed.

Did you try different mags and/or ammo?

 

[Titanium_Frost]

Mine runs 100% with cheap Russian ammo and the quality defense ammo I carry it with. I pocket carry it and use an ankle holster. Great carry gun if you shake it out and it stands up to it.

Ammo selection is important with these guns as they are on a fine line with engineering and physics for a recoil actuated semi auto.

 

[Titanium_Frost]

I'm in Evansville (about 2 hrs away) if you want to try mine out.

 

[NyleRN]

I'm in Evansville (about 2 hrs away) if you want to try mine out.

I appreciate the offer but a guy that works at my LGS has one that I could try out. He seems to like his. His only complaint is no slide lock.

 

[NyleRN]

Another option I have is a PDA/cell phone style case. This gun will only be carried on specific occasions, maybe 1-2 times per week. And only for maybe 4 hrs maximum until I'm back in "normal" attire, then the sig pro goes back on. With the larger screen cell phones back in populous demand I see many folks with those cases on their belts.

 

[Titanium_Frost]

Yeah, the no slide lock sucks a little but I doubt it would be used much if you were protecting yourself with it.

 

[WebSnyper]

Another option I have is a PDA/cell phone style case. This gun will only be carried on specific occasions, maybe 1-2 times per week. And only for maybe 4 hrs maximum until I'm back in "normal" attire, then the sig pro goes back on. With the larger screen cell phones back in populous demand I see many folks with those cases on their belts.

I've seen some reviews on at least the Sneaky Pete brand of these and they were not good. I'm guessing this is a deep conceal, work related thing. Might make it a bit interesting when you pull the mobile phone out of your pocket rather than the phone case. Personally, I'm waiting as I think Glock will be bringing out their single stack 9mm, and if it is close in size to the 42, that would do the trick.

In any case, I'd be looking for a good pocket holster if I were you rather than the cell phone look alike case.

 

[wesnellans]

Beretta Nano? I've never had anything but success with the ones I've had, they're built like tanks, and are only very slightly larger than the DB9. Heavier, but that aids in control...

FWIW

 

[223 Gunner]

I think I had an early one, jam-o-matic.

 

[Rookie]

Did you try different mags and/or ammo?

Yes, nothing helped. FWIW, it was an early model. They might have gotten better, but I'll never know.

 

[Bubbajms]

I shot one at one of the NWI meets and it didn't seem to have any problems. I'd say, though, if an LC9 or Shield is too big for your pocket, you'll see the same from the Diamondback - they're close enough in size (by my hand, I didn't measure) to rule that out.

I'd prefer a j-frame for a pocket over any of the lot that's been discussed so far, but that's just me..

 

[Taurahe]

Fixed or not, the DB9 will always be sub par. The company in general makes inferior products, from their AR line to the handguns. It is not just a isolated issue. If you are willing to put your life on the line with a gun that is questionable at best, have at it. I personally would not.

 

[45fan]

I have to agree with Bubbajms. My wife has a PF-9 (not the diamondback, but very similar in size) and while small for what it is, its still not what I would call a pocketable gun. I have a few J-frames, and an LCP, both of them are quite pocketable, the LCP nearly vanishes in all but the most snug pants. The Jfram is just a tad bit wider, bit still very comfortable in the front pocket. If this is the intended main reason for carry, I would recommend looking at the hammerless variety, and do not discount the LCR from your lists to consider either, it is a fine little revolver, and very light.

 

[maverick18]

I put just a hair under 1k rds through mine before I traded out of it. First 50-60rds woukd jam once a mag, but I always run at least 200rds fmj and 50rds defense ammo before I start carrying a new gun. I liked it a lot but a coworker wanted to pay me more than I paid for it so off it went.
Only issue I had with it was hollowpoint ammo selection. Very short feed ramps meant ot was picky on bullet profile. IIRC, I ended up carrying Winchester Ranger 124grain.

 

[scottka]

I was in the same spot a few years back when I was looking at the DB9 and the CM9. Because of all of the sketchy reviews at the time, I went with the CM9, and I can't imagine being any happier! The CM9 quickly became one of my favorite pistols that I own, which is saying a little something given how much I enjoy some of my others. It's a great little shooter, and for me was more pocketable than the LC9 that I carried up to that point.
By all means, make your own decision, and handle/shoot a DB9, but my vote is solidly in the CM9 category. You'll be very pleased.