Had a chance to pick one up for less than $250 earlier today, but don't know too much about them, so wanted to do some research and ask here first. My research online so far has turned up lots of conflicting reports, so does not help me much so far.

Here is a Diamondback forum that I found recently: http://www.diamondbackforum.com

Sounds like several of the early models had problems. Look for a model with a serial number that begins with "YF" or higher.

Good luck
~JM~

Just a quick look at the posts on that forum would make me pass on a DB9...

That's probably good advice but... This guy bought a good one & managed to run 2K rounds through it without any malfunction: http://www.diamondbackforum.com/index.php?topic=3937.0

Sounds like most all of the mini pocket 9mm pistols have some type of issue or another. I doubt they will ever be as reliable as a J-frame.

~JM~

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Of the Troops & For the Troops

and I thought the recoil was snappy...snappier than I expected, or wanted, that's for sure. It felt OK, but I only ran a few mags through it to get a feel for it.

Matt

Shot my first one a week ago, a pink one of all things that my youngest son got for his girlfriend. Only ran a couple of mags thru it but the sights were usable, it didn't jam and it was easy to hit with. Recoil was inconsequential.

They were selling it at such a discount. I do not have much money to play around with and don't need another project, so perhaps it is best to have passed on it. Thank you for the link, a lot of interesting information there.

Yep, read it, but as good as Jeff is, he did not have the time to live with it for a while and write about his experiences after a year or more with it. Not his fault, or a problem with his article, just that I had read several experiences of folks having trouble after some time, but before the recommended break-in period was concluded. Seems there is an ongoing problem with breaking triggers and weak magazine springs.

The sights were one of the things that really caught my eye, very nice for such a small piece.

a couple that went back to the factory (early guns) but haven't seen them come in for sale or on trade. Have sold others without complaint.

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Sincerely,

Hobie

Based on the discussions in the forum linked above, it looks like the company has gotten more responsive to customer complaints and made some significant improvements in newer guns.

My son has one and it is his usual carry gun. Hard to beat a Ruger...

gun in the country.

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Sincerely,

Hobie

Compact I would probably have an LC9 or Shield. Neither was out at the time. Instead I now pack an XDS in 45 - less rounds but bigger hole...

...shot it quite a bit, and carried it a lot. I loved the idea of a full 9mm that was the same size as an LCP, and I really liked the pistol. A close friend talked me into selling it to him for his daughter, and a couple years later, she still carries it daily. I know some folks don't like them, but I do.

That is the sort of report I was hoping for, based on some actual, extended experience. May have to reconsider my choice if it is still available next time I get over that way.

.

with the supposedly awful, unimproved trigger pull. Hit real well with it at 15 yards, which surprised me. I thought the trigger was ideal for a pocket gun. I'm not a 9mm guy but with 147 HST's you'd get top-tier 38 ballistics in a flat, quick reloading package.