M&P Shield vs Diamondback DB9

martybee

martybee

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What are your thoughts on the Diamondback DB9 vs the S&W Shield 9?
For all the reviews I have read sbout the DB9, it seems to be unreliable.
Most reviewers tend to recommend it with a caveat or two. Rarely do they come right out
and say it is not recommended.

The manufacturer says not to use it solely for target practice as it was meant to be a CCW.
There are restrictions on using, +P, +P+, Bullet weights over 124gr., JHP's and foreign ammo.
(will void warranty!)
Can anyone supply info that is creditable on the reliability of this piece?

mb
 
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A friend that I frequently shoot with had a DB9. Quality was poor as were function and reliability. I'm acquainted with others who have had the same experience. Although I've (luckily) not owned a DB9, I've had the opportunity to shoot one. Not impressed.

IMO, the Shield 9 is a top notch quality pistol with unrivaled function and reliability. Mine shares CC duties with a Kahr PM9.
 
The DB's, Keltec's, Taurus Slim, & others like them are lower cost 2nd tier guns that were developed to be at a specific price point. They are for people who don't want to, or can't shell out $350+ for a gun. Where I work, we sell a few, but we also take in some used ones, as the owners aren't happy, want to get rid of them, & end up losing $ & spend more than if they bought a quality gun in the 1st place. If I won a gun like this in a raffle, I'd immediately sell it & use the $ to buy ammo. Since these are "pocket guns" used to possibly save your life, isn't your life worth an extra $100? GARY
 
Get the DB9 if you want cheap and unreliability. Get the Shield if you want quality and reliability. You might really have a hard time making that decision (LOL).

Bob
 
Every Diamondback I've seen in any caliber has has multiple issues. I would avoid them like the plague. The $300 to $450 range gives you about 6 different new or used options like the Nano, CM9, Glock 26, LCP, Shield, Bersa, BG etc
 
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Nothing but good results from my DB9. I have put 500 rounds through it with not a single problem. I do plan on checking out the MP shield though and comparing the two. From what I have seen, nothing out there beats the compactness of the DB9. Mine has served me well.
 
jetjky said:
Nothing but good results from my DB9. I have put 500 rounds through it with not a single problem. I do plan on checking out the MP shield though and comparing the two. From what I have seen, nothing out there beats the compactness of the DB9. Mine has served me well.
Click to expand...

I've heard many stories from Shield owners. Most are positive, the few negative stories were quickly resolved by Smith & Wesson. I've only heard one DB9 story that didn't involve complaints and excuses. You get what you pay for.
 
There are two pistols right now that come to mind that I would suggest for CCW, A M&P Shield 9 MSRP $449.00 and a Kahr CM9 MRSP $460.00.

Both pistols are striker fired, however the Kahr has a very smooth, but long DAO trigger pull, no external safety, comes with one mag and has the bar dot sights. The Shield's trigger is shorter, and very crisp, comes with 2 mags and 3 dot sights.

What I like about the CM9 over the CW series pistols is its size. It's smaller & shorter than the Shield, almost Kimber solo sized. Me personally, I'm a Shield owner and I feel it is the better choice, but the Kahr is worth checking out...

I've havent heard many good things from the guys at the LGS about the DB9. Apparently a few customers have brought them back.
 
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Mark40 said:
I've heard many stories from Shield owners. Most are positive, the few negative stories were quickly resolved by Smith & Wesson. I've only heard one DB9 story that didn't involve complaints and excuses. You get what you pay for.
Click to expand...

Ha ha, yeah and sometimes you don't! I can tell you this much, over the years I have seen many folks bend over backwards to support their brand of choice no matter what. I've heard the Harley vs jap bike crowd yack for years. Both types are good. Regarding these firearms, It is sad that you must BUY before you shoot. Every S&W revolver I have ever owned has been top shelf in my opinion. I can not say that about their "sliders". I just do not know but I can say this much, I have a DB9 and I trust my life to it. I can shoot it very well. Some can not, it is a little gun.
Most of the time, limp whistling ANY semiauto causes jams. The DB9 is no different.

I wish HK made a nice pocket model in 9mm. I carry a HD compact 40 for duty but I still like my Glock 23 better because I can shoot it better.
 
martybee said:
From the majority of opinions expressed on this thread, about the DB9,
I must concur the cons, beat the pros!
mb
Click to expand...

Well Marty since this thread has been resurrected from the dead we anxiously await the result of your purchase decision :)
 
ATF said:
Well Marty since this thread has been resurrected from the dead we anxiously await the result of your purchase decision :)
Click to expand...

While it was not me, who resurrected this thread, I will respond.
I am going to purchase the Shield 9. I have checked it out at the LCG&S. This is a very nice piece and priced very reasonably!
Also get a free membership. This alone would cost &200.

mb
 
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My friend gave me an EXO DB9 as a gift since he knows I collect. Shot it twice and gave it back to him. Multiple FTF. I'll keep my shield 9 for off duty use and rotate with my Glock 19.
 
One of my friends in my shooting club had a Db9 for a bit. 'Had' being the operative word. Just about everyone who tried it, after one of the matches had problems with it. It kicked like a Mule... And that's coming from someone who owns a PF-9. :)
Granted... Some of the guys Limp-Wristed it, but it was prone to both FTFeed, FTExtract, even with bench/vise firing.

After 3 trips back to the factory, he traded it for a Shield.
 
jetjky said:
Ha ha, yeah and sometimes you don't! I can tell you this much, over the years I have seen many folks bend over backwards to support their brand of choice no matter what. I've heard the Harley vs jap bike crowd yack for years. Both types are good. Regarding these firearms, It is sad that you must BUY before you shoot. Every S&W revolver I have ever owned has been top shelf in my opinion. I can not say that about their "sliders". I just do not know but I can say this much, I have a DB9 and I trust my life to it. I can shoot it very well. Some can not, it is a little gun.
Most of the time, limp whistling ANY semiauto causes jams. The DB9 is no different.



I wish HK made a nice pocket model in 9mm. I carry a HD compact 40 for duty but I still like my Glock 23 better because I can shoot it better.
Click to expand...

I agree with this, I made the change suggested by one of the sites ( Pocket guns and gear) which was to change the spring on the DB9 Magazine to the Keltec PF9 spring, cut off two rungs and then put it in the DB9 magazine. Presto this little baby feeds HST like a champ.
I carry my DB9 in an ankle holster and my Shield with the APEX trigger on my strong side in a De Santis holster.
 
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RobzGuns said:
One of my friends in my shooting club had a Db9 for a bit. 'Had' being the operative word. Just about everyone who tried it, after one of the matches had problems with it. It kicked like a Mule... And that's coming from someone who owns a PF-9. :)
Granted... Some of the guys Limp-Wristed it, but it was prone to both FTFeed, FTExtract, even with bench/vise firing.

After 3 trips back to the factory, he traded it for a Shield.
Click to expand...

I forgot about the recoil on the DB9. It was a little monster. I too have a PF9 and was surprised by the DB. If the DB had a face I would have punched it lol
 
I would stick with the top brands like the S&W Shield, Walther PPS, Springfield XDS, PM9/CM9 Kahr and of course the new Glock 43.
 
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