Diamondback .380 Review

   I have always been a fan of compact .380 pistols as a back-up. Or as a primary weapon if the situation (and clothing) dictates that a larger pistol isn't possible. When the Diamondback .380 hit the market, I simply had to have one because it was so similar to a Glock.  Prior to acquiring the diamondback I had grown accustomed to a Keltec P3AT and an AMT Backup, Both in .380ACP.
  Now I know there is no shortage of SuperNinjas lining up to tell me how wrong I am for carrying, or even owning a .380. But with the right ammo, the dinky .380 is not to be underestimated. But that is the subject of a different post.
  The Diamondback .380 from Diamondback Firearms of Cocoa Beach Florida is a new entry on the handgun market. So I was tentative to plunk down the $399. Federal Reserve bucks to get one. But after looking one over thoroughly I was impressed with the precision fit and finish and neat design features.  To describe this gun I would have to say that it looks like a Smith & Wesson M&P and a Glock had a love child. The Diamondback (DB) has slide serrations just like an M&P. The shape of the frame and slide look very much like a generation 1 Glock. If you use the standard Glock takedown procedure to remove the slide you will see that on the inside it looks a lot like a Keltec. This pistol is almost identical in size and dimension to a Keltec P3AT and the magazines can be used in the Keltec (and vice-versa) And if Cocoa Beach sounds familiar that's because Cocoa is the home of the Space Shuttle... AND KELTEC!!! In fact rumor has it Diamondback and Keltec are across the street from each other.  WHAT??? How is that possible, what the..
  Still a little mind boggled by the Cocoa Beach thing, I decided to clear my mind at the usual spot (the gun range). Firing the DB for the first time was a bit disappointing. You always want a gun to work flawlessly out of the box, and the DB didn't. The DB's barrel has a built in feed ramp protrusion. Under the ramp is a square block that is part of the trigger assembly.  The Slide under forward motion / tension was trying to push the nose of the bullet out of the magazine into that square trigger block. This problem repeated itself with the first few rounds of every magazine. I tried 2 stock Diamondback magazines, 2 Keltec magazines and 2 Mecgar magazines. The problem persisted and it was much worse with hollowpoints: (Aguila, Winchester and Corbon). When the gun did run, it shot well (with S&B roundnose). It was accurate and mild mannered with a decent trigger. The DB was much more accurate than my Keltec and easier on my hand than the AMT. So I was more frustrated that it wouldn't run with a full mag, because I really wanted to keep shooting it.  After my first range session I spoke with a friend about it.  He said that "Diamondbacks allegedly have a break in period that is longer than the life expectancy of a Keltec". So I loaded all my mags to "break them in". It appears as if the spring tension in the mag is causing the feedlips to direct the cartridges straight ahead as they feed, smashing the bullets into the trigger block. After some of that spring tension lets up, the cartridges can angle up a bit and nose into the feed ramp.
 My 2nd visit to the range was more satisfying than the first. I shot all Winchester whitebox roundnose and the gun ran much better. Although it still wasn't flawless. It is a damn shame that this gun doesn't run perfectly because it is so easy to shoot.  If you have ever shot an AMT Back-up you know what I mean, a rat-trap trigger and Brutal recoil!! The only more abusive carry gun I've had was a stainless Firestar .40.
  So, do I trust this gun enough to carry it?  With a .380 the key to success in a critical incident is high performance ammo.  My favorite ammo is Mag-safe Defender. I can't use that ammo in this gun.  I have to carry a roundnose bullet or risk malfunctions. Glaser Safety slugs or DRT. Both rounds are hollow points but both are designed to feed like roundnose ammo. Neither is a bad alternative. The Glaser is actually a really good performer in .380.  So "yes" I will carry it, and that's what it will be. Unless I find a dealer willing to trade me a SIG P238. (any takers?)