DIAMONDBACK DB15
Posted May 14, 2023
Introduction
Diamondback Firearms is a family-owned company located in Cocoa, Florida. Established in 2009, they quickly became one of the leading AR-style firearms companies in the United States. Their products are renowned for their quality, reliability, and accuracy. One such product is their bestselling DB15 rifle. The DB15 is chambered in multiple rounds, including 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem. It is an affordable, feature-rich, and reliable semi-automatic rifle that is suitable for nearly any application. Whether you are a recreational shooter, home defender, or entry-level competitor, the Diamondback DB15 can provide you with reliable performance. In this review, we will discuss the features and performance of the Diamondback DB15 to help you decide if it is the right rifle for you.
Features
The Diamondback DB15 comes with a variety of great features that help make it an excellent choice for a semi-automatic, AR-style rifle. Let’s start off by taking a look at the barrel. The DB15 is equipped with a 16” 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel with a nitride finish for increased durability and corrosion resistance. The 1:9 twist rate is perfect for shooting both 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem rounds, providing a good blend of accuracy and speed. The barrel is topped off by an A2 birdcage flash hider, ensuring that the shooter is not dazzled by muzzle blast after each shot.
Moving back to the body, the DB15 features an anodized aluminum upper and lower receiver that are joined together by two cross-pins. The upper receivers feature a Picatinny rail that allows shooters to easily mount their favorite optic and other accessories. The lower receiver houses the fire control group and is equipped with an integrated trigger guard. The lower also features an ergonomic grip, making it comfortable and secure to shoot.
Another great feature on the DB15 is its adjustable gas system. The gas system is adjustable for different ammunition types, allowing the shooter to tune the rifle for the most reliable performance. Additionally, the DB15 is fitted with a collapsible 6-position stock, making it easy to adjust for shooters of all sizes. This rifle also comes with a Magpul MOE+ pistol grip, ensuring the shooter has a comfortable and secure grip.
Performance
Now that we have taken a closer look at the features of the Diamondback DB15, let’s move on to performance. For starters, the DB15 is an incredibly reliable rifle. During our testing, we experienced zero malfunctions, jams, or other issues, even with a variety of different ammunition. On the range, the DB15 performed extremely well, with good accuracy and manageable recoil. The adjustable gas system helped ensure that the recoil was not excessive, while the 1:9 twist rate provided good accuracy even with a variety of different bullet weights.
The trigger on the DB15 is decent, but far from match-grade. It has a 4.9 lb pull weight and a crisp but slightly mushy break. It’s perfectly suitable for recreational shooting and home defense, but may not be ideal for competitive shooting. We suggest upgrading the trigger if you plan to use the DB15 for competitive purposes.
Overall, the Diamondback DB15 performed well and exceeded our expectations for an entry-level rifle. It was reliable, accurate, and maneuverable, making it a great choice for recreational shooters, home defenders, and those looking for a good first rifle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Diamondback DB15 is an excellent choice for shooters of all types. It is reliable, accurate, and feature-rich, making it a great choice for nearly any application. The adjustable gas system and 6-position stock help ensure comfort and reliability, while the 1:9 twist rate provides good accuracy. Additionally, it is incredibly affordable and comes in multiple chamberings, making it a great option for shooters on a budget. So, if you’re looking for a reliable, accurate, and affordable rifle, the Diamondback DB15 is a great choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- High-quality and reliable construction due to its forged 7075 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum receivers and cold-hammer-forged 4140 Chrome-Moly Vanadium steel barrel.
- Reliable performance even with tough environments thanks to its chrome line chamber and bore.
- Incredibly lightweight design.
- A milled flat top Picatinny rail perfect for mounting optics, lights, and other components.
- An ergonomic pistol grip, adjustable stock, and comfortable ambidextrous controls.
- Low recoil thanks to its buffer tube and muzzle device.
- Low price point.
Cons:
- Limited availability of spare parts.
- Limited long-range accuracy due to shorter barrel.
- Reports of unreliable box magazine releases.
- Poor magazine capacity.
- May be too light for some people's taste.
Who Should Buy
The Diamondback DB15 should be purchased by anyone looking for an affordable AR-style rifle that is reliable, accurate, and easily customizable. It offers a great value and is suitable for recreational shooters, hunters, and even competitive shooters.
The Diamondback DB15 should not be purchased by anyone looking for a high-end tactical rifle with superior accuracy. It is not designed to offer superior accuracy and it lacks features that one might expect to find on a more expensive rifle. Additionally, it may not be suitable for someone who needs a rifle that can handle more intense conditions, as it may not be as reliable and durable as some other rifles.
Comparisons
| Specification | DB15 | |||
| Caliber | 5.56 NATO / .223 Rem | |||
| Barrel Length | 16” | |||
| Action | Direct Impingement Semi-Auto | |||
| Handguard | 15" M-Lok Slim Rail Handguard | |||
| Upper Receiver | Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum | |||
| Lower Receiver | Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum | |||
| Magazine | (1) 30 Round | |||
| Length | 32.5" - 36" | |||
| Weight | 6.5 lbs | |||
| Stock | 6-Position Collapsible | |||
| Specification | Ruger AR-556 | PSA AR-15 | Smith & Wesson M&P15 | Spikes Tactical |
| Caliber | 5.56 NATO | 5.56 NATO | 5.56 NATO/ .223 Rem | 5.56 NATO/ .223 Rem |
| Barrel Length | 16.1" | 16" | 16" | 16" |
| Action | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Auto | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic |
| Handguard | M-Lok | M-Lok | M-Lok Handguard | M-Lok Handguard |
| Upper Receiver | Forged 7075 | Forged 7075 Aluminum | Forged 7075 | Forged 7075 Aluminum |
| Lower Receiver | Forged 7075 | Forged 7075 Aluminum | Polymer | Forged 7075 Aluminum |
| Magazine | (1) 10 Round | (1) 30 Round | (1) 30 Round | (1) 30 Round |
| Length | 32.25" - 35.5" | 32.5" - 36" | 32" - 35" | 30.5" - 34.5" |
| Weight | 6.5 lb | 6.5 lbs | 6.45 lb | 6.62 lb |
| Stock | 6-Position Collapsible | 6-Position Collapsible | 6-Position Collapsible | 6-Position Collapsible |
Features / Specs
•Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
•Barrel: 6" Free Float
•Chamber: 5.56 NATO, .223 Wylde
•Gas System: Carbine Length
•Handguard: 15" Free Float Slim Design
•Trigger: Standard Mil-Spec Trigger
•Bolt Carrier Group: Shot Peened, Magnetic Particle Inspected
•Receiver Finish: Type III Hardcoat Anodized
•Sights: Low Profile Gas Block with T-markings Front and Rear
Popular Accessories
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- Red/Green Dot Sight with QD Mount
- Picatinny Rail Mounts
- Bipod
- Flashlight
- Grip
- Sling
- Magazine Extension
- Quiet Muzzle Brake/Compensator
- Fore-end Rails
- Rifle Scope
Accuracy
The DIAMONDBACK DB15 rifle is known for its accuracy. Tests have shown that it consistently groups within 1.5 inches at 25 yards using commercial ammunition. Many users have reported even better accuracy at distances farther than 100 yards. This accuracy is due in part to the DIAMONDBACK's 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel, which is designed to create consistent shot placement and accuracy at extended ranges. The DB15 is also made with a forged 7075 T6 aluminum upper and lower receiver, helping to keep the weight down while providing exceptional durability.
