The 9mm Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) has quickly become one of the most popular long guns on the market, thanks to its versatility and compatibility with America’s No. 1 cartridge: 9mm. From traditional carbines, like the Ruger PC9 and the wood-stocked Henry Homesteader, to specialized, compact folding carbines, like the Trailblazer Pivot and Kel-Tec Sub-2000, AR-pattern 9mm PCCs are particularly popular for their familiar feel and adaptability. The Diamondback Firearms DB9R Model DB1418P001 is a standout in this category, offering a high-quality, blowback-operated carbine that’s easy to customize and maintain.
Diamondback Firearms, a family-owned, American company, started, as many firearms companies have, manufacturing products other than firearms. In 1989, Diamondback was a custom airboat manufacturer. Over the years, it expanded into the firearms industry and now produces a wide range of firearms, including revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, AR-15s and AR10s.
The DB9R 9mm is a blowback-operated carbine designed for simplicity and reliability. Blowback is the simplest semi-automatic operating system, utilizing the energy from the fired cartridge to cycle without the need for a traditional gas system. It is ideal for cycling lower-powered cartridges and relies on a heavy-weight bolt and spring. This cleaner, low-maintenance design and the reduced muzzle blast of the 9mm cartridge make it an ideal choice for training and recreational shooting.
Diamondback Firearms DB9R Model DB1418P001 Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Action: Semi-auto blowback
Finish: Black hard-coat anodized
Upper: A3 flattop forged 7075 T-6 aluminum, T-marked
Lower: Forged 7075 T-6 aluminum dedicated 9mm lower
Barrel: Diamondback Barrels 9mm, 16 inches, medium, 4150 CrMov, black nitride/no ejection port cover
Bolt carrier group: Diamondback black nitride 9R bolt carrier
Flash hider: A2 flash hider (5/8 x 24)
Stock and pistol grip: MAGPUL MOE stock and MOE grip
Trigger: 5-pound mil-spec
Sights: None mounted
Overall length: Stock collapsed — 32 inches/stock expanded — 35 ¼ inches
Controls: Standard AR-15
Magazine system: 9mm Glock-type magazines/one 32-round ProMag included
Weight: 6.8 pounds
Additional features: 15 AV M-LOK rail, anti-slip textured pads; full Picatinny rail, GD mounts
MSRP: $952
The DB9R is built for customization, with options for adding lights, lasers, optics, and more. As there are no iron sights mounted, I decided to install Lucid Optics’ P8 4x Prism Optic, which uses Lucid’s BLU reticle system to provide a vivid point of aim. Powered by a single AAA battery, the P8 is compact and a perfect fit for the DB9R.
The included ProMag 32-round magazine shifts the look from traditional AR to that of a classic WWII Thompson submachine gun. For a more compact setup, users can switch to a standard Glock 17 magazine. The DB9R’s design centers the weight around the action, giving it a solid, well-balanced feel. Overall, Diamondback’s DB9R 9mm PCC is an attractive option for those seeking a reliable, versatile and user-friendly AR-pattern carbine.
Shooting the DB9R 9mm Pistol Caliber Carbine
For range testing the DB9R, I selected two Federal 9mm loads suited to different applications. The first was the 150-grain Syntech Action Pistol, designed for action shooting sports and the official ammo of the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA). With a distinctive red Total Synthetic Jacket (TSJ) that prevents barrel fouling and reduces heat, this load is optimized for reliable knock-downs on steel targets, according to Federal. It has a smooth-shooting 890 feet per second muzzle velocity, delivering 264 foot-pounds of energy.
For self-defense testing, I used Federal’s 124-grain Punch JHP. This round is tailored for civilian self-defense, with a bullet engineered to perform well in typical defensive shooting scenarios. Unlike Federal’s HST, which is designed to penetrate barriers, the Punch is ideal for general personal defense, making it a fitting choice for this test.
Loading up the Pro Mag with 10 rounds of the Federal Syntech Action Pistol ammo, two friends and I started our test from approximately 30 feet, firing from standing at a Springfield Armory SI-1 Sight-In target. The Syntech ammo was a nice-shooting, full-powered round, with an energy level just below that of .38 Special revolver duty loads. Recoil in the DB9R was not noticeable, and blast was low. Cycling was very smooth. The Syntech ammo shot close to the point of aim, and we did not bother adjusting the P8 optic before firing. All of our rounds were low and a bit to the right. The 10-shot groups were tight, ranging from 1.5 inches to 3 inches.
I included the 124-grain Punch ammo to ensure hollow-point self-defense rounds performed reliably. The DB9R handled the rounds smoothly with no problem, a testament to the quality of Diamondback firearms. Recoil was light, and the trigger was decent enough. All the controls were easily operated. The Lucid P8 was a perfect optic to pair with it.
Is the Diamondback DB9R 9mm PCC Worth It?
The Diamondback DBR9 is an impressive 9mm AR-15 style PCC, especially considering its $952 price point. Accurate and reliable, it suits a range of uses from sport shooting to self-defense. With standard-length magazines, it’s maneuverable in close quarters. It would also make a great survival arm due to commonality of caliber when partnered with a Glock 17 or 19 pistol.
Sources
Diamondback: DiamondbackFirearms.com
Federal Ammunition: FederalPremium.com
Lucid Optics: LucidOptics.com
