Diamondback DB15 BGB Black Gold 5.56 M-LOK 16″ Rifle NEW AR15 DB15BGB

Diamondback DB15 series of rifles are now available in multiple trim levels including the diamondback db15 series which features Diamondback’s own unique lower receiver design. These rifles are known for being underestimated and over-performing, making them a great choice for any shooter which brings us to reviewing this rifle.

Diamondback db15 Series

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Diamondback DB15 Background

My experiences with Diamondback’s rifles began in 2016 with a review of their AR-10. AR-10s at the time were relatively very expensive to own and reliability was considered an added bonus.

Before that test and ever since the Florida-based company perhaps best known for their love-it-or-loath-it tiny DB9 pistol has been cranking out high-value rifles at very reasonable prices.

The diamondback db15 Series is Diamondback’s premium line including upgraded triggers, furniture, a nice hard case, and sights included in the box.

Additional premium features include smart choices like a mid-length gas system, pinned gas block, shot-peened, and magnetic particle inspected bolt carrier group, and a 4150CrMov, black nitride barrel with a 1:8 twist rate to hit that sweet spot for maximum efficiency with common bullet weights.

Unlike some of the more popular brands though, diamondback db15 has created a unique look with its own lower receiver, handguard, and muzzle brake.

The upgraded Magpul furniture and CMC trigger cause an increase in cost some manufacturers shy from; preferring to keep MSRP low and minimize the risk of not picking what the consumer wants.

Let’s take a deeper look at how diamondback db15 did with their flagship rifle line.

DIAMOND SERIES – OUR TAKE

Opening the included Flambeau Pallet Packer Case ($25 value) certainly gives the feeling of a premium rifle.  Not only is the case part of the total package, but it’s a step above your standard plastic case, as it includes velcro straps that thread through slots in the case foam to secure the rifle in place. Magpul MBUS folding sights ($90 value) are also included but not installed, so the user can place them where desired or simply leave them off for testing.

The anodizing is rich, and darker on the lower than the handguard or upper receiver, but overall a solid finish.  The handguard mates nicely to the upper receiver but did require a slight adjustment to be perfectly aligned. Upper and lower receivers are made with a standard mil-spec play which is a relief considering the Diamondback-custom Diamond lower.  Contrary to popular belief “mil-spec” tolerances are looser than many commercial manufacturers would strive for, but this is done to ensure compatibility.  A little loose still fits. Too tight, and the gun stops being fun.

Diamondback db15 had the opportunity to tighten things up when they created the Diamond lower, but by keeping it “mil-spec” they ensured the lower would work with the widest variety of uppers. The improvements diamondback db15 did makeover mil-spec include an oversized trigger guard that doesn’t rub the firing-hand middle finger knuckle.

I call that condition “patrol knuckle” because it was on patrols in Afghanistan that the standard grip-to-trigger guard interface caused me much grief and eventual calluses followed by an aversion to the “good enough” and attraction to receiver and grip designs thoughtful enough to address this.

It’s doubtful many civilian shooters need to care about this, but the diamondback db15 is a rifle I could patrol with. Of course, the most apparent feature is the arced and shortened magazine well and broad bevel. The shorter front to the magazine well literally widens the possible angles of approach for a reload.

This is great for those accustomed to rock-and-lock rifles like the AK and even proved useful during our accuracy testing as it permitted easier insertion of a 30-round magazine while shooting from a rest.

A rifle’s furniture is where humans and machines attempt to meld. Starting in the shoulder the Magpul ACS-L (roughly an $80 value) stock provides good shoulder pocket fitment and an angled top for cheek weld. A Quick-detach cup is also included to be installed if the user desires, or they can use the traditional loop point on the bottom of the stick.  As an extra bonus, Magpul makes use of empty space with a trap door for storage.  Operators can stash a couple of batteries for their favorite accessory or a handful of Skittles for refreshment (Carnik Con reference).

The grip chosen for diamondback db15 is also beyond the standard A2 stick. Another Magpul piece, the MOE-K2+ ($25 value) has a more vertical angle to make shorter length-of-pull rifles more comfortable.  On an adjustable-stock rifle like the diamondback db15, it means the stock can be adjusted shorter without cramping your arm.  Bench and prone-position shooting is also much more comfortable.

The grip has a rubber over-molding that is slightly tacky (in the adhesive sense) and very comfortably lines up to the CMC 3.5 lbs single-stage trigger (approximately $170 value).  I’ve known CMC Trigger to produce some of the best for the money and the unit installed by diamondback db15 was no different.  No take-up, just a clean break with enough travel to reduce pulling on the rifle, audible and tactile rest right back at the wall for another shot.

The handguard allows generous airflow around the barrel with holes almost big enough to slip a finger into and burn yourself. I could see possibly getting a finger twisted in rough handling, but if someone doesn’t have the mental clarity to operate a firearm, they shouldn’t be handling it either.

MLOK slots can be found at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions with nice texturing on the end and lightning cuts about to keep the rifle quick to maneuver and negate any weight gains typically experienced with 15” handguards. Out on the end is a muzzle device of Diamondback’s own design featuring two chambers and four vertical ports.  The chambers serve to counter recoil and the ports to counter muzzle rise.  Smartly the ports are angled slightly so muzzle flash won’t obscure target visibility.

One note of possible negativity, though the manufacturer specifications stated a pinned gas block, is that the rifle we have has a screw-mount gas block.

Pinned blocks are preferred because when done properly they are maintenance-free and can be counted on for heavy use.

The screw-mounted blocks should be checked from time to time because even the best thread locker can be baked to worthlessness on a gas block.  Fortunately, the handguard’s generous MLOK slots align perfectly for easy access to check the screws.

Tired of feature talk yet? It took up the majority of the review for two reasons. First, people ought to know what they’re getting for  and second, the DB15 was boringly reliable and just as accurate as the diamondback db15 I reviewed four years prior.  We fired a variety of rounds ranging from 35gr to 77gr and the mid-length gas system cycled them all.  Accuracy was outstanding as seen in the photograph, and that’s a ten-shot group with five shots each from two different shooters.  Combine that with the value-added upgrades cited previously and the DB15DSB is a steal.

diamondback db15

They may not quite have the brand equity of the bigger AR makers, but with guns like these it won’t be long before they do and we’ll get the cool points for knowing diamondback db15 was good before they were a household name.

VIDEO REVIEW OF THE DIAMONDBACK DB15

Diamondback DB15 Pros And Cons