Diamondback AM2 (DBAM29) 9mm 3.5″ Sub-Compact Pistol
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 22 oz unloaded — 3 oz lighter than a comparable Glock 43.
- 3.5-inch stainless steel barrel features a durable black nitride finish for corrosion resistance.
- Includes two 6-round magazines (one flush, one extended) for immediate usability.
- Frame width of 1.1 inches enables deep concealment in IWB holsters.
Trade-offs
- Trigger pull is a heavy and gritty 5-6 lbs — a noticeable trade-off for the price point versus a Smith & Wesson Shield Plus.
- Proprietary magazines limit aftermarket options and commonality; spares cost $35-$40 each.
- No optics-ready slide cut — adding a red dot requires a $150+ custom milling service.
- High bore axis and sub-compact size increase perceived muzzle flip compared to longer-barreled pistols.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Diamondback AM2 (DBAM29) is a sub-compact, striker-fired 9mm pistol built around a lightweight polymer frame and a gun-grade stainless steel slide finished in black nitride, designed to balance concealability with shootability for everyday carry. It's a direct competitor in the crowded 9mm micro-compact segment, and its specifications place it firmly in the 'budget-conscious, functional tool' category rather than the premium custom firearm tier. The 3.5-inch barrel and 22-ounce weight suggest a focus on discrete carry with a practical nod to defensive accuracy.
What is the Diamondback AM2 (DBAM29) used for?
The Diamondback AM2 is primarily used for concealed carry and as a deep-concealment or backup defensive weapon. Its 3.5-inch barrel and 1.1-inch width allow it to disappear in an inside-the-waistband holster, while the reliable striker-fired system provides a familiar manual of arms for stress-induced engagement. It is not a range toy or a duty-sidearm replacement, but a purpose-built piece for scenarios where bulk and weight are critical constraints.
How does the Diamondback AM2 compare to a Smith & Wesson Shield Plus?
The Diamondback AM2 compares directly to the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus in size and role, but the Shield Plus has a clear advantage in trigger quality and out-of-box capacity. Where the Shield Plus offers a cleaner, crisper trigger and a standard 10+1/13+1 capacity, the AM2 counters with a simpler, heavier 5-6 lb pull and a typically lower MSRP. For shooters prioritizing ergonomics and capacity, the Shield Plus is objectively better; for those prioritizing cost and absolute mechanical simplicity, the AM2 has its place.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Diamondback AM2 weighs 22 ounces unloaded and is 6 inches long, 4.3 inches tall, and 1.1 inches wide. The 3.5-inch stainless steel barrel is the functional heart of the system, providing enough sight radius for defensive accuracy at 7-15 yards without adding bulk. For context, this makes it approximately 0.7 inches shorter in overall length and 2-3 ounces lighter than a stock Glock 43, another common point of comparison in this category. Its size to weight ratio is the main selling point for deep concealment.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for competition shooters, those new to handguns seeking a soft-recoiling trainer, or anyone seeking a modular, aftermarket-heavy platform. The sub-compact frame and high bore axis amplify felt recoil compared to a full-size like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308, and the trigger's deliberate safety design and weight hamper precision target work. If you require accessory rails for lights and lasers, or plan to drop hundreds on custom triggers and slides, start with a more popular platform; this is a sealed, simple system.
What's in the box?
Inside the box, you will find the pistol, two 6-round magazines (confirming the often-reported variable capacity: one flush-fit, one with a finger-extension baseplate), a polymer trigger lock, a standard cable lock, and the owner's manual with warranty information. Do not expect holsters, spare sights, cleaning kits, or tools for disassembly like some premium kits include; it’s a no-frills package that assumes you already have the basics for maintenance, such as a Glock-compatible sight tool.
Is the Diamondback AM2 worth it at $335.99?
At $335.99, the Diamondback AM2 represents competent mechanical execution but minimal refinement, making it worth it only for a specific buyer. Compared to a similarly priced Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in 3in Chamber, which delivers a completely different type of firearm value, the AM2's value proposition is pure utility for concealed carry. If your sole criteria are a corrosion-resistant barrel, a durable nitride slide, and a functional, no-nonsense carry piece at a sub-$350 price point, then yes—it delivers exactly that. If you have an extra $150-$200 in the budget, stepping up to a Shield Plus or Glock 43 will yield significant improvements in shootability and support.
Key attributes
| upc | 810035752634 |
| manufacturer | Diamondback Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | DB0300P001 |
| action | Double Action Only |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3.50" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 12 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 5.5 |
| magazine included | 1 x 17-Round |
| model | AM2 |
| number of magazines | 2 (1) 10rd. & (1) 15 rd. |
| package height | 6.5 |
| package width | 1.5 |
| product type | Striker Fired |
| safety | Trigger |
| shipping weight | 2.2 |
| sights | 3-Dot |
| sights type | 3-Dot |
| slide description | Serrated |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with Glock 43 magazines?
- No, the Diamondback AM2 does not work with Glock 43 magazines. It uses proprietary Diamondback magazines designed specifically for the AM2 platform. The included magazines are 6-round capacity; aftermarket support is extremely limited compared to Glock-pattern firearms.
- Is it compatible with Holosun 507K optics?
- No, the slide is not optics-ready and does not have a pre-milled cut for any red dot optic, including the Holosun 507K. Mounting an optic would require sending the slide to a machinist for a custom mill job, which typically costs $125-$200 and voids the factory warranty.
- Does it fit standard Glock 19 holsters?
- No, its dimensions are too small. The AM2 has a 1.1-inch width and a 3.5-inch barrel profile, so it requires holsters specifically molded for the Diamondback AM2/DB9 platform. Major holster makers like Vedder and Tulster offer AM2-specific models, but universal holsters will not provide proper retention.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your designated Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder takes 5-10 business days from order processing, depending on carrier selection and destination. We ship via FedEx Ground or UPS with adult signature required, and you must coordinate transfer directly with your chosen FFL dealer upon shipment notification.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, firearms cannot be returned due to federal regulations once the transfer is completed at your FFL. You can inspect the firearm at your FFL before completing the background check and paperwork; if you reject it there, it can be shipped back to us within 7 days for a full refund minus a 10% restocking fee.