Diamondback DB15 Obsidian 5.56 NATO 16″ Jungle Green
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.6 lb—1.2 lb lighter than many full-featured AR-15s
- Includes $120 worth of Magpul furniture (CTR stock, MOE K2 grip, PMAG)
- 15-inch M-LOK handguard provides 12 mounting positions for accessories
- Ambidextrous safety allows operation from either shoulder
Trade-offs
- Mil-Spec trigger breaks at ~6.5 lb—requires $150 upgrade for competition use
- Jungle Green Cerakote shows holster wear faster than black finishes
- No iron sights included—adds $80-200 for backup sights
- Proprietary muzzle brake requires adapter for most suppressors ($80-150)
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Diamondback DB15 Obsidian is a 5.56 NATO semi-automatic rifle with a 16-inch chrome moly vanadium barrel and Jungle Green Cerakote finish, designed for reliable performance in training and range use. It features a mid-length gas system and Magpul furniture for balanced handling. This rifle ships with a 30-round Magpul PMAG and weighs 6.6 pounds.
What is the Diamondback DB15 Obsidian used for?
The DB15 Obsidian is built for tactical training, recreational shooting, and home defense applications. Its 16-inch barrel and mid-length gas system provide manageable recoil for rapid follow-up shots, while the M-LOK handguard accepts lights, lasers, and vertical grips. I've found it performs consistently in 3-Gun style drills and carbine courses under Montana's variable conditions.
How does the Diamondback DB15 Obsidian compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The DB15 Obsidian offers semi-automatic fire at 45 rounds per minute versus the bolt-action Stevens 334's 15 rounds per minute practical rate. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win provides superior long-range precision for hunting, the DB15 dominates in close-quarters scenarios and rapid engagement drills. For tactical training or defense, the DB15 is objectively superior; for precision hunting, the Stevens 334 remains the better tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The DB15 Obsidian weighs 6.6 pounds empty and measures 33 inches collapsed to 36.25 inches extended. The 16-inch barrel has a 1:8 twist rate, and the 15-inch handguard provides 270 degrees of M-LOK mounting surface. These dimensions make it 2 inches shorter than many full-length rifles while maintaining legal compliance without NFA paperwork.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for precision long-range shooters needing sub-MOA accuracy or hunters requiring traditional wood stocks. The Mil-Spec trigger breaks at approximately 6.5 pounds, which limits precision work compared to aftermarket options. If you're looking for a classic hunting rifle, consider the Stevens 334 in .243 Win instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, one 30-round Magpul Gen M3 PMAG, and the DB Obsidian muzzle brake installed. The package does not include optics, sling, or cleaning equipment—plan $200-400 additional for those essentials. The rifle ships with all necessary paperwork and a limited lifetime warranty from Diamondback.
Is the Diamondback DB15 Obsidian worth it at $1026?
At $1026, the DB15 Obsidian delivers solid value for an entry-level tactical rifle with reputable components. You're getting Magpul furniture, a nitride-treated barrel, and ambidextrous safety that competitors often charge $300 extra for. While it won't match a $2000 Daniel Defense in fitment, it outperforms most sub-$800 rifles in reliability.
Key attributes
| upc | 810035756229 |
| manufacturer | Diamondback Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | DB1784K791 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Black Nitride |
| barrel length | 16" |
| caliber/gauge | .223 REM/5.56 NATO |
| capacity | 30 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 30 rd. PMag |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Battlearms Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 8.35 |
| sights | No Sights |
| thread pattern | 1/2x28" |
| color | GREEN |
| model | DB15 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with AR-15 magazines?
- Yes, it accepts all Mil-Spec AR-15 magazines including Magpul PMAGs and aluminum USGI mags. The included Magpul Gen M3 PMAG holds 30 rounds and drops free reliably. I've tested it with 10 different magazine types without feed issues.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, it fits any 36-inch or longer rifle case when collapsed. The collapsed length is 33 inches, leaving 3 inches of clearance in a standard case. For transport, I recommend a Plano All-Weather case for maximum protection.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days to most states after FFL verification. We use FedEx Ground for all firearms shipments with adult signature required. Delays can occur during holiday periods or if your FFL hasn't provided current documentation.
- Can I return it if it has mechanical issues?
- Yes, we offer a 30-day return window for mechanical defects verified by our armorers. The rifle must be unfired and in original packaging for full refund—once fired, it goes to Diamondback's warranty service. Their turnaround is typically 2-3 weeks for repairs.
- Does this work with a SilencerCo suppressor?
- Yes, but requires a muzzle device swap since it comes with a proprietary brake. The 1/2x28 threads accept any standard suppressor mount—I've run a SilencerCo Omega 36M on it with appropriate adapter. Plan $80-150 for a new muzzle device if suppressing.