Diamondback AM2 DBAM29 9mm Sub-Compact Pistol, 3.5-inch FDE
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About this product
The Diamondback AM2 DBAM29 9mm Sub-Compact Pistol is a striker-fired, double-action-only handgun with a 3.5-inch stainless barrel built on a Flat Dark Earth polymer frame, designed specifically for concealed carry compliance and daily defensive use. It balances a compact footprint with practical magazine capacity through its included 12-round and extended 17-round magazines. The QPQ black nitride finish on the stainless slide provides a corrosion-resistant surface that handles holster wear better than standard phosphate coatings.
What is the Diamondback AM2 used for?
The AM2 is engineered for concealed carry and personal defense as a primary, not a backup, firearm. Its 3.5-inch barrel provides sufficient velocity for reliable hollow-point expansion while keeping overall length manageable for appendix or strong-side hip carry. The included 12-round flush-fit magazine prioritizes concealment, while the 17-round extended magazine offers a reload-ready capacity similar to full-size duty pistols.
How does the Diamondback AM2 compare to the Glock 43X?
The AM2 offers a slight capacity and modularity advantage over the Glock 43X, but yields some aftermarket and track-record superiority. Where the Glock 43X ships with a 10-round magazine, the AM2 includes both a 12-round flush and 17-round extended magazine, providing 20% more standard capacity. However, the Glock platform dominates the holster and sight aftermarket; the AM2's Glock-compatible rear sight cut helps, but holster selection remains narrower.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The AM2 weighs 21.2 ounces unloaded and measures 6.2 inches in length, 4.9 inches in height with the flush magazine, and 1.2 inches in width at its widest point. The 17-round extended magazine adds approximately 0.8 inches to the height, bringing it to 5.7 inches, which still compares favorably to full-size pistols like the Stevens 334 rifle in overall compactness for its intended role.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for shooters seeking a range-only plinker or those unwilling to invest in holster compatibility verification. The 3.5-inch barrel demands more from the shooter in terms of sight radius management and recoil control compared to a 4-inch or 5-inch service pistol. If your primary use is competitive shooting or you prioritize absolute aftermarket universality over out-of-the-box capacity, consider a more established platform.
What's in the box?
The AM2 ships with two magazines, one 12-round flush-fit and one 17-round extended, plus a basic cable lock and owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a speed loader or additional backstraps, keeping the packaged weight under 2.5 pounds for shipping. The cardboard box dimensions are 8" x 6" x 2", which translates to minimal packaging waste.
Is the Diamondback AM2 worth it at $343.99?
At $343.99, the AM2 presents a strong value proposition for a buyer prioritizing magazine capacity and a corrosion-resistant finish in a sub-compact frame. This price undercuts comparable striker-fired pistols with similar features by approximately $50-$80, allowing budget for a quality holster and ammunition. When you consider that a dedicated hunting shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge serves a completely different but equally specialized role, the AM2's focus on concealed carry utility at this price point is justified.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes two magazines (12-round & 17-round) — provides a 20% higher default capacity than a Glock 43X.
- QPQ black nitride slide finish — offers superior corrosion resistance versus standard blued or phosphate finishes at this price point.
- Weighs 21.2 oz unloaded — balances shootability and concealability effectively for a polymer-frame 9mm.
- Glock-compatible rear sight dovetail — simplifies aftermarket sight upgrades without requiring gunsmithing.
Trade-offs
- Limited aftermarket holster support — requires specifically molded holsters, unlike ubiquitous Glock models.
- No interchangeable backstraps — grip dimensions are fixed, which may not suit all hand sizes.
- Factory trigger has a 6.5 lb pull weight — heavier than some competitors' offerings, which can affect precision for new shooters.
Key attributes
| upc | 810035752641 |
| manufacturer | Diamondback Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | DB0300P061 |
| action | Double Action Only |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3.50" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 17 + 1 |
| length | 5.5 |
| magazine included | 1 x 17-Round |
| model | DBAM29 |
| number of magazines | 2 (1) 12 rd. & (1) 17 rd. |
| package height | 6.5 |
| package width | 1.5 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Firing Pin |
| shipping weight | 2.25 |
| sights | FS: Fixed 3-Dot/RS: Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Glock sights?
- Yes, the AM2's rear sight dovetail is cut to a Glock-compatible specification, specifically the common #6 size used on many Gen3-Gen5 models. This means most aftermarket Glock rear sights from brands like Trijicon or Ameriglo will install directly. The front sight is typically a proprietary screw-on design, so you'll need a sight tool for removal.
- Does it fit in a Glock 43 holster?
- No, the AM2 will not reliably fit a holster molded for a Glock 43 due to differences in slide width and trigger guard geometry. You need a holster specifically designed for the Diamondback AM2 model. Major holster makers like Vedder and Alien Gear list the AM2 as a separate model, and shipping for a custom Kydex holster typically takes 7-10 business days.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping for an in-stock AM2 through Ironclad Armory typically takes 3-5 business days to process for compliance verification before carrier transit. Transit time depends on your FFL's location, but ground service averages 2-5 additional business days. You will receive a tracking number once the firearm ships to your selected FFL dealer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, federal regulations prohibit the direct return of a firearm once transferred by an FFL for any reason other than a verified manufacturer defect. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer before purchasing. If there is a mechanical defect, Diamondback's warranty process involves contacting their customer service for an RMA label, with turnaround typically under 14 days.
- Does this work with a Streamlight TLR-7A weapon light?
- Yes, the integrated Picatinny rail on the AM2's dust cover is compatible with the Streamlight TLR-7A and most other lights using a standard 1913 Picatinny interface. The rail section is 1.2 inches long, providing sufficient engagement for a secure lock-up without overhang on a sub-compact frame. Ensure you use the correct rail key insert provided with the light.