Diamond Back vs Taurus TCP

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quatin

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I was considering reviving an old thread about this topic, but decided it might be better to start anew. I know not a lot of time has passed since the introduction of these two pistols, but I want to get some last minute insight before I making the decision. I am debating between these two pistols for pocket carry.

So far without shooting either gun I can gather these traits:

DiamondBack
- Adjustable night sights
- $50 more, + $15 for a KelTec P3AT magazine for 2 magazines total

Taurus TCP
- Future 8 round magazine extension
- More variety of holsters (wallet holster, pocket holster)
- Larger trigger guard (protects against finger slap? Is it even an issue for either pistol though?)
- Slightly lighter

As you can see, I'm currently biased towards the TCP, but I can't get over the bad sights. I may use florescent paint on the front and rear sights just for visibility. Is there anything else I'm missing on this list?
 
I looked into the diamondbacks and heard not too much but bad things about reliability.

Good concept executed poorly.
 
From Taurus Website:

Model: 738B Finish: Blue Steel Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6 +1 Weight: 10.2 Barrel Length: 2.84"
Action: DAO
Length: 5-1/4"
MSRP: $336.00
Click to expand...

From Keltec Website:

Calibers: 9mm Luger 9 x 19 mm
Weight unloaded: 12.7 oz. Loaded magazine: 5.5 oz. Length: 5.85" 149mm
Height: 4.3" 109mm
Width: 0.88" 22mm
Barrel Length: 3.1" Capacity: 7 + 1
Trigger Pull: 5 lbs 22.2N
Click to expand...


As you can see, the differences in length and weight are not that great. With the Keltec, you have a 9mm, easier to find ammo, and cheaper many places. I had a .380 for pocket carry and sold it to get the 9mm. I can put it in any pocket I own. Keltec has made a few refinements to the model, and I'm solid with mine, although I don't expect it do shoot well at 25 yards.

I really can't say enough about it. It's a great gun, in the same price range as the models you listed, it's got a lifetime guarentee, and again you are stepping up to a 9 vs. the .380.
 
I don't think sights would be a deciding factor for me. If I pull my P3AT to use it in an emergency I better be versed well in point shooting especially in the range it would be effective. The encounter will probably be very close and fast.
 
Thanks guys, but I've sorted through all the options. I've eliminated everything but these two pistols. I'm just looking to see if there are any new experiences and insights over the past couple of months since the last thread.
 
Well, since you have already made up your mind between the two guns.

By all means get the Diamondback!

Somebody has got to be the betta tester for an unknown gun with known problems from an unknown gun company!!

You could be famous!

rc
 
I have no real world experience with either pistol other than holding them in a gun store.

I have read multiple bad reviews of the Diamondback, which is a shame because every review I've read said the gun was very comfortable to shoot. One review I read recently said that the DB jammed repeatedly on ball ammo but performed well with SD ammo due to the guns strong recoil springs.

I have heard nothing but good things about the TCP, which is surprising since there are many on the internet who bash Taurus for the slightest things. I did like the feel of the Taurus better than the DB when I handled them about a week ago. The grip seemed more substantial for my hand and I like the idea of better grip for a gun that is intended for bad breath distance shooting.

Again I have not shot either pistol and am only going on my own experience handling the guns and what I have read. Best of luck with your purchase and hope you enjoy it.
 
Most reviews for the daimondback lately have been overwhelmingly negative, the gist being that they are not reliable at all. It looks like a great design gone bad at this point.

The TCP gets good reviews, they seem to be really reliable.

The sights on the TCP kind of suck (but better than some .380s). A little white paint on the front sight and they won't be so bad. I did this to my lcp and it made a world of difference. Another plus about the TCP is the extra magazine you get, and the fact that the magazines have a built in finger extension so you can get 2 fingers on it without having to buy an additional extension.
 
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Sights on an 8 ounce .380 belly gun are vastly over-rated anyway.

They are not range guns, or target pistols by any stretch of the imagination, and were never intended to be.

rc
 
I've read a lot of bad things about both. Do a google search. I did a lot of research back in the spring and settled on the LCP. I've been happy with it.
Two of my friends bought TCP's at the same time ( we all ordered together and the shop owner gave us a break on the prices). They are not happy. In fact, one put his TCP away and bought an LCP.
 
I did google and haven't found much in negative reviews on the TCP. I did find some on the DiamondBack, but of those complaints the company resolved most of them indicating good customer service at least. What problems did your friends have?
 
Mostly failure to eject.
That's odd that you didn't find anything on google. I found all kinds of negative comments.
 
Ammo makes a big difference in semi-auto pistold. no the russian tula ammo will probablry Jam. Gaping Hollow point ammo will probably JAM. I have found Winchester Ball reliable in both guns. Trick is to find the ammo that works in your pistol.
 
You asked for opinions. Some have said "none of the above"... I'll go along with that assessment.

It is your choice to do with that what you will.
 
Local shop here says they've had every TCP they've sold brought back for problems. I helped a guy break in his new one after he complained about jams. I oiled it and we fired another 50 rds thru with zero jams. They apparently need to be lubed generously and often.

The same shop has nothing but good things to say about the Diamondback, but I don't know how large that sampling is.
 
 
Second hand "the local gun shop" stories are hearsay and cannot be verified in any manner.

In local gunshops around here the experience has been positive for the TCP, but that proves nothing to the OP.
 
This is also a what fits the OP's needs.As for the Diamondback I'd trust this guy rather than Internet reviews.

Diamondback Firearms DB380 Semi-Auto .380 ACP Pocket PistolJan 16, 2010 ... A small .38 revolver or .380 auto can always be within reach, and the Diamondback DB380 is the newest .380 pocket pistol to hit the market. ...
www.gunblast.com/Diamondback380.htm
 
Almost every review of the DB380 is overwhelmingly bad due to reliability concerns. I wouldn't even consider one.

Can I talk you into a different gun, though? Sig 238. I have a Ruger LCP and recently picked up a Sig 238. The difference in what they can do is astounding. With the Ruger's crappy trigger and nonexistent sights, it pretty much is a belly gun only. With the 238's decent trigger and decent sights, I can actually shoot it well. The 238 has a much greater effective range, at least in my hands, that justifies the difference in price and then some.
 
This is also a what fits the OP's needs.As for the Diamondback I'd trust this guy rather than Internet reviews.
Click to expand...

That guy does not exactly give unbiased reviews. Everything is a dandy gun in his opinion and he avoids saying anything negative. I still like his reviews for the great pictures and gun facts, but as to how well the gun actually performed I'm a little skeptical.
 
While there are better choices than both, I believe that out of the two you listed, the Taurus is an overwhelmingly better otion (and that's not something I say often.)

Good:
Ruger LCP
Kahr PM380
Magnum Research Micro Eagle
Sig P238

Fair:
Taurus TCP
Kel Tec P3AT
S&W Bodyguard

Poor:
DiamondBack .380
other no-name knock-off .380s

Taurus is a brand that gets mixed reviews, but generally speaking if you get a good gun, it works. If you get a lemon, it has a lifetime warranty, backed by a company that may not have the best customer service, but will at least be in business for years to come. Can't really say that about the Diamondback.

Most of these pistols are in the same league as far as size/weight/sights, etc. The Micro Eagle is obviously the heaviest of the group, since it's made of steel. The most important consideration with pistols of this size is reliability. Most of them are in a similar price range as well. I would not compromise reliability just to save a few dollars.
 
The TCP has a great trigger. However, American Rifleman ran in to problems with the Magazine catch in their last review. From what I hear this was a common issue on a particular production run.

That being said, the TCP out performed a number of other pistols the first time it was tested by American Rifleman. So, like others have said, a good one is darn good. A bad one though can have you running through CS for weeks or months.
 
When listening to hearsay about the reliability of a certain pocket pistol keep in mind that the initial cleaning, lubing and break in is so much more crucial than with their larger counterparts and most people don't take the time to properly care for them out the box.

I haven't had a bad experience with a pocket gun yet.
 
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