For more information visit DiamondBackfirearms.com.
Accepts AR triggers? Check.
Accepts FN 5.7 mags? Check.
Under 4 pounds fully loaded? Check.
Includes SB pistol brace? Check.
As you can see, there’s plenty to love about Diamondback’s new AR-type pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm. We had the chance to take one for a spin when the company announced the DBX57BGB at SHOT Show 2020, and, needless to say, we were impressed.
It looks and feels like an AR-15, but the operating system is radically different. Rather than direct-impingement, the DBX57BGB uses a locked breech dual-gas piston system. We weren’t able to take one apart and inspect it, but gas piston systems, in general, are known for their reliability and durability. The one we shot this week didn’t jam or malfunction, and we didn’t notice anyone else experiencing any issues, either. (Check back soon for a full review!)
The operating system is different, but the controls will likely feel familiar. The DBX57BGB accepts AR triggers, safety selectors, and pistol grips so you can drop in your favorite AR controls and hit the range.
The lower receiver also accepts FN Five-seveN 20-round mags, so if you were an early adopter of this increasingly popular cartridge, you already have mags on hand. Diamondback also plans to release future models that are compatible with the new Ruger-57 magazines.
The 8-inch barrel is long enough to optimize the 5.7x28mm, but short enough to maintain great maneuverability. The sub-16-inch barrel length means the DBX57BGB is classified as a pistol, so users will need to 1) shoot the firearm like a pistol, 2) use a pistol brace like the one provided, or 3) register this firearm as a short-barreled rifle.
The gun is a pleasure to shoot. The super light-weight design helps keep the gun on target, and the recoil from the 5.7 is minimal. It measures only 16.9 inches with the brace folded and 25.4 inches with the brace extended, and we found it to be shootable in either configuration (though a sling would be ideal while shooting with the brace folded).
MSRP: $1,299. Check out all the specs below:
- Action Type: Semi-Auto
- Operating System: Locked Breech, Dual Gas Piston
- Caliber: 5.7x28mm
- Barrel Length: 8″
- Barrel Muzzle Threads: 1/2-28 RH
- Muzzle Device Included: DBX Muzzle Device
- Sights Included: NONE
- Handstop Kit Included: Magpul Handstop Kit
- QD Sling Swivel Included: NONE
- Magazine Qty Included: 1
- Magazine Type: 20-round (FN Five-seveN® compatible)*
- Brace Included: Rear Picatinny Mounted, Side-Folding
- Rifling Twist Rate: 1:9″ RH
- Trigger/Fire Control: Standard AR-15 “mil-spec”
- Forend/Handguard: 6061 Aluminum, Hard Coat Anodized, M-Lok Compatible on left, right, & bottom
- Grip: Magpul MOE-K
- Frame/Body: 7075 Aluminum, Hard Coat Anodized
- Overall Length (no brace): 16.1″
- Overall Length (brace folded): 16.9″
- Overall Length (brace extended): 25.4″
- Overall Width (excluding controls, no brace): 1.25″
- Overall Width (including charging handle, no brace): 1.75″
- Overall Height (without sights): 7.3″
- Weight (with empty magazine – no brace): 3.0 lb
- Weight (with empty magazine & brace): 3.7 lb
For more information visit DiamondBackfirearms.com.