Bruce Flemings

Diamondback Firearms, is a relative newcomer to the firearms market. The business, based in Cocoa, Florida, launched in 2009 as an off-shoot of the successful Diamondback Airboats business. Diamondback Firearms initially established its brand with the DB380 and DB9 micro-compact pocket pistols in .380 Auto and 9mm Luger. The company next firearm introduced a series of AR-style rifles in 2012. The DB15 rifle is made entirely in the USA with all the machining work done in-house by Diamondback. Diamondback recently added a series of AR-style pistols to its product line and provided one for evaluation and review.

I first heard about the Kimber Solo from the new gun reports coming out of the 2011 SHOT show.  At the time it was big news and I was really intrigued to hear that a major manufacturer, which I only knew from its reputation in building high grade .22 rifles in the 1990’s and high end 1911-pattern pistols, was jumping into the increasingly crowded pocket pistol market.  I was even more interested when I learned more about the Solo and discovered it was a single action striker-fired pistol with a good set of sights, ambidextrous manual safety and magazine release.  As a fan of all pocket 9mm pistols, I made a mental note to watch my local shops and check one out as quickly as possible.Eventually, one of the largest Kimber dealers in our area received a Solo demonstration pistol.  I had a chance to handle the pistol and really liked the way it felt in my hand.  Constructed from stainless steel and aluminum, the all metal pistol had a good weight and balance even with an empty magazine.  The build quality looked outstanding.  What really sold me on the pistol was its size.  As far as pocket 9mm pistols go, only a select few can ride comfortably in my front pocket for all day carry.  Visually the Solo appeared to be just a shade smaller than my old-style bullnose Kahr PM9, and the weight felt about the same.  For me, it would definitely work as a pocket pistol.