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AR-15Value Tier

Diamondback Firearms

Diamondback DB15 16"

Budget-friendly AR-15 with quality features and Made in USA manufacturing

Key Highlights

  • Budget DB15 Carbon Series
  • 12-inch M-LOK rail
  • 2025 catalog SKU DB1717K001

Specifications

Price
$775
Weight
6 lb 12 oz
Calibers
5.56x45mm, .223 Rem
Rail Type
mlok

Capability Profile

0-10 Scale Across 8 Axes

Compatibility Tags

family: modern-riflefamily: ar-patterntrigger: ar-fcginterface: picatinny-tophandguard: mlokbarrel: longmag-type: stanagthread: 1/2x28

Overview

The Diamondback DB15 covered here is the DB1717K001, a 16-inch 5.56 DB15 Carbon Series rifle from Diamondback's 2025 catalog. Diamondback uses the DB15 name across many rail lengths, finishes, and furniture packages, so the exact configuration is worth confirming.

The DB1717K001 configuration uses a 16-inch 5.56 NATO barrel, 12-inch M-LOK rail, black finish, and ships with a 30-round PMAG in standard-capacity markets. It gives buyers a modern accessory rail without stepping into premium AR pricing, but the exact SKU matters: older or retailer-exclusive DB15s with 15-inch rails are a different rifle.

For shoppers, the main appeal is a familiar AR-15 control layout, M-LOK accessory path, and a manufacturer catalog MSRP that remains below many mid-tier rifles. Confirm the exact rail length and package contents rather than assuming every DB15 listing matches.

Key Features

  • 16" 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel, 1:8 twist
  • 12" M-LOK handguard on DB1717K001
  • Carbine-length gas system
  • Forged 7075-T6 aluminum receivers to mil-spec dimensions
  • Forward assist and dust cover
  • A2 flash hider
  • 6-position collapsible stock
  • Made in USA (Cocoa, Florida)

Pros

  • +12-inch M-LOK handguard supports common light and sling setups
  • +1:8 twist handles full range of 5.56 ammunition weights
  • +Reliable function with proper mil-spec components
  • +Made in USA manufacturing

Cons

  • Basic furniture may prompt upgrades
  • Standard mil-spec trigger adequate but not refined
  • Less established warranty/service network vs. major brands
  • Limited aftermarket support compared to tier-one brands
  • Basic phosphate finish vs. more durable coatings

Detailed Specifications

caliber
5.56 NATO / .223 Rem
Barrel Length
16 inches
Overall Length
Verify by exact DB15 SKU
weight
Verify by exact DB15 SKU
Gas System
carbine-length
Twist Rate
1:8
barrel
4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium, M4 profile
handguard
12" M-LOK rail on DB1717K001
trigger
Standard mil-spec single-stage
stock
6-position collapsible carbine stock
sku
DB1717K001
upc
810035754522
msrp
$775

Compatible Components

+707 more

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