PSA Dagger Review

| Last Updated:
November 23, 2023

The Palmetto State Armory, Dagger Compact 9mm pistol, with Doctor Slide, and Threaded Barrel is an outstanding bargain at just $369.99. This firearm offers a range of features that make it a compelling choice for those in the market for a reliable and versatile handgun.

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One of the standout features of the Dagger Compact is its ergonomic design. The grip tang is more pronounced than that of the Glock 19, which is a welcome change for those with larger hands.

This ensures that shooters with bigger hands won’t experience slide bite, allowing for a more comfortable and secure grip. Moreover, the grip design allows all three fingers to comfortably and securely hold the pistol, enhancing control and accuracy.

The pistol is red dot ready, making it an excellent option for those looking to add an optic for improved targeting. The trigger, while having noticeable take up or slack, provides a smooth and consistent press without any gritty feeling, which is in line with other safe action pistols on the market.

The threaded barrel makes this pistol suppressor ready, and the addition of suppressor height sights ensures a clear line of sight even with a suppressor attached.

The thin front sight is easy to pick up and provides ample light and space between it and the rear sight, a significant improvement over the sights that come with Glock pistols.

Another feature worth noting is the cutout portion in the grip for magazine access. This is a brilliant addition, aiding in malfunction clearance if needed, and enhancing the overall functionality of the firearm.

Additionally, the frame has a weapon-mounted light rail, and the magazine release button is well-positioned and consistent with other well-made carry guns, making it suitable for both left and right-handed shooters.

The Dagger also boasts an oversized slide catch, which can serve as a slide release for right-handed shooters who know how to perform a slide-lock reload correctly. The ease of takedown and cleaning further adds to the pistol’s appeal.

The textured grip provides excellent friction without being overly rough, making it ideal for recoil control. The noticeable slack in the trigger is actually a positive feature for many, as it’s not too light, ensuring a smooth and consistent press.

Unlike some other firearms, there are no external safeties or complex trigger safety mechanisms, simplifying the operation of the pistol.

With a 17+1 round capacity and compatibility with Glock and MagPul magazines, the Dagger Compact offers versatility and adaptability.

Holsters designed for this pistol fit perfectly, and it has proven its reliability with various types of ammunition, including S&B 115 grain FMJ, Lawman 147 grain FMJ, and Blazer 124 grain FMJ.

The front and rear serrations on the slide enhance its user-friendliness, and the fact that it is RMR ready opens up possibilities for those who want to add an optic.

Finally, the Dagger’s outstanding performance in a 2-day, Advanced Combat Pistol course with D.S.A in Tulsa, where it fired nearly 1000 rounds without a single hiccup, speaks volumes about its reliability.

In conclusion, the Palmetto State Armory, Dagger Compact 9mm pistol is an exceptional value at $369.99. It offers a wide range of features that make it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile handgun.

If you want a package deal, they offer the PSA Dagger with a golden color barrel and 10 magazines for an unbelievable price of $469.99.  Whether for personal defense, competition shooting, or tactical use, this pistol delivers performance and functionality at a price that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative to high-end pistols, the Dagger Compact is a fantastic option that won’t break the bank.

PSA Dagger vs Glock 19

Many people believe that the PSA Dagger was created in the image of the Glock 19. While that is true to some extent, there are a few minor differences that differentiate these two handguns.

psa dagger vs glock 19

Let’s compare these guns on different factors:

Dimensions and Weight

The PSA Dagger and Glock 19 are almost identical in dimensions. The difference is so small that it doesn’t really make a lot of difference.

The PSA Dagger weighs 22.4 ounces (unloaded), whereas the Glock 19 weighs 21 ounces. So conclusively, there’s no significant difference between the ergonomics and weight of the two.

Accuracy and Reliability

The Glock 19 is a revered handgun and is in service with many law enforcement departments. It is also an immensely popular self-defense and CCW firearm, all thanks to its reliability and accuracy.

The PSA Dagger doesn’t fall short in accuracy and reliability as well. Both these handguns are equal in this aspect.

Accessories and Pricing

This is where the difference between these two handguns becomes noticeable. While some parts can be interchanged between these two handguns, the Glock 19 is a clear winner in the availability of aftermarket parts.

The PSA Dagger is a newer handgun and is not at fault for the limited availability of aftermarket accessories.

As far as the price is concerned, the PSA Dagger retails between $350-$400, whereas the Glock 19 comes priced between $500-$600.

PSA Dagger Problems

After reviewing the handgun for quite a while, I came up with a few conclusions for PSA dagger problems:

  • The handgun is quite reliable on its own, but you may face challenges when using aftermarket parts.
  • The narrow availability of options for aftermarket parts (especially sights and optics).
  • The OEM trigger is a bit stiff.

Conclusion

The PSA Dagger is similar in almost everything as a Glock 19. It is a reliable, easy-to-conceal handgun with exceptional accuracy and reliability. If you want something to replace your G19 or other compact handgun, the PSA dagger is your best option.

People Also Ask !

Is the PSA Dagger as Good as the Glock?

Yes, the PSA Dagger is almost as good as a Glock in terms of accuracy, ergonomics, and reliability. However, it has a lesser variety of aftermarket parts compared to the G19.

What is the PSA Dagger a Copy Of?

The PSA Dagger was modeled after the Glock 19. It has similar action, dimensions, and magazine capacity as the G19.

Marshall Luton

As Owner and Operator of Defensive Shooting Academy (DSA), Marshall Luton has been in law enforcement for 27 years. He has successfully operated DSA since 2000 and has assembled the finest instructor cadre in the industry. Together they are responsible for curriculum development and currently have 14 courses that are recognized by the Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (C.L.E.E.T.). A life member of the National Rifle Association and former NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor for pistol and shotgun, Marshall is an accomplished competition shooter in both IDPA and USPSA.