PSA Dagger: Affordable 9mm Pistol for Concealed Carry

The PSA Dagger is a popular and affordable handgun that has made waves in the compact pistol market. This 9mm pistol offers impressive features and performance at a budget-friendly price point, typically from $300 to $350. Manufactured by Palmetto State Armory, the Dagger series combines quality and value, making it an attractive option for new and experienced shooters.

The Dagger line includes various models, from compact to full-size, with options for different sights, slides, and barrels. Its design draws inspiration from the Glock 19, offering compatibility with many Glock parts and magazines. This compatibility expands the Dagger's appeal, allowing users to customize their firearms with a wide range of aftermarket accessories.

Gun enthusiasts appreciate the PSA Dagger's ergonomic design, reliable performance, and customization potential. Whether for home defense, concealed carry, or target shooting, the Dagger provides a versatile platform tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Key Takeaways

• The PSA Dagger offers quality and affordability in the compact pistol market.
• Compatible with many Glock parts, the Dagger allows for extensive customization.
• Available in various models, the Dagger suits different shooting needs and preferences.

Background and Development

PSA, short for Palmetto State Armory, introduced the Dagger as a new handgun option in 2021. This pistol was an affordable alternative to the popular Glock 19.

The Dagger's development focused on creating a quality firearm at a lower price point. PSA leveraged its manufacturing capabilities to keep costs down while maintaining performance standards.

Key features of the Dagger include:

• Compact size similar to Glock 19 • Compatibility with many Glock 19 parts • Optics-ready slide options • Threaded barrel options

PSA aimed to improve ergonomics compared to the Glock 19. The Dagger's frame is slightly different, with a more rounded grip that some users find comfortable.

The company offers various configurations of the Dagger, including different slide finishes, barrel types, and sight options. This variety allows customers to choose features that fit their needs and budget.

Since its launch, PSA has expanded the Dagger line. They now offer full-size versions alongside the original compact model. The Dagger has gained popularity as an affordable yet reliable pistol option.

Design and Features

The PSA Dagger offers a mix of familiar and unique design elements. Its compact size and polymer frame make it suitable for everyday carry, while its features aim to enhance usability and performance.

Ergonomics and Grip

The PSA Dagger's grip shape borrows from popular designs. It has a slight palm swell and finger grooves for a secure hold. The grip texture is aggressive enough to prevent slipping but not so rough it causes discomfort.

An undercut trigger guard allows for a higher grip. This helps control recoil and improves overall handling. The beavertail at the back of the grip protects the shooter's hand from slide bite.

The frame includes an accessory rail for lights or lasers. This adds versatility for different carry and use scenarios.

Slide and Barrel

The Dagger's slide is made of stainless steel. It has front and rear serrations for easier manipulation. These serrations help with press checks and slide racking, even with wet or slippery hands.

The barrel is also stainless steel. It's threaded to accept suppressors or other muzzle devices. This feature expands the pistol's capabilities for different shooting applications.

The sights are made of steel and use a three-dot system. They're compatible with Glock-pattern sights, allowing for easy customization.

Trigger and Safety Features

The Dagger uses a striker-fired system similar to many modern pistols. Its trigger has a built-in safety lever to prevent accidental discharge. The pull weight is around 5-6 pounds, which is typical for this type of firearm.

There's no external manual safety. Instead, the dagger relies on its trigger safety and internal safety, Including a firing pin block and drop safety to prevent unintended firing if the gun is dropped.

The magazine release is reversible for left-handed shooters. This small but important feature enhances the pistol's adaptability to different users.

Technical Specifications

The PSA Dagger offers a range of features that make it a competitive option in the compact handgun market. Its specs closely mirror the popular Glock 19, with some unique touches.

Caliber and Capacity

The PSA Dagger is chambered in 9mm Luger, a widely used and effective self-defense cartridge. It has a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds, plus one in the chamber. This gives shooters a total of 16 rounds on tap.

The pistol can be used in most Glock 19 magazines. This compatibility adds to its appeal for those who already own Glock accessories.

Size and Weight

The Dagger fits into the compact pistol category. It weighs about 22 ounces unloaded. This puts it in line with similar handguns in its class.

Its grip is shaped to fit most hand sizes comfortably. The texture helps maintain a secure hold during firing.

The pistol's dimensions make it suitable for concealed carry. It's small enough to hide easily but large enough for a full firing grip.

Barrel and Overall Length

The PSA Dagger sports a 3.9-inch barrel. This barrel length balances concealability with good accuracy potential.

Its overall length measures 6.9 inches. The slide is made of stainless steel for durability.

Some models come with a threaded barrel. This allows for the addition of suppressors or other muzzle devices.

The sight radius is similar to that of the Glock 19. This aids in precise aiming at various distances.

Performance and Reliability

The PSA Dagger shows strong performance and reliability in testing. It functions well for both range use and everyday carry.

Range Testing

The PSA Dagger performs admirably at the range. During extensive testing of 3000+ rounds, it had no malfunctions. This speaks to its reliable design and quality build. The gun shoots accurately, with tight groupings at typical self-defense distances.

Recoil is manageable, allowing for quick follow-up shots. The trigger has a crisp break and a short reset. This aids in shooting speed and precision. The DLC finish on the slide holds up well to repeated use without wear.

Everyday Carry Considerations

The PSA Dagger works well for concealed carry. Its compact size makes it easy to conceal in a variety of holsters and clothing. The gun's reliability gives peace of mind for self-defense use.

The trigger pin is secure and doesn't walk out during extended carry. This prevents potential malfunctions. The texture on the grip helps with a solid hold, even with sweaty hands.

CYA Supply Co makes quality holsters that fit the PSA Dagger nicely. These holsters allow for comfortable all-day carry, and the gun's lightweight design prevents fatigue during long periods of wear.

Customization and Upgrades

The PSA Dagger offers many customization options. Gun owners can enhance their pistol's performance and appearance with various upgrades.

Optics and Sights

The PSA Dagger comes with an optics cut, making adding a red dot sight easy. Popular choices include the Trijicon RMR. These sights improve target acquisition and accuracy.

Some Dagger models are optics-ready right out of the box. This saves time and money on slide milling. Aftermarket options can replace the factory sights for those who prefer iron sights.

Upgrading sights can greatly improve the shooting experience. It allows for faster target acquisition and better accuracy, especially in low-light conditions.

Aftermarket Accessories

The Dagger accepts many Glock Gen 3 parts. This compatibility opens up a wide range of upgrade options. Triggers are a common upgrade. Aftermarket triggers can improve pull weight and feel.

Magazines are another popular upgrade. The Dagger takes Glock magazines. Magpul offers affordable options that work well with the Dagger.

Other upgrades include:

• Extended controls for easier use
• Grip enhancements for better handling
• Threaded barrels for adding compensators or suppressors

These upgrades can make the Dagger more comfortable and efficient to use. They allow owners to tailor the pistol to their specific needs and preferences.

Comparative Analysis

The PSA Dagger has made waves in the firearms market as a budget-friendly alternative to popular compact pistols. Its design and performance have drawn comparisons to industry leaders, sparking debate among gun enthusiasts.

PSA Dagger vs. Industry Leaders

The PSA Dagger shares many similarities with the Glock 19, a benchmark in the compact pistol category. Both firearms have comparable dimensions and ergonomics. The Dagger's height measures 4.78 inches, close to the Glock 19's specifications.

The Dagger Full Size S model holds 17 rounds, edging out the Glock 19's 15-round capacity. This gives the Dagger a slight advantage in firepower.

The Dagger's barrel length is 4 inches, marginally shorter than the Glock 19's 4.02 inches. This minor difference likely has minimal impact on accuracy or performance for most shooters.

Compared to popular brands like Sig Sauer, CZ, and FN, the Dagger is reliable and functional. It offers similar features at a lower price point.

Value Proposition

The PSA Dagger's main selling point is its affordability. It provides a quality firearm at a price that undercuts many competitors, including Glock and Sig Sauer.

Despite its lower cost, the Dagger doesn't skimp on quality. It incorporates a striker block safety and trigger safety, matching industry standards for user protection.

The Dagger offers impressive customization options. Its parts interchangeability with Glock components allows for easy upgrades and personalization. This compatibility extends to accessories like Magpul magazines.

For budget-conscious buyers, the Dagger presents an attractive option. It delivers reliable performance and familiar ergonomics without the premium price tag of some top-tier brands.

Ownership and Maintenance

The PSA Dagger needs regular care to work well. Proper cleaning and maintenance keep it in good shape. PSA offers support and warranty options for owners.

Cleaning and Care

To clean the PSA Dagger, first make sure it's unloaded. Then, remove the slide, barrel, and recoil spring. Clean each part with a solvent and brush, paying special attention to the barrel and slide rails.

Use a cloth to dry everything. Put a thin coat of gun oil on metal parts that rub together. This helps the gun work smoothly. Be careful not to use too much oil.

The DLC coating on some Dagger models protects against rust. Still, wipe the outside with an oily cloth after handling.

Put the gun back together carefully, making sure all parts fit properly. Then, check that it works properly before loading.

Support and Warranty

PSA offers support for Dagger owners. They have online guides and videos to help with common issues. The company also provides phone and email support for tougher problems.

The Dagger comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship, but it doesn't cover normal wear or misuse.

To use the warranty, contact PSA's customer service. Provide the gun's serial number. They may ask you to send the gun in for repair.

Keep your proof of purchase. This helps if you ever need warranty service. PSA aims to fix issues quickly to get your Dagger back in working order.

Frequently Asked Questions

The PSA Dagger has sparked interest among gun enthusiasts. People often ask about its features, performance, and value compared to similar handguns.

What are the common features of the PSA Dagger Compact?

The PSA Dagger Compact is a 9mm pistol with 15 rounds in its flush-fit magazine. It is compact, similar to the Glock 19.

The gun has a stainless steel barrel and slide with a black Cerakote coating. This coating helps protect the metal parts from wear and corrosion.

How does the PSA Dagger compare to the Glock 19's performance?

The PSA Dagger is designed to resemble the Glock 19 in size and function. Many shooters find it performs well for its price point.

In tests, the Dagger has shown good accuracy and reliability. Some users report that it shoots, as well as more expensive guns like the Glock 19.

What has been the general user feedback from reviews of the PSA Dagger?

Many reviewers praise the PSA Dagger for its value. They often note it offers good performance at a lower cost than some competitors.

Some users report that the Dagger feels comfortable to shoot and handle. The gun's ergonomics are often compared favorably to those of more costly pistols.

Can any Glock parts be used with the PSA Dagger Compact 9mm?

The PSA Dagger is designed to be compatible with many Glock parts. This includes magazines, sights, and some internal components.

Users can often use Glock aftermarket parts to customize their Dagger. This flexibility is seen as a plus by many gun owners.

Have any recurring issues been reported with the PSA Dagger's slide mechanism?

Some early users reported issues with the slide lock spring. PSA has since addressed this problem in newer models.

Most current reviews do not mention slide problems as a common issue. The gun seems to function well for most owners.

How does the value of the PSA Dagger compare to other handguns in the same category?

The PSA Dagger is often praised for its low price point. It offers features similar to more expensive guns at a lower cost.

Many shooters find the Dagger to be a good value. It provides decent quality and performance without breaking the bank.