Glock 19 and PSA Dagger are two super popular handguns and let’s face it one is a clone of the other. The venerable Glock 19 Gen 3 is the base on which the Dagger is built. Both the Glock 19 and PSA Dagger are compact pistols that are suitable for concealed carry, personal defense, and general use. However, there are a few key differences between the guns that should be taken into consideration before betting your life on one or the other. Today we are comparing Glock 19 vs. PSA Dagger. Where does the Dagger hit the mark and where does it fail to compete, and lastly, where is it better than the industry standard Glock 19?
Let’s first state this is a comparison to the Gen 3 Glock, not the Glock 19 Gen 4 or Glock 19 Gen 5. The patents on the 4 and 5 are still running so the dagger has to be based on the third iteration of the famous gun. We want this to be as close to apples to apples as possible.
The Basics
The Glock 19 is a polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun that is known for its simplicity and durability. The 19 has a 4.02-inch barrel and has a magazine capacity of 15 rounds. The Glock 19 also features a moderately textured grip that provides good purchase and an accessory rail that allows for the attachment of various accessories, such as lights and lasers.
Just like the Glock the PSA Dagger is also a polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun. It has a 4.15-inch barrel and a magazine capacity of 15 rounds. The PSA Dagger features a more aggressive grip texture that offers a firm hold even in wet conditions. The Dagger has a more ergonomic grip with a slight palm swell. It also has an accessory rail that allows for the attachment of various accessories.
Reliability
The Glock 19 is reliable firearms that is trusted by law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian gun owners alike. The Glock 19 is known for its legendary reliability, thanks to its simple and robust design. It has a reputation for being able to fire even in harsh conditions and without proper maintenance. Just go online and check out all of the testing, Glock really set the standard here.
The Glock 19 has also been tested extensively by the US Department of Defense and the FBI. It tested well enough for the FBI to adopt it as their standard side arm, it is a compact option for elite operators such as The US Navy SEALs and even the US Border Patrol is issued the Glock 19X.
Similarly, the PSA Dagger is also designed to be a reliable handgun. It has been extensively tested to ensure it can withstand daily use's rigors. PSA claims that the Dagger has a 30,000 round service life, which is impressive.
Accuracy
When it comes to accuracy, both Glock 19 and PSA Dagger are capable of delivering good accuracy. The Glock 19 has a reputation for being easy to shoot accurately, thanks to its familiar trigger pull and manageable recoil. It also has a good sight picture that allows for fast and accurate target acquisition.
The PSA Dagger also has good metal sights that are easy to acquire. However, some users have reported that the trigger pull is a bit heavy, spongy, with a long reset and could benefit from some improvement.
Pricing
The Glock 19 is generally more expensive than the PSA Dagger. A new Glock 19 can cost up to about $600, while the PSA Dagger typically costs between $300-$420. However, the Glock 19 has a proven track record of reliability and durability, which may justify the higher price for some gun owners.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of a handgun are important because they can affect how comfortable and practical it is to shoot. The Glock 19 has a relatively simple and straight grip angle that can work well for a wide range of users. However, some people may find that the grip texture is too aggressive or that the finger grooves don't fit their hand perfectly.
As mentioned earlier, the PSA Dagger has a more ergonomic grip and more aggressive texture. The trigger guard is also cut for comfort, along with featuring more aggressive texturing. This may make for a more pleasurable shooting experience and being able to tame recoil a bit better.
Aftermarket Support
The Glock 19 is maybe the most popular handgun in the world, it has a vast selection of aftermarket accessories and modifications available. The Glock 19 has a more established and diverse aftermarket community, which means that there are more options for customization and upgrades.
The PSA Dagger is a newer firearm, and while it is gaining popularity, it may not have as many options for customization at this time. Although a lot of the aftermarket upgrades, such as some Glock 19 magazines, Glock 19 sights, Glock 19 slides, and Glock 19 barrels, commonly fit the PSA Dagger.
Last Shot
In conclusion, both Glock 19 and PSA Dagger are reliable, accurate, and well-designed handguns that are suitable for concealed carry, personal defense, and general use. The Glock 19 is a more expensive firearm with a legendary reputation for reliability, while the PSA Dagger is a more affordable option with similar features and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two firearms will depend on the user's preference, budget, and intended use.