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?
When looking at PSA Dagger vs 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.
PSA Dagger VS Glock 19 Comparison Chart
| Feature/Specification | PSA Dagger | Glock 19 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Palmetto State Armory | Glock |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger |
| Action | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic |
| Frame Material | Polymer | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Length | 4.0 inches | 4.02 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.25 inches | 7.28 inches |
| Height | 5.3 inches | 5.04 inches |
| Width | 1.3 inches | 1.26 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | Approx. 22.4 oz | Approx. 21 oz |
| Magazine Capacity | 15+1, 10+1 | 15+1, 10+1 |
| Sights | Three-dot sights | Fixed, three-dot |
| Trigger Pull | Approx. 5.5 lbs | Approx. 5.5 lbs |
| Accessory Rail | Yes | Yes |
| Safety Features | Trigger Safety | Trigger Safety, Drop Safety |
| Price Range | $300 - $400 | $500 - $600 |
Note: Prices are approximate and can vary depending on the retailer, location, and market demand.
Disclaimer: Always check local, state, and federal laws and regulations before purchasing or using firearms. Make sure to follow all safety guidelines and instructions. This chart is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice.
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. This includes PSA Dagger Compact vs. Glock 19 too. 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.
PSA Dagger vs. Glock 19: Interchangeability & Aftermarket Accessories
When it comes to the world of handguns, the Glock 19 is an undeniable icon. Introduced in the 1980s, the compact 9mm pistol has become the standard for many law enforcement agencies, concealed carriers, and gun enthusiasts worldwide. With this widespread adoption comes a massive aftermarket industry dedicated to customizing and improving the Glock 19. However, in recent years, the Palmetto State Armory (PSA) Dagger has emerged as a formidable competitor, with claims of being compatible with many Glock 19 parts. But how true are these claims? Let's dive in and examine the interchangeability of parts and aftermarket accessories between the Glock 19 vs. PSA Dagger.
Slides
Glock 19: A vast number of aftermarket slides are available for the Glock 19. This allows users to customize their Glock with enhanced serrations, optic cutouts, or even custom engravings.
PSA Dagger: The Dagger was designed with the intent to be compatible with many Glock 19 parts. Its slide is said to be compatible with Gen3 Glock 19 components, so any aftermarket slide intended for a Gen3 Glock 19 should work with the Dagger.
Grip Tape
Glock 19: There's no shortage of grip tapes and custom stippling services available for the Glock 19, given its popularity.
PSA Dagger: As the frame's ergonomics and dimensions are similar to the Glock 19, many grip tapes designed for the Glock 19 will fit the Dagger. However, there may be slight variances, so always check for compatibility.
Optics
Glock 19: With the increasing popularity of red-dot optics, many aftermarket slides for the Glock 19 come pre-milled for specific optic models. Glock also offers MOS (Modular Optic System) versions that support a range of optics.
PSA Dagger: Since the Dagger slide is compatible with Gen3 Glock 19 slides, any optic system that can be mounted on the latter should technically be compatible with the Dagger. Ensure that the mounting footprint matches if you're buying a specific optic for the Dagger.
Lights
Glock 19: Glock's accessory rail is a common platform, and almost all major weapon light manufacturers produce lights compatible with the Glock 19.
PSA Dagger: The Dagger boasts a universal accessory rail, so it should be compatible with most weapon lights that fit the Glock 19. However, always verify the fit before purchasing.
Magazines
Glock 19: Glock magazines are ubiquitous and known for their reliability. There's also a broad aftermarket for Glock mags, including extended capacities and various baseplates.
PSA Dagger: The PSA Dagger was designed to be compatible with Glock 19 magazines, which is a significant advantage. This means users can use reliable Glock mags or delve into the vast aftermarket options.
Conclusion
The PSA Dagger, with its intent to be a more affordable alternative to the Glock 19, has made a conscious effort to maintain compatibility with many Glock parts. This interchangeability makes the Dagger an appealing option for those who want the modularity and customization options that come with the Glock ecosystem but at a potentially lower cost.
However, always exercise caution when purchasing aftermarket parts, even if they claim to be compatible. While many components between the Glock 19 and PSA Dagger are interchangeable, slight variances could impact performance or safety. Always consult the manufacturer or a gunsmith when in doubt.
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 PSA Dagger VS Glock 19 the two firearms will depend on the user's preference, budget, and intended use.