I’ve wished to get my palms on a PSA Dagger Compact for a while now, however I’ve all the time hesitated as a result of points I heard different shooters complain about. Nevertheless, I preferred that it’s a compact, purple dot prepared, 9mm pistol with an unlimited number of aftermarket elements to select from.
PSA has listened to the market and made some modifications. So, how does the PSA Dagger shoot at the moment?
Grip and Really feel
With regards to dealing with the Dagger, I’ve obtained zero complaints concerning the grip angle or total really feel. It locks in nicely, however for a bit additional traction, I would throw on some Talon Grip—simply private desire.
The one-finger swell truly works for my medium-sized palms. PSA appears to have discovered a pleasant center floor right here between full-on finger grooves and a easy finger swell on the high of the grip.
One factor I do recognize is the prolonged beavertail, which helps you to choke up excessive on the grip with out worrying about slide chew. And shoutout to the slight magwell flare underneath the pinky—it offers simply sufficient additional assist to maintain my grip excessive and locked in.
Internals
The PSA Dagger is totally parts-compatible with one other extremely popular pistol, so swapping or upgrading internals is simple.
One noticeable distinction is the information rod—PSA went with a single-piece stainless-steel information rod fairly than a polymer one. This can be a good little improve proper out of the field.
The Set off
The Dagger’s set off shoe breaks midway down, fairly than choosing a bladed set off security operating down the center.
Between the 2, I truly desire the Dagger’s set off. It cuts down on the sponginess you get with different triggers, providing a extra outlined wall and break. The reset on the Dagger is barely much less tactile however will get the job completed.
Now, it was time to get my palms on it.
However first, I wanted a purple dot. With the PSA Dagger being a roughly $320 gun, I didn’t wish to drop a number of coin on a purple dot optic, so I headed to Amazon to attempt to discover the perfect pistol purple dot for underneath $150. After wanting on Amazon and watching some evaluations on YouTube, I settled on the Zulisy Oak, which price me roughly $100.
So, for underneath $500, you would have a purple dot geared up pistol to maintain in your car, bug-out bag, or nightstand, and even carry it if you happen to really feel snug doing so.
As soon as I mounted the purple dot and bore-sighted, I headed to my pal’s yard vary.
The factor I used to be most inquisitive about was the reliability, in order that was my focus.
Reliability
I ran 300 rounds by way of the dagger with out a single concern. I ran 115-grain FMJ, 124-grain Federal Hydra Shok, 124-grain flat nostril FMJ, and 147-grain flat nostril poly ammo from HOP Munitions.
The Dagger ate all of it up with out a single hiccup. So as to add to the reliability testing, I additionally added completely different magazines into the combination.
I began out with the Magpul polymer journal that ships with the Dagger, then moved to a Glock 19 OEM journal, and eventually, the brand new Mec-Gar metallic Glock 19 magazines. Once more, not one single concern was had.
I’ve gotta say, I’m fairly rattling impressed. I’ve stated repeatedly that I wouldn’t belief my life to a PSA Dagger, however rattling….not one malfunction….has me rethinking that assertion. Regardless, I have to put extra ammo by way of this factor to show it out earlier than I might carry it.
One other constructive to the design of the Dagger is that it matches in my Tenicor Velo holster and my Tier 1 Hid holster, that are designed for Glocks 19 and 17. The PSA Dagger will seemingly match if you happen to personal a holster for a Glock 17 or a Glock 19.
Now, with all that good stated, there was just one damaging that I’ve with this pistol at this level.
The sights it ships with. It ships with suppressor peak sights, however not a threaded barrel. I’ve by no means been a fan of suppressor peak sights, so there may be that. BUT….once I was completed taking pictures it for the day, I did discover that the entrance sight put up had come unfastened. I’ve heard different shooters complain of this, and positive sufficient, it occurred to me.
I’ll add a drop of Loctite to it and tighten it again down, however that’s by no means a show-stopper since I’m utilizing a purple dot.
Upgrades
At its core, the Dagger has an almost countless checklist of upgrades and aftermarket elements to select from.
In the event you’re searching for a strong pistol gentle that matches the Dagger’s budget-friendly attraction, I’ve obtained an Olight on the best way that’ll be mounted quickly—keep tuned for that.
One factor you’ll undoubtedly need is extra mags because the Dagger solely ships with one. My choose? The brand new Mec-Gar metallic mags for the Glock 19. They bump your capability as much as 18 rounds and have been operating flawlessly to this point.
Stay Stock Value Checker
Wrapping It Up!
Would I like to recommend it? Hell sure.
For round $320, you’re getting a dependable, correct purple dot prepared 9mm pistol with some strong upgrades. That’s arduous to beat.
I like what PSA has completed with the Dagger, and I’ll preserve pushing it to see the way it holds up. I’ve obtained a Faxon barrel able to drop in, plus some Talon Grip and people Mec-Gar metallic mags to check out. I would even run it by way of one in every of my pistol programs to see the way it handles a full day of 500+ rounds.
Keep tuned—this one’s not completed but.
About Scott Witner
Scott Witner is a former Marine Corps Infantryman with 2ndBn/eighth Marines. He accomplished coaching in desert warfare on the Marine Air Floor Fight Middle, Mountain Warfare and survival on the Mountain Warfare Coaching Middle, the South Korean Mountain Warfare College in Pohang, and the Jungle Warfare faculty within the jungles of Okinawa, Japan. He now enjoys leisure taking pictures, path operating, mountaineering, useful health, and dealing on his truck. Scott resides in Northeastern Ohio.
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