PSA Dagger Compact 9mm Pistol REVIEW | You’re Gonna Want To Read This

I’ve wanted to get my hands on a PSA Dagger Compact for some time now, but I have always hesitated due to the issues I heard other shooters complain about. However, I liked that it is a compact, red dot ready, 9mm pistol with a vast selection of aftermarket parts to choose from.

PSA has listened to the market and made some changes. So, how does the PSA Dagger shoot today?

PSA Dagger Compact 9mm Pistol

Grip and Feel

When it comes to handling the Dagger, I’ve got zero complaints about the grip angle or overall feel. It locks in well, but for a little extra traction, I might throw on some Talon Grip—just personal preference.

The single-finger swell actually works for my medium-sized hands. PSA seems to have found a nice middle ground here between full-on finger grooves and a simple finger swell at the top of the grip.

One thing I do appreciate is the extended beavertail, which lets you choke up high on the grip without worrying about slide bite. And shoutout to the slight magwell flare under the pinky—it gives just enough extra support to keep my grip high and locked in.

Internals

The PSA Dagger is fully parts-compatible with another very popular pistol, so swapping or upgrading internals is easy.

One noticeable difference is the guide rod—PSA went with a single-piece stainless steel guide rod rather than a polymer one. This is a nice little upgrade right out of the box.

The Trigger

The Dagger’s trigger shoe breaks halfway down, rather than opting for a bladed trigger safety running down the middle.

Between the two, I actually prefer the Dagger’s trigger. It cuts down on the sponginess you get with other triggers, offering a more defined wall and break. The reset on the Dagger is slightly less tactile but gets the job done.

Now, it was time to get my hands on it.

But first, I needed a red dot. With the PSA Dagger being a roughly $320 gun, I didn’t want to drop a lot of coin on a red dot optic, so I headed to Amazon to try to find the best pistol red dot for under $150. After looking on Amazon and watching some reviews on YouTube, I settled on the Zulisy Oak, which cost me roughly $100.

So, for under $500, you could have a red dot equipped pistol to keep in your vehicle, bug-out bag, or nightstand, or even carry it if you feel comfortable doing so.

Once I mounted the red dot and bore-sighted, I headed to my friend’s backyard range.

The thing I was most curious about was the reliability, so that was my focus.

Reliability

I ran 300 rounds through the dagger without a single issue. I ran 115-grain FMJ, 124-grain Federal Hydra Shok, 124-grain flat nose FMJ, and 147-grain flat nose poly ammo from HOP Munitions.

The Dagger ate it all up without a single hiccup. To add to the reliability testing, I also added different magazines into the mix.

I started out with the Magpul polymer magazine that ships with the Dagger, then moved to a Glock 19 OEM magazine, and finally, the new Mec-Gar metal Glock 19 magazines. Again, not one single issue was had.

I’ve gotta say, I’m pretty damn impressed. I’ve said repeatedly that I wouldn’t trust my life to a PSA Dagger, but damn….not one malfunction….has me rethinking that statement. Regardless, I need to put more ammo through this thing to prove it out before I would carry it.

Another positive to the design of the Dagger is that it fits in my Tenicor Velo holster and my Tier 1 Concealed holster, which are designed for Glocks 19 and 17. The PSA Dagger will likely fit if you own a holster for a Glock 17 or a Glock 19.

Now, with all that good said, there was only one negative that I have with this pistol at this point.

The sights it ships with. It ships with suppressor height sights, but not a threaded barrel. I’ve never been a fan of suppressor height sights, so there is that. BUT….when I was done shooting it for the day, I did notice that the front sight post had come loose. I have heard other shooters complain of this, and sure enough, it happened to me.

I’ll add a drop of Loctite to it and tighten it back down, but that’s in no way a show-stopper since I’m using a red dot.

Upgrades

At its core, the Dagger has a nearly endless list of upgrades and aftermarket parts to choose from.

If you’re looking for a solid pistol light that matches the Dagger’s budget-friendly appeal, I’ve got an Olight on the way that’ll be mounted soon—stay tuned for that.

One thing you’ll definitely want is more mags since the Dagger only ships with one. My pick? The new Mec-Gar metal mags for the Glock 19. They bump your capacity up to 18 rounds and have been running flawlessly so far.

Live Inventory Price Checker

	PSA Dagger Compact 9mm RMR Pistol w/ 10 PMAG 27rd/15rd Magazines & PSA Pistol Bag	Palmetto State Armory	$ 449.99
	PSA Dagger Compact 9mm RMR Pistol w/ 10 PMAG 27rd/15rd Magazines & PSA Pistol Bag	Palmetto State Armory	$ 449.99 $ 419.99
	PSA Dagger Compact 9mm Pistol With Extreme Carry Cuts RMR Slide, Threaded Barrel - 2-Tone Sniper Green With PSA Soft Case	Palmetto State Armory	$ 359.99
	PSA Dagger Compact 9mm Pistol With Extreme Carry Cuts RMR Slide, Threaded Barrel - 2-Tone Sniper Green With PSA Soft Case	Palmetto State Armory	$ 359.99 $ 309.99

Wrapping It Up!

Would I recommend it? Hell yes.

For around $320, you’re getting a reliable, accurate red dot ready 9mm pistol with some solid upgrades. That’s hard to beat.

I like what PSA has done with the Dagger, and I’ll keep pushing it to see how it holds up. I’ve got a Faxon barrel ready to drop in, plus some Talon Grip and those Mec-Gar metal mags to test out. I might even run it through one of my pistol courses to see how it handles a full day of 500+ rounds.

Stay tuned—this one’s not done yet.

About Scott Witner

Scott Witner is a former Marine Corps Infantryman with 2ndBn/8th Marines. He completed training in desert warfare at the Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Mountain Warfare and survival at the Mountain Warfare Training Center, the South Korean Mountain Warfare School in Pohang, and the Jungle Warfare school in the jungles of Okinawa, Japan. He now enjoys recreational shooting, trail running, hiking, functional fitness, and working on his truck. Scott resides in Northeastern Ohio.