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An Inexpensive Different to the Glock?
Palmetto State Armory’s PSA Dagger is getting quite a lot of consideration as a result of it’s a GLOCK-style pistol chambered for the exceptionally fashionable 9mm cartridge. TLDR: The outcomes had been higher than anticipated!
It’s in all probability protected to imagine the AR-15 has claimed the title of “America’s Rifle.” As for pistols, the 1911 Authorities Mannequin was – and presumably nonetheless is – the American champ. However given the undiminished reputation of the Austrian borne GLOCK, even within the USA, it might’t lag far behind. And imitation being the sincerest type of flattery, a rising listing of polymer clones solely narrows no matter hole exists.
Some are greater finish variations bought for better prices. However, apparently, one other option to transfer a knockoff is to promote it for much less cash. That is my evaluate of such a pistol, Palmetto State Armory’s Dagger. Priced lower than a GLOCK 19 however bearing a robust resemblance, the query begging for a solution is: How does the PSA Dagger carry out?
The PSA Dagger Introduction
Produced by Palmetto State Armory – a agency recognized for AR-15s (see our article on constructing a low-cost AR-15 with Palmetto State Armory) – this polymer pistol was launched throughout 2020. Since then, the Dagger has gone by a number of iterations. Supposedly, it’s been debugged alongside the way in which (a reasonably widespread evolutionary observe). Based mostly on a 9mm GLOCK 19 Gen-3, the Dagger bears a robust resemblance that extends to the internals nevertheless it’s not an equivalent clone. A Dagger, for instance, could not match a molded holster designed particularly for a GLOCK.
One other huge distinction is value. The fundamental Dagger lists for round $300, a pair hundred bucks lower than the GLOCK.
The 9mm Dagger Compact I obtained sported a flat darkish earth end. Its slide was protected by Cerakote that blended properly with the polymer body. Offered as a bundle, it was handed to me in a well-made color-coordinated soft-case – containing ten magazines! Shocked by the bubble-packed windfall, I checked the Palmetto State Armory web site.
Low and behold, the identical journal wealthy bundle appeared for beneath $400. Upon viewing it initially, my first thought was “Prepper Equipment.”
PSA Dagger Compact Specs:
- Capability is 15 +1.
- Unloaded with an empty journal, it weighed 23 ounces on my scale.
- Totally loaded with 16 rounds (124 grain bullets) it weighed 29.8 ounces.
- The barrel measured 3.875 inches.
- Total size was 7-inches and at its thickest level, the grip, it measured 1.25-inches.
GLOCK 19 Similarities:
- The Dagger makes use of the identical magazines as a GLOCK 19.
- The ten full of the Dagger had been PMAGS.
- Supposedly most of its different components will even interchange with a G-19, to incorporate its body, slide and barrel.
- The Dagger disassembles per the GLOCK course of.
Dagger Evaluate – GLOCK Comparability
Persevering with the comparability to the GLOCK 19, I reviewed the PSA Dagger by that lens.
Dagger Disassembly
Primary disassembly – or subject stripping – is comparatively easy.
- Confirm the pistol is utterly unloaded, to incorporate removing of the journal.
- Pull the set off (dry-fire).
- Retract the slide round ¼”, and two opposing tabs within the body are pulled downward.
- Your complete slide meeting can now be drawn ahead off the body for removing of the information rod and the barrel.
As a result of it’s a easy course of, it encourages ongoing upkeep.
Reassembly is in reverse order. It’s additionally easier since twiddling with the small takedown tabs is pointless. Nonetheless, my first couple makes an attempt with the Dagger resulted in some minor alignment hassles. However as soon as I received the dangle of it, the slide meeting slipped on to the body with out additional difficulties.
A cautionary disassembly reminder that shouldn’t be needed – however is. Carry out the “utterly unloaded” step at the least twice (I’ve seen this go to hell). Additionally, isolate the firearm from any dwell ammo. Higher to be protected than sorry!
Extra Comparisons to the GLOCK 19
Following the design of a GLOCK, the Dagger’s polymer body homes metal rail-inserts held in place by pins. Nonetheless the latter’s ahead locking-block insert is longer. Sans interchangeable grip inserts, the serial-numbered polymer shell options aggressive however not-irritating textured panels, a high-cut set off guard, and a GLOCK-type accent rail. Additionally, the underside of its magazine nicely incorporates aid cuts, helpful for the removing of recalcitrant magazines. However the slide-stop and magazine catch are non-reversible.
Though it was completed in flat darkish earth, the slide is chrome steel, and has fore and aft cocking serrations. Touted as a “Carry Lower” design, its entrance and rear edges are “smoother” for snag-free attracts.
The sights are mounted per a GLOCK, opening the door to a plethora of aftermarket choices. The Dagger I obtained had a normal slide, however an optics-ready model is obtainable, machined to find a miniaturized crimson dot forward of the rear sight.
The barrel, additionally stainless, is rifled with six typical lands and grooves (extra appropriate for lead bullets). Close to as I can decide, it’s rifled 1:10 – the identical twist right this moment’s bullet producers use to check increasing projectiles. The muzzle sits flush with the slide, and has a cleanly minimize recessed face, just like the 11-degree crown seen on many HB rifles.
Like a GLOCK, the Dagger’s recoil spring is captive, however its information rod is chrome steel.
The entrance and rear sights are metal (as a substitute of plastic). The set on this PSA Dagger had been fastened three-dots, and the rear was formed to allow single-handed slide racks. It’s additionally drift-adjustable for windage.
One apparent departure was the set off which differs from a GLOCK. As a substitute of a separate blade, PSA went with an articulated model just like an S&W M&P. To me it was utterly acquainted. If it’s not your cup of tea, supposedly, it may be swapped out for one in all many GLOCK variations. I didn’t do this.
The journal launch appeared to have an ample pad, however didn’t wish to let go – at the least, not with out exaggerated efforts. It was an actual bear for me and a pair others who tried it.
On a constructive word, the Dagger’s match and end had been higher than anticipated. Play between the slide and body was minimal in battery and the barrel was a good match. In idea, at the least, it ought to shoot. Earlier than hitting the vary to search out out, I gave it a cursory cleansing and lube to start with a “clear” slate.
Vary Outcomes
December’s vary circumstances hovered within the low 30s however the day was calm and overcast, superb for a significant accuracy evaluation. No snow both, useful for the restoration and inspection of fired instances. I began out by loading three magazines with 5 rounds every, to verify for operate whereas permitting the Dagger’s components to “settle in.”
Missing an appropriate holster – apart from the 25-yard accuracy part – all capturing occurred from a “prepared” place. The masses are listed of their firing orders.
9mm Speer 124-grain Lawman TMJ
Speer’s FMJ-type “Complete Metallic Jacket” is a minimize above many so-called Q-loads. It’s carried out very nicely for me in various 9mm pistols. Preliminary five-shot teams on 15-yard metal silhouettes had been encouraging, and performance was 100 %. The ejection sample was constant, and the recovered instances appeared regular.
The slide locked open as designed on the final shot, and every journal popped free – as soon as the discharge was totally depressed. This turned out to be an excellent better problem because of the chilly climate.
Full magazines got here subsequent BUT loading them with a full 15-rounds changed into an actual battle! The final couple had been nigh-impossible, and my seldom-used loading machine didn’t match. However perseverance lastly triumphed and the ultimate few rounds might be simply stripped out by a push of the thumb.
They chambered usually, too. Happy with the Dagger’s operate, I zeroed again in on a trio of repainted 15-yard silhouettes and fired a 10-shot group on every, offhand (utilizing each palms). A very good omen: Tight clusters developed straight above the sights, every of which measured round two inches.
The 25-yard accuracy checks had been shot on cardboard targets, off sandbags, to seize the outcomes. Three 5-shot teams with the identical TMJs produced constant outcomes averaging lower than 2 ½-inches – higher than many pistols costing two or thrice as a lot! And as soon as once more, the teams had been near the sights.
9mm Speer 124-grain Gold Dot JHPs
The subsequent load up, Speer’s nickel-plated defensive providing is one other high-confidence spherical. From the Dagger, it produced related downrange outcomes and functioned with out points. The ejection sample was additionally constant, and the fired instances confirmed no indicators of issues.
9mm Federal 135-grain HYDRA-SHOK JHP “Low Recoil”
The final load examined, outcomes had been on par with the opposite hundreds and freed from damaging surprises. As for recoil, there could have been much less. However, general, the Dagger was utterly manageable.
Hits & Misses
I wrapped up the Dagger’s vary session by capturing it from varied angles with Speer TMJs, a few of which had been fired solely with my assist (left) hand. The pistol ran and not using a hitch, and, throughout the board, accuracy was higher than anticipated.
The set off behaved equally to many different striker-fired designs. It mixed a definite reset with a constant pull (the above listed 6 ¼ lb. weight was recorded after the vary session).
My solely actual gripe was the journal launch. As a full-time vary rat, I’ve had the chance to play with heaps of various pistols. A number of had fiddly magazine releases, however this one was in a league all its personal.
The oft-taught partial flip didn’t treatment this subject, which is outwardly hit and miss. I feel it’s extra a matter of the shooter’s hand dimension relative to the grip design. For people who encounter the issue, a doable repair is an aftermarket GLOCK launch.
Not a fault of the pistol, however totally loading the PMAGS with 15 rounds was a battle (my body of reference consists of sub-gun mags). The method grew to become simpler as soon as they’d been loaded for a couple of days, however I’d spring for a loading machine – or completely different mags.
As for dealing with, I’m extra of an S&W M&P man. Usually, a normal GLOCK indexes muzzle-up. However, regardless of the absence of interchangeable grip inserts, the Dagger was extra of a pure pointer for me.
One other enormous plus: It shot to its sights. Talking of which, extra choices can be found there to incorporate night time sights, and so on.
Magazine pouches are a non-issue; holsters, perhaps. The Dagger will little question match some unmolded GLOCK 19 designs. In any case, it didn’t take lengthy to trace down a Dagger-specific model: PSA Dagger Compact Holster.
Lights and Lasers
I slipped a small QD Olight PL Mini 2 Valkyrie on the Dagger’s accent rail, utilizing its provided GLOCK adapter. It locked securely in place and was a pleasant match for the pistol.
The Dagger does lack a loaded chamber indicator, however nickel-plated cartridges had been seen within the small hole adjoining to its extractor. As a “two-fer” in addition they present a helpful means to distinguish defensive and observe hundreds.
Parting Pictures
A post-shooting examination (and cleansing session) indicated no apparent issues. Then once more, in complete, I solely fired round 200 rounds – removed from a complete take a look at. Nonetheless, the Dagger does include a lifetime guarantee. Is the Dagger value it? Possibly…
The unique 9mm GLOCK-17 gained fast acceptance amongst legislation enforcement companies and civilians. The compact 15 +1 G-19 was a logical development. A long time later, each stay polymer gold requirements concerning reliability and sturdiness. Most GLOCK devotees could have little purpose to change, however not everyone seems to be wedded to this model.
Additionally, some shoot occasionally at finest, and cash is commonly a priority. Additional rationale for the acquisition of a Dagger? Possibly to be used as a squirreled-away spare, or perhaps a residence protection gun. Tricked-out greater finish pistols can invoke litigious perils and, the expense of a reliable legal professional apart, a firearm used for such functions will possible do time in an proof locker.
Additional rationale? Returning to the Prepper Equipment thought, I dragged out a 9mm Windham Weaponry AR-15 carbine, configured to run on GLOCK-17 magazines. Each the 15-shot Dagger Compact and “pistol caliber carbine” functioned with magazines of both design – a reassuring footnote, given the ten PMAGS that got here with the pistol.
In closing, not like the AR-15, like a GLOCK, the PSA Dagger has no frame-mounted security lever. Nonetheless, the” protected motion” system (and its variants) is protected sufficient – if supported by correct coaching. That, and adherence to Rule #3 which stipulates strict finger-off-trigger self-discipline.
For extra about this technique and different handguns of every kind, see my guide Handguns: A Purchaser’s and Shooter’s Information.
