Glock handguns (and in particular the model 19) are the most copied handguns in the world. Why? Because for decades, Glocks have proved to just work. Yes, Glocks have their quirks, but for the most part, they are the gold standard for reliable semi-automatic, striker-fired, polymer-framed pistols. That’s a fact that won’t change any time soon.

Or will it?

A recent introduction that aims to chip away at Glock’s market share is the Dagger Compact, made by budget parts retailer Palmetto State Armory (PSA). As of this posting, there are three Dagger models, the Compact, Full Size, and Micro. For most of this review, we’ll be dealing with the Compact, the Dagger lineup’s original intro.

PSA is a South Carolina-based retailer of AR-15s, parts, accessories, ammo, and more. Their value-driven guns with better-than-average quality have made them a go-to for many first-time AR-15 buyers — but more discerning shooters have also found lots more to love about PSA’s lineup.

The Dagger is the company’s first foray into the super saturated market of semi-automatic 9mm handguns. Hopping into the fray is a bold move that takes gumption, deep pockets, marketing horsepower, and a definitive niche that your product can fill. PSA and its plucky Dagger tick all those boxes.

Why Copy the Glock 19?

The Glock 19 has, for decades, stood as the gold standard for rugged, reliable, do-all pistols, and it makes a good concealed carry pistol as well as a service gun. It’s the Goldilocks blaster; not too big, not too small, holds plenty of ammo, is very shootable, and superbly reliable. That’s why so many others copy it.

Despite its introduction roughly 40 years ago, the Glock 19 has successfully retained the crown. But it isn’t flawless, and many companies have tried to “out-Glock” the most famous Glock. The PSA Dagger is yet another challenger — and it does quite well.

(Photo from handgunhero.com)

Comparing the PSA Dagger vs. Glock 19

The Dagger isn’t the first to take aim at the Glock 19 (G19), but it’s the first that offers a significant combo of quality, customization, parts interchangeability, and value to customers.

At a glance, the Dagger is almost identical to the G19 in many ways:

These dimensions are similar to other compact carry models, but price is where PSA truly shines, and their Dagger is no exception. The Dagger comes in at roughly $200 less than the Glock, which is also less than most of the competition with similar attributes.

Speaking of the competition, these two models belong to the category of polymer-framed, striker-fired semi-automatic 9mm handguns. Nearly every gun in this category operates in the same manner, has the same controls, uses many of the same parts, and even shares some interchangeability.

Interchangeability, or the ability to use parts designed for one gun in another, is a highly requested feature. Whenever a new pistol is released, gun enthusiasts want to know, “Does it take Glock mags?!” Magazines are the culprit in the vast majority of malfunctions, but Glocks have built a reputation for dependable mags.

Similarities Between the PSA Dagger and G19

Yes, the PSA Dagger uses Glock mags — and that’s just the beginning.

Something to note before buying: there are minor differences between the generations of Glocks which bear relevance here. The Dagger is based on third-gen Glocks, considered by many to be peak Glock design. The first and second Glock generations were great and set the bar. The third brought about tons of widely-copied refinements. The fourth is almost worth forgetting (fish scales and RTF), but the current 5th-gen Glocks feature improved barrels, triggers, and more ergos. While you might not get all of that in the Dagger, you get all the good stuff from Gen 3.

So, what parts from Glocks are interchangeable with the Dagger? Slides, barrels, triggers, backplates, magazines, sights, and other accessories. Yes, almost the whole Dagger is interchangeable with a Glock. It’s like the ship of Theseus — but in the form of a gun.

(Source: https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-dagger-compact-9mm-pistol-with-sw4-rmr-slide-non-threaded-barrel-two-tone-gray.html)

The Differences of the Dagger (And Why They Matter)

PSA has enjoyed success not only from offering value-driven products, but from listening to what customers want. There are plenty of gripes about Glocks, and the Dagger addresses most of them.

This is why the Dagger is taking off; PSA started with the reliability of the Glock 19, knocked a hundred-plus bucks off, and gave the people what they've been clamoring for. Here are some of the things they changed:

Grip Angle

The loudest and longest-running beef with Gaston’s namesake pistols is that the grip angle isn’t steep enough. In other words, the angle from the barrel’s bore to the grip is too big. It needs to be reduced to something like the much-lauded 1911 grip angle. The Dagger closes this gap.

Grip Thickness

Though shooters with large hands find Glocks comfortable, other folks find Glock grips too chunky. Laterally (from the left side to the right side), the Dagger grip is thinner. It’s about the same from front to back, but less chonk makes the Dagger grip more comfortable for more shooters.

Finger Grooves

The first two generations of Glocks did not have finger grooves. But, finger-groove enthusiasts whined, so Glock added finger grooves on 3, 4, and 5, and it was the turn for the finger groove haters to whine.

The Dagger splits the difference here and uses just one large groove for your middle finger below the trigger guard that helps tame recoil (which isn’t bad in the first place). The rest of the grip is wide open, letting you position your fingers where you please. Plus, the Dagger frame offers a thinner trigger guard and larger undercut, which work in tandem to give you a better grip on the gun.

Irons and Optics

The Dagger also takes the Glock to the woodshed with sights. Glock sights have been mocked for as long as they’ve been on the market. What Teutonic genius thought a little square basket was a good idea for a rear sight?

PSA is a forward-thinking company and offers a staggering array of sight and optics options on the Dagger. You can add any number of regular iron sights, opt for an optics-ready model to use a micro red dot, or get both! Sure, Glock has optics-ready models, but not as many as PSA offers in its Dagger.

Customization

The Dagger wins outright in customization. There are scads of different frame colors, slides, sight and optics configurations for Daggers. They’re pretty much Barbie doll blasters — you can dress ‘em up however you want and mix ‘n’ match barrels, frames, slides, mags, and more to suit your mood. They’re even made of plastic!

Holster Compatibility

There are many things to praise about the Dagger, but the holster compatibility is kind of annoying. You’d think with so many similarities between the two guns that the Dagger would slide right into a Glock holster — but you’d be wrong.

Most holsters index off the trigger guard or a light (if your gun is wearing one), and there are just enough differences between these two models that keep the Dagger from fitting in a Glock holster. Holster makers are rejoicing, of course, because you’ll have to buy a new one to fit your Dagger.

(Photo from handgunhero.com)

BONUS: PSA Dagger Micro

Another highly anticipated introduction was the PSA Dagger Micro, which PSA TEASED hardcore for a while, but now you can catch it when it’s in stock.

This little honey is a no-holds-barred shot at the Glock 43x, but with slam-dunk improvements. The 43x and Dagger Micro are even more similar in size than the G19 and Dagger Compact, but once again the biggest complaints against the Glock are remedied by the Dagger Micro.

From the factory, the 43x carries 10 in the mag (with iffy aftermarket 15-rounders available). The Dagger Micro also carries 15 from the get-go in a proven mag. That means you either have to accept the 10-round mags from Glock or get the Dagger with its upgraded 15 rounders.

The Dagger once again has superior sights, and a refined grip for more natural shooting. Perhaps most importantly, the Dagger Micro costs considerably less dinero than the Glock. Take a look at the specs:

Again, the Dagger Micro is the result of PSA identifying what’s hot in the market, listening to customers, and making a move at unseating the king.

Will PSA ever completely dominate Glock and win scores of police and military contracts? Haha, no.

(source: giphy)

But that’s not PSA’s aim. They want to deliver price-conscious products that represent a great value with the same unquestioned reliability as Glock handguns. So far, the Dagger lineup wins on all levels.

Final Thoughts on the PSA Dagger vs. Glock 19

Want a comparison of the PSA Dagger vs. the Glock 19 in a nutshell? Here it is: You can’t go wrong with either.

No doubt the devil in the details will lead you one way or the other. But the way we see it, why not get both? Try out the proven performer (G19) and the challenger (PSA Dagger) and see which you like better? The good news is you’ll sell the Glock easier than the Dagger if you prefer the PSA offering.

Or, if you’ve got a Glock 19 and want something different, you won’t be out too much scratch with a Dagger. Since there’s so much customization available on the Dagger (almost as much as the huge Glock aftermarket) you simply can’t make a bad choice. Determine your needs and budget, and pull the trigger. Besides, buying a new gun is always the right decision.

Whichever option you pick, there’s one thing for sure: that new blaster is going to be hungry. Be sure to pick up a bucket of 9mm ammo, cause you’re gonna need it.

Browse quality 9mm handgun ammo in small boxes or in bulk cases to save money.

Also, stay tuned for new online safety and tactical training from Pro Armory. We’ll get you up and running and gunning in no time with time-tested and proven advice from shooting experts and veterans. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when training officially launches.