PSA Dagger Compact
Palmetto State Armory · Pistol · In Production · 2021
Also known as: PSA Dagger, Dagger Compact
Overview
The PSA Dagger Compact is a semi-automatic, striker-fired pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, manufactured by Palmetto State Armory in South Carolina. Introduced in mid-2021 at an aggressive sub-$300 retail price, the Dagger Compact is a dimensional clone of the Glock 19 Gen3 that accepts standard Glock-pattern magazines, holsters, and most internal parts. It features a stainless steel slide with DLC finish, a 3.9-inch (99mm) stainless steel barrel with conventional 6-groove rifling at a 1:10 twist, a polymer frame with aggressive four-sided grip texturing, and an extended beavertail that improves on the Gen3 Glock grip geometry. The pistol ships with a 15-round PMAG GL9 magazine and is compatible with all Glock 17/19 magazines including factory 17-, 19-, and 33-round extended variants. Multiple slide configurations are offered, including standard flat-top, optics-ready SW-cut slides compatible with Trijicon RMR and Holosun K-footprint optics, threaded-barrel variants, and 'Extreme Carry Cut' angular slide profiles. Safety systems are Glock-pattern with an integrated trigger safety, striker block safety, and drop safety.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 635 g (22.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 875 g (30.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 182 mm (7.17") |
| Barrel Length | 99 mm (3.90") |
| Height | 121 mm (4.76") |
| Width | 33 mm (1.30") |
| Sight Radius | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 25 N (5.6 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 360 m/s (1181 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | DLC |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Striker Block Safety, Drop Safety
- Features: Accessory Rail, Front Serrations, Rear Serrations, Extended Beavertail, Textured Grip, Steel Sights, Extreme Carry Cuts, Glock Magazine Compatible, Optics Ready Options, Threaded Barrel Options
Variants
- PSA Dagger Full-Size — Full Size
- PSA Dagger Compact SW (Optics Ready) — Optics Ready
- PSA Dagger Micro — Subcompact
- PSA Dagger Compact Threaded — Threaded Barrel
Production
Production years: 2021-present
Exact production numbers undisclosed, but the Dagger has been one of the highest-volume budget-segment striker-fired pistols sold in the U.S. civilian market since launch, regularly appearing on bestseller lists at major online retailers.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
Accepts Glock 17/19 Gen3 magazines, holsters, and most aftermarket Glock parts. Trigger pull measures approximately 25-27 N (5.5-6 lbs). The Dagger's lower receiver is technically classified and sold as a 'complete polymer frame' component, with slides and barrels sold separately or as complete pistols. Variants in production include the Compact (standard), Full-Size (17-round grip, same slide), Micro (sub-compact carry), and Compact-S variants with optics-ready SW1/SW3 cuts.
Background
Launched in mid-2021 at a groundbreaking $299 MSRP, the PSA Dagger Compact reshaped the American budget handgun market by offering a Glock 19-compatible pistol at roughly half the price of an OEM Glock. Its success prompted competitors to release their own sub-$400 striker-fired offerings and helped popularize the 'clone economy' of aftermarket Glock-pattern parts and slides.