Palmetto State Armory Dagger Compact: Full Review

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The number of striker-fired polymer frame pistols on the market can be pretty staggering, and it takes something extra to make a pistol stand out in this segment. The Palmetto State Armory Dagger Compact does just that by offering a long list of attractive features, solid accuracy and reliability, and a versatile platform design at an outstanding price.

The Dagger Compact is compatible in size to a Glock G19, and that means it will accept Glock magazines, will fit in Glock G19 holsters, and is compatible with other accessories for the Austrian gun. The Dagger is a striker-fired compact double-stack semiauto with a 4-inch barrel or threaded 4.5-inch barrel. The version that I tested came with a SW1 ECC slide cut for optics with an RMR footprint and featured a Sniper Green finish. The version I tested was the combo that comes with 10 PMAG 15 GL9 15-round magazines in a zippered carry case and has an MSRP of $439.

Incredible Value

There’s no doubt that’s an outstanding value, especially when you consider the design and build quality of this pistol. The slide features Carry Cuts that machine away hard edges for more comfortable covert carry. Milled windows on the left and right front portion of the slide reduce weight, and they provide a gripping surface when performing press checks. They also add a nice aesthetic touch. The blacked-out suppressor-height rear sight is metal and fits in a dovetail in the slide, and the suppressor-height metal front sight secures to the slide via a threaded base and screw, similar to the G10. The sights are durable and function well on their own should you opt to run the pistol sans optic, but the slide cut makes it simple to add an RMR optic. I mounted the Trijicon RMR HD red dot directly to the slide using the screws that are supplied with the pistol. Also included is a black cover plate that attaches to the slide using the other (short) screws supplied with the gun.

The Dagger comes with a 4.5-inch 9mm DLC coated barrel with a 1:10 twist and 1/2x28 threads. A thread protector is also included. The guide rod is made of stainless steel and the polymer frame matches the Sniper Green slide. There’s a rail on the dust cover for mounting lights and other accessories, and there’s a molded cutout on both left and right sides of the polymer frame that also serves as a rest for the support hand thumb. The grip is less blocky than similar 9mms, and there is a palm swell that helps fill the hand. There’s also a bump on the front strap portion that effectively locks the finger in the trigger undercut, improving recoil management. The modern micro-texturing on the grips offers a secure hold on the gun, even with wet hands. There are no interchangeable backstraps, but the grip angle and beavertail design is comfortable and will fit most shooters. It’s a much more shooter-friendly grip design than competing guns.

Dagger pistols don’t come with a manual safety, but they do have two passive safeties. The flat-face trigger features a built-in safety, and there’s a striker block safety as well. Trigger pull measured 5.2-pounds for an average of 10 trigger pulls on an RCBS gauge, and the trigger is smooth and predictable. It’s an excellent design that allows for excellent accuracy and it’s better than many competing striker-fired guns—even those that cost more.

At 7.7 inches long and weighing 23.5 ounces, the Dagger is compact enough for daily carry, even while wearing an IWB holster. It measures just 1.3 inches wide so it rides close to the body, yet it’s large enough to comfortably shoot all day. Taking the pistol down for routine maintenance is simple thanks to a transverse takedown pin mounted in the frame.

The Dagger is a well-rounded pistol, and when paired with the 10 included magazines it is indeed an exceptional value. Heck, the magazines alone would cost about $150, so $439 for the pistol, zippered case, and mags is truly a bargain. But it’s only a great deal if the Dagger shoots well, and as you’ll read shortly it didn’t disappoint.

Range Testing

I tested the Dagger with multiple defensive loads including Hornady’s 115-grain Critical Defense and Federal’s 124-grain HST and also fired about 50 rounds of Fiocchi 115-grain FMJ ammunition through the pistol. Reliability was excellent with zero malfunctions. The externally mounted extractor is beefy and well-machined, and the feed ramp is smooth.

I’m very impressed by the ergonomics of the pistol,  particularly the grip design. The PSA Dagger’s grip fills the hand and stays planted under recoil. The gun isn’t particularly heavy, but it is a pistol you can shoot comfortably for extended range sessions. The molded frame offers a rest point for the support hand thumb which keeps the muzzle pointed downrange as you fire and allows for faster follow-ups. I’m equally impressed with the iron sights, which are indeed made of metal. The flat face of the rear sight offers purchase for one-handed cycling should the need arise, and the sights are tall enough that they will indeed work with your optic. The Trijicon RMR I used mounted securely in place and at 25 yards the average groups were in the 2.5 to 3-inch range with the best group going 2.2-inches for five shots.

The Dagger is a great gun for running pistol drills, and I spent time smacking steel and running both Bill and failure drills. The added magazines were very beneficial because I could load them at home and could shoot all my tests and drills without having to load a single magazine. The carry case is also a nice touch and helps transport the pistol and mags to and from the range. Midway through the drills I broke the gun down and cleaned and lubricated it. The pistol didn’t have any reliability issues, but after 100 rounds I felt that it was time to give the pistol (and myself) a break.

I was impressed with the PSA Dagger, and I am still shocked that you can purchase the gun, magazines, and case for under $450. This is certainly one of the best values in striker-fired pistols available today. For more information visit palmettostatearmory.com

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