How is the PSA Dagger warranty?

I have had two warranty claims, both handled professionally and quickly by Palmetto State Armory.

Did you experience any issues with the PSA Dagger after a year of use?

Overall, the PSA Dagger has been reliable. I encountered two issues: a rust spot on the guide rod spring, which was resolved by PSA's warranty support, and a broken striker, which I attribute to the use of a laser training cartridge. Both issues were addressed promptly by PSA.

What holster did you find best for the PSA Dagger?

Finding a suitable holster was initially challenging. The Bravo Concealment Holster did not fit well, so I modified it by boiling to add flexibility. Ultimately, I found the Blackhawk T-Series L2C to be the best choice.

How does the PSA Dagger handle in various conditions?

The PSA Dagger has performed well even in adverse conditions. I've carried it in the rain, snow, and cold without experiencing rust or performance issues after basic cleaning.

Have you purchased additional PSAs Dagger models?

Yes, I have since purchased both a full-size and a compact model of the PSA Dagger.

PSA Dagger - One Year Review

PSA Dagger - One Year Review: A Deep Dive into Performance and Reliability

The PSA Dagger has emerged as a standout contender in the crowded field of 9mm handguns, and after a full year of ownership, it's clear why. With an impressive round count of approximately 2,500 live fire rounds and 15,000 dry fire rounds, this firearm has proven itself to be a reliable and accurate performer. In this comprehensive review, I'll share my personal experiences, highlight the Dagger’s strengths, address the challenges faced, and offer insights into why this budget-friendly handgun might be your next great buy.

Palmetto State Armory Dagger

Palmetto State Armory Dagger Full Size 9mm Pistol with CGS Mod9FS Suppressor and Vortex Venom 3MOA Red Dot

First Impressions and Initial Challenges

When I first received the PSA Dagger Full Size, it was clear that this was a gun built with purpose and precision. The gray Cerakote finish gives it a sleek, tactical appearance, but looks alone don't make a firearm great. The real test comes with use, and that's where the Dagger shines. However, my journey with the Dagger did not start without its hurdles.

One of the initial challenges was finding a suitable holster. The Bravo Concealment Holster, which I initially intended to use, did not fit the Dagger as well as I had hoped. This required me to get a bit creative; I ended up boiling the holster to add some flexibility, which helped, but it wasn’t an ideal solution. After some trial and error, I found that the Blackhawk T-Series L2C was the perfect fit. Its design and functionality have been flawless, offering a secure and reliable carry option.

Performance and Reliability

Over the past year, the PSA Dagger has truly impressed me with its performance. With around 2,500 rounds of live fire and 15,000 rounds of dry fire, including a mix of suppressed and non-suppressed shooting, the Dagger has consistently delivered. This extensive use has not only tested its accuracy but also its reliability in various conditions. I have carried the Dagger in the rain, and despite the exposure, I’ve experienced no rust or performance issues after a basic cleaning.

The accuracy of the PSA Dagger is particularly noteworthy. Whether engaging in target practice or using it for self-defense drills, the Dagger has maintained a high level of precision. The ergonomics of the grip and the overall balance of the firearm contribute significantly to its accuracy. The addition of a Vortex Venom 3 MOA red dot sight has further enhanced target acquisition, making the Dagger an excellent choice for both competitive shooting and everyday carry.

Ammunition Used

I'm going to forego my defensive ammunition as aside from the status quo of does it run two boxes without issue I have not used my Dagger with defensive ammunition. 99% of my time spent with this pistol has been either non-suppressed shooting with 115gr AAC FMJ Ammunition or with my CGS Mod9 FS Suppressor attached running 147gr AAC Subsonic Ammunition. Both ammunition types have ran flawlessly. AAC is excellent value, but that's a topic for another day.

Addressing Issues and Customer Support

No review would be complete without addressing any issues encountered. I did face two main problems with my PSA Dagger. The first was a small rust spot on the guide rod spring when it arrived. While this was concerning, PSA’s warranty support was exceptional. They promptly sent a replacement part, and the warranty claim process was smooth and hassle-free.

The second issue was a broken striker, which I believe was caused by the additional force applied from using a laser training cartridge. Again, PSA came through with excellent customer service, providing a replacement striker and ensuring that I had redundancy across all my Dagger pistols.

Holster Compatibility and Adaptations

Finding the right holster was a significant part of the Dagger experience. Initially, the Bravo Concealment Holster did not fit as expected. This challenge led me to modify the holster by boiling it to add some flexibility, which was a temporary fix but not ideal. Eventually, the Blackhawk T-Series L2C became my go-to holster. Its design provides a perfect fit, and its performance has been flawless, enhancing the overall carrying experience.

Wear After One Year

Wear on the Dagger is minimal, but there are a few spots where the finish has began coming off of the barrel and the cerakote slide shows typical holster wear. Please keep in mind that I have cycled this bad lad nearly 20,000 times at this point and several thousand reps of in and out of the holster. Overall, I give it a 9 out of 10 for wear resistance.

Palmetto State Armory Dagger Wear

Barrel wear on the PSA dagger after one year

Palmetto State Armory Dagger Slide Wear

Slide wear on the PSA dagger after one year

Palmetto State Armory Dagger Internals

PSA dagger after internals after one year

Additional Purchases and Final Thoughts

Given my positive experience with the PSA Dagger Full Size, I have since purchased both a full-size and a compact model. These additional purchases further reflect my satisfaction with the Dagger series. The PSA Dagger continues to impress with its combination of performance, reliability, and affordability. Its compatibility with Glock 19 parts and accessories adds to its versatility, making it a compelling option for a wide range of shooters.

In conclusion, the PSA Dagger has exceeded my expectations in terms of value and performance. Its reliability and accuracy, coupled with exceptional customer support from Palmetto State Armory, make it a noteworthy choice in the realm of 9mm handguns. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or a newcomer looking for a dependable firearm, the PSA Dagger stands out as a budget-friendly yet high-performing option.