Last updated on February 22nd, 2026 at 02:07 am
A Brutally Honest PSA Dagger Review – The World’s Cheapest Glock Clone
(Scroll Down for Full Setup & Specs List)
Is it possible for a $299 pistol to compete with firearms that cost twice as much? That’s the question we’re answering today with the Palmetto State Armory (PSA) Dagger, a 9mm pistol that has earned the title of the world’s cheapest Glock clone.
After putting a combined 1,300 rounds through two different Dagger pistols—one I purchased myself and one loaner from PSA— Although the PSA Dagger Price Point is really good. I’m ready to share the good, the bad, and the one major flaw that nobody seems to be talking about.
My Favorite 9mm Pistol Cleaning Kit
Use Code TTB10 for 10% OFF + FREE SHIPPING on Orders $150+
Learn More Here
Best Lube I’ve Tested
Learn More Here
My Favorite Wireless Electronic Hearing Protection
Pricey, But Worth It
Learn More Here
My Favorite EDC Gun Belt – Designed for Appendix Carry
Learn More Here
Watch My Review Here
PSA Dagger Specs
PSA Dagger
Learn More Here
Ergonomics and Feel: The Dagger’s Best Feature
The standout feature of the PSA Dagger is, without a doubt, its grip. It is, by far, my favorite grip on any Glock-style platform I’ve ever tested. PSA completely redesigned the frame with superior ergonomics:
-
Contoured Grip: The grip melts into your hand, a significant improvement over the blocky feel of standard Glocks.
-
Aggressive Texture: The stippling provides a secure hold, even with wet or sweaty hands, without being overly abrasive.
-
Single Finger Groove & Undercut: The high undercut allows for a higher grip on the bore axis, which helps significantly with recoil control and prevents the infamous “Glock knuckle.”
This frame feels fantastic and performs well beyond its price point. During live fire, even when the gun was wet, I never had to readjust my grip—a testament to the excellent design.
My Favorite PSA Dagger Accessories
PSA Dagger Slide + Holosun 507C X2
Learn More Here
More Custom PSA Dagger Slide
Learn More Here
Brownell’s Custom Glock Slide
Use Code TTB10 for 10% OFF + FREE SHIPPING on Orders $150+
Learn More Here
On the Range: Performance and Reliability
So, how does it shoot? In a word: impressively.
Reliability:
Across 1,300 rounds with various types of ammo—from high-end SIG Sauer performance rounds to cheap aluminum and steel-cased ammo—the Daggers proved reliable. The loaner pistol had two failures to feed within the very first magazine, which I attributed to my friend “limp-wristing” it, as the issue never happened again. My personal Dagger had two light primer strikes, but that was traced back to a bad batch of ammo that also caused issues in two other pistols that day. Once the ammo was switched, there were zero malfunctions.
Trigger:
The trigger is a unique hinged design, feeling like a hybrid between an M&P 2.0 and a Glock. Out of the box, the pull is a bit gritty, but it smooths out considerably after a few hundred rounds. On my model, the trigger pull measured a consistent 4.5 to 4.75 pounds—a perfectly serviceable weight for a duty or carry pistol.
Sights:
The Dagger comes with standard three-dot metal sights. While not fancy, they are a definite upgrade from the plastic sights that come on factory Glocks and are perfectly usable.
Firing Pin for Aftermarket Gen 3 & Gen 4 Slides
Learn More Here
My Favorite “Upgraded” Glock Sights
Learn More Here
PSA Dagger Frame
Learn More Here
The Flaws: The Bad and the Ugly
No $300 gun is perfect, and the Dagger has a few quirks.
The Bad:
-
Gritty Trigger: As mentioned, the trigger is gritty brand new. It breaks in, but a quick polish of the trigger components could speed up that process.
-
Roll Pins: Unlike the solid pins on a Glock that can be easily pushed out with a punch tool, the Dagger uses AR-15-style roll pins for the trigger block and locking block. These are incredibly difficult to remove and require a hammer, punch, and a solid surface. This makes detailed disassembly a major chore.
The Ugly:
-
The Firing Pin Flaw: Here’s the biggest issue I discovered: the firing pin is not a standard Gen 3 part. The tip of the PSA Dagger’s firing pin is a couple of millimeters wider than a standard Glock’s. This means if you want to use an aftermarket Gen 3 slide, you must also purchase a standard Gen 3 firing pin for it to function. This is a crucial detail for anyone planning to customize their Dagger.
-
Availability: The single biggest con is simply finding one. They are in such high demand that they sell out almost instantly.
The Final Verdict: Should You Buy a PSA Dagger?
Absolutely. Despite its minor flaws, the PSA Dagger performs at a level far beyond its $299 price tag. The ergonomics are best-in-class, it’s reliable, and it offers a fantastic platform for both new shooters and those looking for a customizable, budget-friendly pistol.
The grip alone is worth the price of admission. It allows for better recoil control and faster shooting than many of its more expensive competitors. While the roll pins and proprietary firing pin are annoyances for tinkerers, they don’t detract from the gun’s outstanding performance out of the box.
I would buy five more of these in a heartbeat. If you can find one in stock, don’t hesitate. You won’t find a better value on the market today.
SCT Glock Frame (Stripped or Complete)
Use Code TTB10 for 10% OFF + FREE SHIPPING on Orders $150+
Learn More Here
SCT Glock Magwell
Learn More Here
Glock LPK
Use Code TTB10 for 10% OFF + FREE SHIPPING on Orders $150+
Learn More Here
Glock Slide Parts
Learn More Here
My Go-To Water Bottle for the Range
Learn More Here
My Favorite Red Dot Sight
Trijicon RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED
Use Code TTB10 for 10% OFF + FREE SHIPPING on Orders $150+
Learn More Here
Or Here
Holosun Red Dot
Use Code TTB10 for 10% OFF + FREE SHIPPING on Orders $150+
Holosun 407C
Learn More Here
Learn More Here
Holosun 507C
Learn More Here
Learn More Here
Holosun 407K
Learn More Here
Learn More Here
Holosun 507K
Learn More Here
Learn More Here
Holosun EPS and Holosun EPS Carry
Learn More Here
Learn More Here
Learn More Here
Badlands – 9MM New & Reman
Use Code “TTB5” for 5% OFF!!
Learn More Here
“BOOTY BAGS”
Use Code “TTB5” for 5 % OFF
Learn More Here
Super Low Recoil 9mm (JELLO SHOTS)
Use Code “TTB5” for 5 % OFF
Learn More Here
My Favorite 9mm Pistol Cleaning Kit
Use Code TTB10 for 10% OFF + FREE SHIPPING on Orders $150+
Learn More Here
Best Lube I’ve Tested
Learn More Here
This is Where I Find Cheap
Learn More Here
Tier 1 Concealed MSP Holster
It fits any gun that has a SureFire X300, Streamlight TLR-1, Modlight PL350 and PL350C
Flexible and Moves with your Body
Use Code TTB for 10% OFF!!!
Learn More Here
NEW Surefire X300 TURBO – 66,000 candela
– Use Code TTB10 for 10% OFF + FREE SHIPPING
Learn More Here
Learn More Here
My All Time Favorite Concealed Carry Holster
Use Code TTB for 10% OFF!!!
Learn More Here
Add a Holster Wedge to Any Kydex Holster
- Pushes Grip further into your Body
- Adds a Cushion above Pubic Bone
Use Code TTB for 10% OFF!!!
Learn More Here
Watch my Review Here!
My #1 Favorite EDC Belt – Tier 1 Concealed EDC-S Belt
Here
Learn More Here
My #2 Favorite EDC Belt – Designed for Appendix Carry
Learn More Here
Watch My Review Here
My Favorite Wireless Electronic Hearing Protection
Pricey, But Worth It
Learn More Here
Codes
Brownell’s Here
Learn More Here
Brownells Discount Code
10% OFF Orders $150+ Use Code TTB10 – Never Expires
Optics Planet Here
Learn More Here
Optics Planet Discount Code
Use Code “TACBOX” for 7% OFF anything on the website.
My Favorite Mag Extensions for Glock, CZ, Sig P320
Use CODE: “TTB5″ For 5% OFF
Learn More Here
My Favorite AR 15 Magazines for Practice & Range Use
ETS Code – Use Code ETSTOOLBOX for 10% OFF
Learn More Here
Affiliate disclaimer: some of the above links maybe affiliate links, which may generate me a sales commission at no extra cost.