Why Did It Break? 1,500 Round PSA Dagger Review

Published on March 8, 2022
Duration: 64:02

This comprehensive review of the Palmetto State Armory Dagger, a Glock 19 Gen 3 clone, details its performance over 1,500 rounds. The reviewer, Mark from Fit'n Fire, highlights the pistol's ergonomics, trigger feel (similar to an M&P9), and steel sights compatible with Glock. Significant issues arose around the 500-round mark, including slam firing and light primer strikes, which PSA attributed to wear on the trigger bar and striker after approximately 9,000 rounds. After replacement, the pistol performed much better, with only one failure to feed on aluminum-cased ammunition.

Quick Summary

The PSA Dagger, a Glock 19 Gen 3 clone, offers enhanced ergonomics like a wider grip, aggressive texturing, and a trigger guard undercut. While generally reliable, it experienced malfunctions around 500 rounds, attributed by PSA to worn trigger bar components. After repair, its reliability improved significantly.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to PSA Dagger Review
  2. 00:13PSA Dagger Overview & Glock 19 Gen 3 Clone
  3. 00:30Reviewer's Transparency & PSA Relationship
  4. 01:45Why Glock 19 Gen 3 Clone?
  5. 02:31Ergonomics: Grip, Texturing, Undercut, Gas Pedal
  6. 05:03Trigger Feel & Performance
  7. 06:18Sights: Steel, Glock Compatible
  8. 07:23Other Features: Serrations, Mag Well
  9. 07:46Magazine Compatibility Test
  10. 08:3810,000 Round Context & Personal Test
  11. 10:47Initial Malfunctions: Binary Trigger Mode
  12. 11:49Shooting Footage & Malfunctions
  13. 19:10Amend2 Magazine Issues
  14. 23:35Jeff Shoots the Dagger
  15. 29:09Natalie Shoots the Dagger & Malfunctions
  16. 32:00Slam Firing & Potential Causes
  17. 39:02Testing Light Primer Strikes & Critical Duty
  18. 41:09Cool Down Period & Trigger Reset Issues
  19. 42:28Post Cool Down Testing
  20. 43:54Critical Duty Ammo Test
  21. 48:401000 Rounds Complete: Contacting PSA
  22. 49:10PSA's Diagnosis: Trigger Bar & Striker Wear
  23. 50:06Post-Repair Performance
  24. 59:16Conclusion: Dagger Performance & Wear
  25. 60:31Final Verdict & Recommendations
  26. 61:17Major Complaint: Optics Ready Rollout
  27. 62:28Overall Impression & Final Thoughts
  28. 63:35Closing Remarks & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ergonomic improvements of the PSA Dagger over a Glock 19 Gen 3?

The PSA Dagger features a slightly wider and longer grip, more aggressive texturing akin to a P320, an enhanced trigger guard undercut for a higher grip, and a 'gas pedal' shelf on the take-down spring for improved recoil control and stability.

What issues did the PSA Dagger experience during the 1500-round test?

During the initial 1000 rounds, the Dagger experienced issues around the 500-round mark, including slam firing and what appeared to be binary trigger mode. After PSA's repair, it had one failure to feed on aluminum-cased ammunition in the subsequent 500 rounds.

What was PSA's diagnosis for the PSA Dagger's malfunctions?

PSA determined that the trigger bar had worn significantly, resulting in less than 25% engagement. This wear, appearing polished after approximately 9,000 rounds, was identified as the cause of the malfunctions, and both the trigger bar and striker were replaced.

Are the sights on the PSA Dagger compatible with Glock sights?

Yes, the PSA Dagger comes with steel three-dot sights that are fully compatible with Glock sights. This allows users to easily upgrade to their preferred sight configuration, such as a high-vis front sight with a blacked-out rear.

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