PSA Dagger Full Size-S Review: Best Budget Glock Clone?

Quick Overview

Palmetto State Armory (PSA) has been making waves in the firearms industry with their innovative and high-quality offerings. The PSA Dagger Full Size – S is no exception, offering shooters a feature-rich and reliable handgun at an affordable price point. Priced at an MSRP of around $300–$400 (street prices often $250–$350), this striker-fired 9mm pistol is Glock-compatible, with a 17+1 capacity, RMR-pattern optics mount, and durable DLC-coated barrel. In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a closer look at the PSA Dagger Full Size – S, examining its key features, performance, and overall value. Based on extensive user feedback and testing, it delivers exceptional reliability and value, making it a top budget option for EDC, range use, or home defense.

Key Specs & Features

• Model: Palmetto Dagger Full Size – S
• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Striker Fired
• Weight: 22.5 oz (unloaded)
• Overall Length: 7.15″
• Overall Width: 1.28″
• Overall Height: 5.38″ (Without Mag)
• Barrel Length: 4.5″
• Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
• Barrel Finish: DLC Coating
• Twist Rate: SAAMI Spec 1:10
• Slide Material: Stainless Steel
• Slide Finish: Black Cerakote Coating
• Frame: Polymer
• Front Sight: Co-Witness (Not a Night Sight)
• Rear Sight: Co-Witness (Not a Night Sight)
• Safety: Striker Block Safety & Trigger Safety
• Magazine: Comes with One (1) 17rd Magazine
• Optics Mount: RMR Pattern

Design and Ergonomics

The PSA Dagger Full Size – S boasts a sleek and ergonomic design, with a full-size frame that provides a comfortable and secure grip. The textured polymer grip ensures a positive hold in various shooting conditions, while the undercut trigger guard allows for a higher grip placement, reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise.

Slide and Barrel

Featuring a durable stainless steel slide and barrel, the PSA Dagger Full Size – S is built to deliver consistent accuracy and reliability. The slide features front and rear serrations for easy manipulation, while the barrel’s precision machining ensures tight tolerances for enhanced performance.

Trigger System

One of the standout features of the PSA Dagger Full Size – S is its trigger system. The flat-faced, nickel-plated trigger offers a crisp and clean break with a short reset, allowing for fast and accurate follow-up shots. With a pull weight of around 5.5 pounds, the trigger strikes a balance between safety and shootability.

Sights and Optics Compatibility

Equipped with high-visibility three-dot sights, the PSA Dagger Full Size – S provides rapid target acquisition and enhanced accuracy. The rear sight is adjustable for windage, allowing shooters to fine-tune their point of impact. Additionally, the pistol features a milled slide cut compatible with popular red dot optics, offering shooters the option to further customize their setup.

Ambidextrous Controls

The PSA Dagger Full Size – S features ambidextrous controls, including a reversible magazine release and slide stop. This makes the handgun suitable for left- and right-handed shooters alike, ensuring ease of operation and increased versatility.

Reliability and Durability

Built to PSA’s exacting standards, the Dagger Full Size – S is designed to deliver reliable performance in any conditions. The pistol undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest quality standards, providing shooters with a dependable firearm they can trust.

Magazine Capacity

Chambered in 9mm, the PSA Dagger Full Size – S comes with two 17-round PMAG magazines, offering shooters ample firepower for self-defense or competition. The magazines feature a durable steel construction and a polymer baseplate for easy insertion and extraction.

Value Proposition

One of the most compelling aspects of the PSA Dagger Full Size – S is its value proposition. Despite its premium features and performance, the handgun is priced competitively, making it accessible to a wide range of shooters. With the Dagger Full Size – S, shooters can enjoy high-end performance without breaking the bank.

Pros and Cons: the real talk

Who’s it for?

Budget-conscious shooters, first-time pistol owners, concealed carry users, or range enthusiasts wanting Glock-like performance and compatibility without the Glock price tag. Ideal for EDC, home defense, competition, or as a reliable backup—great if you prioritize value, reliability, optics readiness, and upgrade potential.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the PSA Dagger Full Size – S is a standout handgun that offers shooters premium features, performance, and reliability at an affordable price point. With its ergonomic design, crisp trigger, ambidextrous controls, and compatibility with red dot optics, the Dagger Full Size – S is suitable for a variety of shooting applications, from everyday carry to competition shooting. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a first-time gun owner, the PSA Dagger Full Size – S is sure to impress with its quality craftsmanship and exceptional value in 2026.

Highly recommended for budget-conscious shooters seeking Glock-like performance.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions