The Glock 43x has been a game-changer in the CCW game. It offers unprecedented firepower and shootability in an incredibly compact package. Palmetto State Armory (PSA) aims to challenge the Glock 43x with the introduction of their Dagger Micro pistol.
PSA's in-house, designed, and manufactured guns, such as the Dagger and Dagger Micro, are turning heads with their excellent build quality and competitive pricing.
In this review, we'll discuss the specifications, ergonomics, reliability, compatibility, and value of the Dagger Micro, as well as its comparison to the Glock 43x.
Verdict up Front: Dagger Micro
The PSA Dagger Micro delivers 15+1 capacity, Glock 43x compatibility, optics-ready capability, and everyday carry performance, all at a price that undercuts the competition. If you're shopping for the Glock 43x or similarly sized pistols, take a look at the Dagger Micro. You won't be disappointed.
PSA Dagger Micro
Specs & Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 15+1 (Glock 43X/48-compatible mags) |
| Barrel Length | 3.4 inches |
| Slide | Optics-ready (Shield RMSc footprint) |
| Frame | Polymer, Glock-style grip |
| Trigger | Flat-faced PSA trigger |
| Sights | Glock-compatible, steel iron sights |
| Weight | 15.9oz |
| Safety | Internal striker/firing pin safety |
| MSRP | $349 |
Design & Build Quality
The Dagger Micro features a polymer frame with a stainless steel slide and barrel. The barrel is DLC-coated for lubricity and long-term durability, while the slide is Cerakoted. My review pistol came with an attractive Sniper Green Cerakoted slide. PSA also offers complete pistols in black or Flat Dark Earth, depending on your preference.
Dagger Micro slides come with PSA's Extreme Carry Cut, which smooths the edges of the pistol and facilitates a fast, snag-free draw. All Dagger Micros come optic-ready from the factory and use the popular Shield RMSc optic cut. No adapter plates are required to mount any Shield RMSc-compatible optic.
The optic cut on the Dagger Micro allows optics to mount nice and low on the slide. Due to the low optic mount, there is no need for suppressor-height sights. The stock steel three-dot sights work well and allow co-witnessing through the optic window as a backup to the optic.
The Dagger Micro frame features a nicely stippled design and offers an improved grip compared to the Glock 43x. In hand, the Dagger Micro feels very similar to the Glock 43x, but the Dagger Micro's grip texture is finer and grippier. The Dagger Micro's grip texture is less abrasive while concealing the pistol, which improves comfort.
Dimensions of the Dagger Micro are practically identical to the Glock 43x, which makes the Dagger Micro cross-compatible with most Glock 43x components and accessories. Any Glock 43x holster will fit a Dagger Micro. The PSA Dagger Micro slides are compatible with G43, G43x, and G48 frames, barrels, and recoil assemblies.
Dagger Micro frames are also compatible with Glock 43x slides. You can mix and match between the Dagger Micro and Glock 43x to create your ideal setup if you want to deviate from the stock pistol.
The Dagger Micro ships with 15-round magazines and is compatible with 10-round Glock magazines and 15-round Shield magazines. 15+1 rounds of 9mm is an incredible amount of firepower in such a small pistol.
Ergonomics & Controls
The ergonomics of the Dagger Micro will be familiar to Glock shooters, but with an improved grip texture. PSA did an excellent job of improving the grip of the Dagger Micro while maintaining the pistol's comfort for carry. Even when carrying the Dagger Micro all day, I never felt any discomfort from the grip rubbing on my skin.
The Dagger Micro uses a hinged trigger shoe similar to those found on M&P pistols. The trigger shoe is also much wider than the one found on the Glock 43x. I'm a massive fan of the wider trigger, and it makes it easier to pull straight back on the trigger compared to the Glock triggers. If I could replace all my Glock trigger shoes with the one found on the Dagger Micro, I would.
The trigger pull on the Dagger Micro feels like an improved Glock trigger. The Dagger Micros trigger breaks more cleanly than a Glock with less creep once you hit the wall. The trigger also has a very positive and audible reset.
The magazine release on the Dagger Micro is in the typical location. It's the perfect size to make mag changes quick and easy while preventing the user from inadvertently dropping a mag. The magazine release can be swapped to the other side of the pistol for left-handed shooters. The slide release is only on the left side of the gun, so left-handed shooters will have to make do.
Range Performance & Accuracy
The Dagger Micro has been an outstanding shooter during my time with the pistol. I've shot a mix of FMJ and hollow points and haven't had a single malfunction so far in nearly 500 rounds of shooting.
Accuracy is on par with the Glock 43x or any modern self-defense pistol. With the Holosun 407K X2 mounted, making hits on an 8-inch steel target at 25 yards is trivial. The stock iron sights came perfectly sighted in from the factory and were easy to use, even when used through the optic window.
I've already stated how much I like the Dagger Micro's wide trigger shoe, but I'll repeat it. The wide trigger helps facilitate a consistent and straight trigger pull. On such a small pistol, it's easier to shoot accurately than the narrower trigger shoe of the Glock 43x.
I generally have a hard time keeping a good grip on super small pistols, but the grip texture on the Dagger Micro helps in this regard. When shooting the Glock 43x back-to-back with the Dagger Micro, I find the Glock to be more slippery, especially once my hands get a little sweaty. The texture on the Dagger Micro seems to help wick away sweat, making it easier to hold on when shooting quickly.
Recoil on the Dagger Micro is brisk but very manageable. Shooting practical drills, it's easy to make quick and accurate hits at typical self-defense ranges.
I don't notice any difference in recoil when comparing the Dagger Micro to the Glock 43x. Both pistols start to get uncomfortable to shoot after a few mags, but that's the price you pay for 9mm firepower in such a small package.
Carrying the Dagger Micro
The Dagger Micro is optimized for concealed carry. I frequently carry full-size pistols, and switching to the Dagger Micro has been an eye-opening experience. The Dagger Micro is only 1.1" wide and 20 ounces loaded, which makes the pistol conceal noticeably better and more comfortably than my Glock 19 or larger pistols. The Dagger Micro is so small and light that I almost forget it's on me. With my Glock 45 or 1911, it's always evident that I have a big, heavy pistol on my belt.
Despite its compact size, the Dagger Micro still holds 15+1 rounds of 9mm. You get the same firepower as a Glock 19 in a much smaller form factor. No longer do you have to sacrifice capacity and shootability when choosing a concealed carry pistol. With the Dagger Micro, you get outstanding capacity and shootability in a much more concealable package. It is the epitome of a modern CCW pistol in my mind.
PSA Dagger Micro Variants
The standard Dagger Micro comes optic-ready and available with a black, Flat Dark Earth, or Sniper Green slide. Fully Cerakoted versions are also available with Flat Dark Earth or Sniper Green frames.
Dagger Micro X-1
The Dagger Micro X-1 is a 4-inch barrel version of the Dagger Micro. It uses the same frame as the standard Dagger Micro, but with a 4-inch barrel and a longer slide. The Micro X-1 is comparable in size to the Glock 48.
Dagger Micro C-1
The Dagger Micro C-1 features a 3.4 inch barrel, similar to the standard Dagger Micro, but incorporates a compensator integrated into the slide. The C-1 has the same form factor as the Dagger Micro X-1 and Glock 48, and should be compatible with holsters designed for the Micro X-1 and Glock 48.
Dagger Micro Frames
Complete frames are also available in a myriad of colors to suit anyone's taste.
Dagger Micro Slides
PSA sells complete slides for the Dagger Micro. For those inclined, choose between any of the available slides and pair them with one of their complete frames to get a unique setup. Assembling a complete pistol by selecting your preferred slide and frame is the same price as purchasing a complete pistol, so there is no additional cost if you opt for this route.
PSA Dagger Micro vs Glock 43X MOS
The Dagger Micro and Glock 43X are direct competitors in the sub-compact single stack 9mm market. I've shot both pistols extensively and would be happy with either one but there are some notable differences between the two pistols.
Grip Frame
The Dagger Micro frame shape and texture fit my hand better than the Glock 43x. While both pistols are nearly identical in dimensions, the Dagger Micro grip feels slightly larger and fills my hand better. I'm also a big fan of the grip texture PSA has chosen with the Dagger and Dagger Micro pistols. The Dagger Micro grip texture is finer than the little bumps on the Glock 43X and while both work well, the Dagger Micro grip really shines when mine hands are sweaty or wet. I'm able to maintain a consistent grip on the Dagger Micro better than the Glock 43X.
Trigger
The Dagger Micro trigger feels noticeably better than the Glock 43X, especially during longer range sessions. The trigger pull on the Dagger Micro is slightly lighter than the Glock 43X and breaks a little cleaner. It's not a massive difference but when shooting both pistols side by side you'll notice.
The thing I like most about the Dagger Micro (and regular Dagger) pistols is the trigger shoe shape. Glock triggers have the trigger safety bar in the center of the trigger shoe and the trigger shape is more rounded which makes stock Glock triggers feel narrow and almost pointy. The Dagger Micro trigger uses a hinged trigger shoe similar to those found on M&P semi-autos. Additionally, the Dagger Micro's trigger shoe is noticeably wider and flatter than a Glock trigger.
The wide and flat trigger on the Dagger Micro make it easier to get consistent trigger finger placement and also makes it easier to pull the trigger straight back. This combination makes the trigger more comfortable to shoot during longer range sessions and helps facilitate more accurate shooting. I like the Dagger Micro trigger so much I'm trying to find a way to get a similar trigger shoe on my Glocks because it really makes a difference.
Capacity
The Glock 43X stock mags are 10 round capacity compared to the Dagger Micro's 15 round magazines. That's a substantial difference in firepower. Both the Glock 43X and Dagger Micro can fit Glock mags, Shield Arms 15 round magazines, and PSA Dagger Micro 15 round magazines. However, in my experience the Glock 43X can have reliability issues with some aftermarket magazines. If I was to carry a Glock 43X I would stick to Glock 10 round magazines to ensure maximum reliability.
I've tried PSA 15 round mags, Shield Arms 15 round magazines and Glock 10 round mags with the Dagger Micro and the pistol has been reliable with all magazines. I would carry the Dagger Micro with 15 round mags without hesitation.
Reliability
The Dagger Micro has been boringly reliable with all ammo and magazines I've tried. Provided you use Glock mags, the 43X is also incredibly reliable. Some people report good performance with the Glock 43X and aftermarket magazines but that hasn't been my experience. At the end of the day, both pistols are very reliable with the right magazines but if you want maximum reliability and capacity, the Dagger Micro wins here.
Sights
The Dagger Micro comes with metal three dot sights from the factory compared to the Glock's plastic sights. Plastic Glock sights get the job done but they're inferior to the steel Dagger Micro sights. When I get a new Glock it's almost mandatory to replace the stock sights. On the Dagger Micro I don't feel that aftermarket sights are a necessity, especially if you plan to run a red dot. With an optic mounted, the stock Dagger Micro sights allow a lower 1/3rd co-witness so there is no need to spend more money replacing the sights. The stock Glock 43X sights are useless with an optic mounted so factor new sights in to your budget if you plan to run a red dot.
Price
Prices of the Dagger Micro are about $150 less than the Glock 43X MOS. For that price, the Dagger Micro comes with better sights that co-witness with red dots, larger magazine capacity, a better trigger, and better grip frame texture and shape. As much as I love Glocks, the Dagger Micro is probably the best value in the sub-compact single stack 9mm pistol segment.
Dagger Micro vs Competitors
| Feature | PSA Dagger Micro | Glock 43X MOS | SIG P365 | Springfield Hellcat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 15+1 | 10+1 | 10+1/12+1 | 11+1 or 13+1 |
| Optics-Ready | Yes (RMSc/Shield footprint) | Yes (MOS system) | Yes (RMSc/Shield footprint) | Yes (RMSc/Shield footprint on OSP model) |
| MSRP | ~$299–$349 | ~$499 | ~$599 | ~$569 |
| Barrel Length | 3.41 inches | 3.41 inches | 3.1 inches | 3 inches |
| Overall Length | 6.5 inches | 6.5 inches | 5.8 inches | 6 inches |
| Height | 4.95 inches | 5.04 inches | 4.3 inches | 4 inches |
| Width | 1.1 inches | 1.1 inches | 1 inch | 1 inch |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 15.5 oz | 18.55 oz | 17.8 oz | 18.3 oz |
Pros & Cons
- Excellent value for a micro-compact
- 15+1 capacity in slim frame
- Glock-compatible sights, mags, and holsters
- Conceals well
- Optics-ready slide
- Limited track record (new platform)
- Some holsters may not perfectly fit due to slide profile
Is the PSA Dagger Micro Worth It?
For under $350, the Dagger Micro is one of the best value Glock 43X-sized pistols on the market. The Dagger Micro shoots incredibly well while offering outstanding firepower in a package that can be concealed by almost anyone with minimal effort. When CCWing the PSA Dagger Micro, you're well armed, should you ever need it.
PSA Dagger Micro
FAQ
The PSA Dagger Micro is essentially a clone of the Glock 43x. The Dagger Micro X-1 is a clone of the Glock 48.
Yes, the PSA Dagger Micro will fit most Glock 43x holsters. While the Dagger Micro X-1 and C-1 will fit Glock 48 holsters.
Yes, all variants of the PSA Dagger Micro can reliably use Glock 43x magazines.
The PSA Dagger Micro is a very reliable pistol. On par with the Glock 43x and similar competitors.
The Dagger Micro trigger feels like a typical striker-fired trigger. The trigger pull feels very similar to the Glock 43X but the trigger shoe is wider making the trigger easier to pull straight back for more accurate shots.
The PSA Dagger Micro uses the Shield RMSc optic cut.
