PSA Sabre Dagger Review: Better Than a Gucci Glock?

There are a couple of clearly defined camps of people who love Glocks — some appreciate them exactly as they were created, others upgrade them anywhere from mild to wild (ever heard of Gucci Glocks?)

When Glock clones came along, it was only a matter of time before the same fans jumped in to tinker to their heart’s content. PSA’s Dagger series helped support this modern-day gold rush.

But then PSA came out with the Sabre Dagger, a highly customized pistol you can simply take to the range and enjoy. This eliminates the need to upgrade, but begs another question. Is all that customization worthwhile? Does the gun perform well?

We took one out to the range to find out for ourselves. So follow along as we dig into what sets the Sabre Dagger apart, how it actually shoots, and, ultimately, find out if it’s worth your cash.

Keep reading!

Specs & Features

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-auto
• Capacity: 22+1
• Length: 7.65”
• Barrel Length: 4.5”
• Width: 1.5” (Magwell)
• Height: 5.6”
• Weight: 1 lb. 5.6 oz.
• Comes with: Zippered soft case, two 17+5 round magazines, QR code for manual, gun lock

Features

• M81 Woodland Cerakote
• Threaded barrel
• Enhanced magwell
• +5 Magazine extensions

The Backstory

During Shot Show 2020, PSA announced its foray into the Glock clones with the release of the Dagger. This was a first for the South Carolina manufacturer, creating its own line of striker-fired polymer pistols at a reasonable price.

A few different versions emerged in the following years, but once again, PSA delivered exciting news at SHOT Show 2024 with the release of the Sabre Dagger. The one-word description for the Sabre Dagger line chosen by PSA was “elite.”

Full-sized and enhanced from the factory, these pistols offer many upgrades not commonly found on new guns. Stippling, various finishes, mag wells, and mag extensions were all options depending on the model.

Shooting the PSA Sabre Dagger: Accuracy & Reliability Analysis

At its base, the Sabre Dagger is a Glock clone, so I already had a pretty good idea of what to expect as far as performance. That said, upgrades did come into play for a few specific actions.

With a Trijicon RMR flush-mounted, I noted I could still see the sights and co-witness. However, the sights themselves were only really useful in full sun. Even a single white dot up front would have helped.

The lightening of the slide up front removes just over an inch-long area on the sides and top. This means slide manipulations from the front aren’t going to be as easy.

I generally do this when an optic is installed, so that’s how I learned about it. Shooters can easily slingshot the rear of the slide or manipulate over the optic instead.

Reloads were a breeze with the size of the mag well. Even getting the magazine generally close allows a guided coupling, in which you can then slam it home to lock it in place.

The trigger has a nice shoe, but the performance is still that of a striker-fired Glock clone. After a few shots, I knew what to expect and started working on shooting groups for accuracy.

At a distance of 7 yards, I slowly fired 10 shots of AAC 115gr JHP and 10 shots of Federal Premium 124gr HST. Both groups were right around 1.5 inches, so accuracy was good and repeatable.

Recoil impulse was on par with what I expected. It was reasonable and controllable with the texture on the grip. Follow-up shots were easy to place.

I moved to steel targets and began working on various drills, transitioning from one target to the next. The Sabre Dagger ran well and didn’t have any notable issues.

Reliability was very good. I ran 500 rounds through the gun, primarily AAC 115gr, but also tested with Federal defensive ammo, and both cycled through.

There was only one malfunction during the test. Early in the round count, I experienced a single failure to feed. Once this was cleared, it didn’t happen again.

Because of the threaded muzzle upgrade, I had to try shooting the Sabre Dagger suppressed. After removing the thread protector, I screwed on a Banish 9K on the 1/2×28 threads.

Using the AAC ammo, the gun would fire, but would not cycle. However, the difference in sound was extremely impressive.

I tested with 115gr AAC, and 124gr Blazer and could not get reliable cycling. Using Federal HST 124gr, the Sabre Dagger did better, but still did not cycle 100%.

Ergonomics: Fit & Feel

This particular Sabre Dagger is a striking gun, a departure from the standard black or silver to which we’ve all become accustomed. The camouflage pattern is nicely done with a matte finish.

I’ll start immediately with the grip because I wonder why Glock never evolved to this nice of a shape. There are no flat, boxy surfaces, just flowing curves that generously fit into your palm.

The actual texture appears to be small, raised, squares in a diamond orientation. These are placed in panels on the side as well as on the front strap and backstrap.

This results in a nice medium texture that isn’t overly aggressive for concealed carry, but still provides good control when shooting. The shape of the grip includes a slight swell for the index finger, as well as an undercut at the trigger guard.

Toward the back, an extended beavertail covered the web of my hand, though it was close.  This is a me problem, and shouldn’t be an issue with most shooters with hands under 2X.

At the bottom, a cavernous mag well awaits your next reload. The piece fits well, and is blended nicely with the end of the grip.

Another point worth mentioning on the frame is the texturing and flared mini-shelf present forward of the slide lock. I was able to park my support hand thumb here pretty comfortably, but to call it a gas pedal would be an exaggeration.

Forward, on the trigger guard, there is a small point some shooters use to hook their support hand trigger finger. Further forward on the frame, PSA included an accessory rail.

The slide on the Sabre Dagger is very busy, replete with lightening cuts up front on the sides and top. While these create a nice balance, they remove surface area for shooters who like racking the slide up front.

These cuts reveal a fluted barrel that is capped with a thread protector. I’ll cover how the Sabre Dagger ran on a suppressor a little later.

Serrations are present up front, though minimal. They are much stronger in the rear. They are cut angularly, and have a stimpled texture that provides good grip.

PSA included suppressor height, steel sights on the Sabre Dagger, but they are completely black, which limits their effectiveness to limited lighting scenarios. They were high enough, however, to co-witness with the Trijicon RMR I mounted.

Finally, magazines are Magpul GL9 PMAGs, 17-round capacity. However, they are fitted with a +5 Sabre-branded, aluminum magazine extension. These extended bases come with a beveled groove to pull in case they become stuck.

They never did, and in fact, locked back and dropped cleanly each time I pressed the release.

Controls

Starting with the slide stop, there is no surprise as to the location. It’s on the left side only, but sticks out enough to be easy to access without accidental bumping.

The magazine release is a little narrow for my tastes. It works well, though needs to be pushed in nearly flush to the grip to release magazines.

And finally, the trigger utilizes a flat-faced, aluminum shoe with a trigger safety that sits flush when pressed. It is very comfortable, though did heat up uncomfortably when I’d fired too many in a row.

The trigger performance is still reminiscent of Glock, with a somewhat mushy pull to a fairly well-defined wall. Pulling back a bit further, the trigger breaks at an average of 3.6 lbs. on a Lyman Digital gauge. Reset is very audible and tactile.

Who Is the Sabre Dagger For?

It seems likely PSA understands the Glock fanatics who love to buy their pistols and upgrade so many of the parts to their preference. With the Sabre Dagger, PSA has eliminated the need to do that.

The Sabre Dagger will appeal to a wide audience. In essence, it is a full-size Glock clone done in the hybrid fashion of the G45 (compact slide, full-size frame).

This means it will serve as a defensive carry pistol and in any number of roles related to that purpose — i.e., concealed, home, or vehicle-based protection.

With the included upgrades, you may also enjoy taking it to some training or trying your hand at competition. With this package, you’ve got options.

The Sabre Dagger is a Glock clone with many upgraded features. This particular model’s Woodland camouflage and black motif really make it stand out from other pistols.

By the Numbers

Reliability: 4.5/5

This was almost a perfect run over the course of 500 rounds, though one failure to feed happened.

Ergonomics: 4/5

The Sabre Dagger should fit most shooters nicely, and the controls are easy to reach.

Accuracy: 4/5

Two groups just over 1.5” mean good accuracy with two different types of ammunition.

Customization: 5/5

The Sabre Dagger is already highly customized, but being a Glock clone and within the Dagger family, there are numerous options to accessorize.

Value: 4/5

PSA lists the Sabre Dagger at $629. When you consider all the upgrades, the two extended magazines, and the excellent soft case you get in the package, it’s a good deal.

Overall: 4/5

Upgrades & Accessories for the Sabre Dagger

I used a Safariland Safarivault holster to test the Sabre Dagger. The gun was extremely secure and the draw was smooth.

We use AAC for the bulk of our testing and find it to be accurate as well as reliable. The price is great too!

You can’t enjoy a day at the range without the proper protective gear. We use Shell Shock because it does a great job and is comfortable enough to wear all day.

How We Tested the Sabre Dagger

For this review, we tested the PSA Sabre Dagger with iron sights and a Trijicon RMR Red Dot, shooting 10-round groups at 7 yards.

We went through 500 rounds of ammunition, using both practice and defensive ammo in the form of:

• AAC 115gr FMJ
• Federal Premium 124gr HST

We also tested the trigger on the PSA Sabre Dagger with a Lyman Digital Trigger gauge to get an accurate assessment of the actual trigger pull weight.

Meet the Experts

At the helm of this review was Pew Pew Tactical Content Producer Sean Curtis. Sean spent over two decades in law enforcement, where he became a POST-certified handgun instructor and NLEFIA Red Dot Instructor and received CLEFIA Advanced Firearms Instructor Training and AR-15 armorer training. He has since attended a variety of training, including Tactical Performance Center Handgun Mastery & Carbine Mastery, and earned USCCA rifle instructor certification. Aside from training and prior to joining the Pew Pew Tactical team full-time, Sean wrote for several gun publications evaluating and testing guns and gear and has written hundreds of articles.

This review was edited by Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings, who runs Pew Pew Tactical’s experienced team of reviewers. Jacki is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association and has her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. She has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years, and has worked as an editor for five years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards.

Final Verdict on Palmetto State Armory’s Sabre Dagger

In some ways, PSA cut out a part of the process many shooters enjoy: buying a gun, then upgrading it to their specific preferences. However, some folks may not have the tools or skills required for the job.

Other folks don’t want to bother making the effort. Either way, the Sabre Dagger represents a Glock clone, upgraded with quality parts, that is ready to run right out of the box.

Our testing revealed solid performance and great ergonomics, making it a heck of a value at the price.

Will you be picking up a Sabre Dagger? Let us know in the comments below. For even more on this category, check out Best Glock Clones!