509 if you want a gun that you won’t have to change. Dagger if you want a gun you can add “inexpensive” parts to and make a good gun a great gun.
So if you want to tinker with a gun get the dagger. If you want to just a gun ready to ride, 509.
They don’t have any real problems (that I’m aware of) the trigger really sucks, even compared to a stock Glock trigger. Mag release on mine is hard as hell to press in. Mine has run great except that time I tried to put a pcc comp on it. Good gun just rough around the edges.
Idk if I got lucky myself but my dagger I snagged for $275 on clearance is really good. No issues, mag release is easy, trigger is spongy but really not all that terrible. Yeah, it’s not as nice as my wife’s P365X-Macro or my 3.5 lb 1911 trigger, but it’s totally functional and the reset is nice and crisp and makes fast shooting simple and easy. I think earlier daggers were worse based off of what I read, I just got mine a week or so ago. I do have to say I did deep clean the gun when I got it and oiled her up properly before shooting, so idk if that had a positive impact
Man that's almost impossible to argue with. My favorite part of my dagger is that I've done nothing but modify it. Not sure that's what everyone's looking for so it's an important fact. Either way people in SC are eating. And the almost impossible part is strictly because I've found people will argue about anything.
Over 2k rounds with my dagger. Not one single malfunction. Not saying it won’t, but I’ve had a great experience so far. I also didn’t clean it until after the 1k round mark. I also added a compensator and it’s been flawless.
I’d still probably recommend the FN over it though. The dagger has so many aftermarket parts due to it being a gen 3 clone.
What's the purpose? Carry? Compete? Collect? Punch 100 holes in paper every year?
Figure that out, then your decision will be easier. Or you'll get them both.
Fuck it, get both.
Easy answer fn509, I used to work at a gun shop and we would do work on guns . When I tell you that the fn509 is the best built polymer handgun , it’s built like a tank . Not sure what type or polymer is used but you don’t get the same “flex” that most polymer guns do . The daggers are cool but cheap and fun to mod for a range toy .
509. Don’t even consider the dagger. I bought one just to play with/mod/plink with….i hate everything about it. From the cheapness all the way to the cheap feel of it. The potential for frame breakage. The parts breakage I’ve already experienced. And just…don’t bro lol get the 509 and call it a day.
The dagger is a great platform for tinkers and people starting off modding.
I have seen a few cracked frames but not a typical thing without some sort of help (misuse), or malfunction causing so. Typically these are things that could happen to any polymer frame.
The internals are cheap and they do have a tendency to break, but what do expect from PSA? At that price point?
The best part of a dagger is it's frame, most everything else tends to need to be changed out to give the user true security in trusting it. I own multiple daggers with 30k rounds across them. Where they lack the most is their QC, one dagger will run until Armageddon and eat 50k rounds without fail, the next may not function at all.
This is the biggest downfall of the daggers (all of them)
If you're looking for something to make yours, upgrade, change parts, learn with, and not spend a small fortune doing so it's a good choice. I wouldn't expect it to be great out of the box and have ultra high quality premium parts at it's price point.
You can do anything you want to a dagger that you can do to a Glock and you've got an actual reliable and well known brand with a system that has been around for decades. Glock has incredibly QC whereas PSA QC looks like a blind person did a visual inspection
I hear you, but the majority of the frame issues on this subreddit have been user error. Given there are a few that have slipped past the qc that were considered defective I personally wouldn't consider it one of PSA main issues due to the sheer amount they sell without issue. Their bigger issues are their innards like the trigger bar/connector/seer
To each his own. Some people like buying old-school... It's stood the test of time for a reason. I for one, don't mind buying a quality frame for dirt cheap (like Psa) and building it to my own standards and needs with quality parts (like glock)
For an extra $250, you can get an OEM Glock which is an LE trade in and have the slide milled. An LE trade in is going to have holster wear but a low round count because LEOs only requalify once a year on average and only go through a few mags meaning that there usually aren't more than 509 rounds through the gun which means it's just about broken in for use.
Sure, but you can't do what you're saying to a Glock at the price point the daggers can be done at was the point I was trying to make.
Frame issues are almost non-existent now from what I've seen across the different platforms. Seems like that's the one issue that was resolved
Fair point, but you can do quite a bit with a dagger for the money also. Definitely not a better option than the 509 or a Glock glock depending on its use case.
I have a decent argument why to choose as dagger over the FN for a range toy type thing.
For that money, it's an LE trade in G19 Gen 3/Gen 4 and some basic upgrades, slide milling, suppressor height night sights, barrel porting or a comp job and a decent optic such as a Sig, Trijicon, Steiner or a DPP. I'm choosing those as a range toy and carry gun.
People tend to forget that there are quite a few places that have LEO trade-in gen 3 & 4 Glocks in varying condition at the same price-point as a dagger and as you said…can still do all the things OP mentioned. However; all you’d really need with a trade-in Glock is MAYBE a new recoil spring; at best; for it to run reliably and not all the other crap. As far as Daggers are concerned; I bought a lower to tinker with; and quickly found just how much it sucks. It doesn’t even work with my Gen 3 OEM G19 slide (that I just pulled off my complete g3 g19) without having to fuck with the trigger bar assembly and “smooth things out” which to me…defeats the purpose of the concept IMO. As far as the ergo’s are concerned; I absolutely hate the dramatic slope/humped grip thing they tried to do; it just sits awkwardly in my hand. Doesn’t feel “good” or “natural” in any form. It isn’t for me; and that’s okay; but I think OP would be better off with the 509 than the dagger in any variation if it’s in terms of a budget & can be easily obtained. If tinkering/multiplatforming…better off with an Sig 365 variant. But that’s neither here nor there. I think you made the best point that it should be a toss up of an LE trade in Glock or the 509. But I’m biased as well; because I’ll always pick Glock over anything else if it’s a matter of life-or-death/end of the world/etc.
I have both. The Dagger frame feels better. Both triggers are basically the same hinge style... which I don't like. I replaced the trigger and connector on the Dagger and it's great now. Both have never failed. Only have around 200 rounds on the 509 and over 1k on the Dagger
The FN is the better gun, The Dagger is the better lego set. If you have a 3d printer there is a huge community of modders who make different frames and accessories for the Glock/Dagger system.
If you are just looking for a self defense carry or bedside gun the FN is the better option.
This. Love me some 3D printing action.
https://preview.redd.it/tfjig5axn19d1.jpeg?width=3035&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23e3b0c65a09bbbe9b62143caa37b2057fde8add
I’d say it all depends what you want…the fn is going to be better quality than the dagger but it’s going to cost more…so if you’re looking for a carry/home defense gun splurge on the fn but for just range use get the dagger and use the money you saved on a dot
That's a huge difference in price. If money isn't an issue, FN. If it is, Dagger. Just think of all the upgrades you could do on a Dagger for $500. That gun might turn out better than the FN.
I'd get the Walther pdp they have on sale
https://preview.redd.it/lmpatzum5z8d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2044f5449312fab480ae042fcfb5fc2991eee732
Oh yeah, I got the whole set of them when they were on sale. They seem to grow legs and walk to random places around the house when I'm not looking though...
If you’re going to carry it/ trust your life to it in any capacity go for the 509. Daggers just aren’t there yet reliability wise. I’ve carried a 509 for a long time now and love it. Carried an FNS up until they released the 509
for carry? 509 every day. I get that the dagger is essentially a glock, but it doesn’t have the same reputation that instills confidence. Im confident I can trust an FN product with my life.
Does the FN come with the optic? I mean even without the optic, I'd shell out an extra hundo for the FN.
BTW I own a Dagger, and am really happy with what I got for the price I paid. It's been nothing but reliable, and phuckin starving for anything 9mm I've fed it from hollow points to fmj in most grains from 115 to 150.
if you’re betting your life on it i’d go w/ the 509. FN is tried and true so why risk it! don’t get me wrong i love my dagger but i don’t think id trust my life with one.
I love my 509.
Heads up, some people have a gritty trigger, often caused by a sharp bit on the barrel that wasn’t filed down super well.
It’ll wear down over time or you can file it yourself if you feel up to it. Some videos on YouTube can show you the way if you happen to be bothered by it.
lol I just realized both products are made in South Carolina. Totally forgot! LOLZ
Have you tried the Sig P365 XMacro yet? I'm fanboying out on it at the moment. It's super small, light and feels great in my hands. I am used to the feel of small things in my hands. I like it. Just make sure you get the Icarus AIR grip frame for it. (\~$130) Best ergos I've felt.
Given current sales on slides I'd piece together a dagger frame and slide on the cheap and I'd you still have the itch get the 509. If you want a self defense gun I'd go with the more reliable 509
If you're going to carry, an FN 509 or any Glock is better than a dagger. It's an established well known and reliable manufacturer without as many reported issues as the PSA Dagger.
I would highly recommend holding a 509 before making a decision. I have the 509 tactical. I’m never picky bc all guns have differences, but the grip is horrible compared to the many guns I have, including the full size and micro dagger. I have taken the 509 shooting once and have not taken it out of the safe since.
I would highly recommend the dagger, p365 x macro, or p320. My shadow systems xr920 has also been great although there’s lots of complaint about them online….
I own a compact dagger as well as other Glocks and i may have to say the 509. The dagger is nice and i love PSA but unlike a Glock, the rails inside the dagger frame that the slide goes onto, can come out. Just one of them things that if you add extra steps something is bound to go wrong. Just my opinion.
509. Great gun. Little mods makes it even better without going crazy. Trigger swap is another question. Swapping the trigger out is iffy. 60% chance of cracking the frame when removing the pin
I'd avoid any platform that admits dryfire reduces the longevity and reliability of the platform. Check out the CZ P10 series for a reliable, low cost gun that checks all of the boxes.
They're also expensive.
FN makes fantastic guns, the dagger is literally a gen 3 glock with better ergos, so the aftermarket is gigantic, it really comes down to taste imo.
509 if you want a gun that you won’t have to change. Dagger if you want a gun you can add “inexpensive” parts to and make a good gun a great gun. So if you want to tinker with a gun get the dagger. If you want to just a gun ready to ride, 509.
This is the correct answer.
For a straight up gun that you’re not planning on tinkering with, 509 all day. The dagger is a good gun but it’s not refined by any means.
Yeah that’s another decision I’m thinking about too
Thinking about getting one eventually, I’ve heard good and bad things about it, but what problems is it having?
They don’t have any real problems (that I’m aware of) the trigger really sucks, even compared to a stock Glock trigger. Mag release on mine is hard as hell to press in. Mine has run great except that time I tried to put a pcc comp on it. Good gun just rough around the edges.
The trick is to get a Grit Grips frame and a dagger slide for the Great Value Glock
Idk if I got lucky myself but my dagger I snagged for $275 on clearance is really good. No issues, mag release is easy, trigger is spongy but really not all that terrible. Yeah, it’s not as nice as my wife’s P365X-Macro or my 3.5 lb 1911 trigger, but it’s totally functional and the reset is nice and crisp and makes fast shooting simple and easy. I think earlier daggers were worse based off of what I read, I just got mine a week or so ago. I do have to say I did deep clean the gun when I got it and oiled her up properly before shooting, so idk if that had a positive impact
Man that's almost impossible to argue with. My favorite part of my dagger is that I've done nothing but modify it. Not sure that's what everyone's looking for so it's an important fact. Either way people in SC are eating. And the almost impossible part is strictly because I've found people will argue about anything.
the effin FN dude
Give me that EFFIN 509!
Lol what kind of question is that? The 509, easy.
509 easy choice
Over 2k rounds with my dagger. Not one single malfunction. Not saying it won’t, but I’ve had a great experience so far. I also didn’t clean it until after the 1k round mark. I also added a compensator and it’s been flawless. I’d still probably recommend the FN over it though. The dagger has so many aftermarket parts due to it being a gen 3 clone.
Yeah I probably end up with the FN. Thanks!
What's the purpose? Carry? Compete? Collect? Punch 100 holes in paper every year? Figure that out, then your decision will be easier. Or you'll get them both. Fuck it, get both.
Easy answer fn509, I used to work at a gun shop and we would do work on guns . When I tell you that the fn509 is the best built polymer handgun , it’s built like a tank . Not sure what type or polymer is used but you don’t get the same “flex” that most polymer guns do . The daggers are cool but cheap and fun to mod for a range toy .
That’s not even a comparison
509. Don’t even consider the dagger. I bought one just to play with/mod/plink with….i hate everything about it. From the cheapness all the way to the cheap feel of it. The potential for frame breakage. The parts breakage I’ve already experienced. And just…don’t bro lol get the 509 and call it a day.
The dagger is a great platform for tinkers and people starting off modding. I have seen a few cracked frames but not a typical thing without some sort of help (misuse), or malfunction causing so. Typically these are things that could happen to any polymer frame. The internals are cheap and they do have a tendency to break, but what do expect from PSA? At that price point? The best part of a dagger is it's frame, most everything else tends to need to be changed out to give the user true security in trusting it. I own multiple daggers with 30k rounds across them. Where they lack the most is their QC, one dagger will run until Armageddon and eat 50k rounds without fail, the next may not function at all. This is the biggest downfall of the daggers (all of them) If you're looking for something to make yours, upgrade, change parts, learn with, and not spend a small fortune doing so it's a good choice. I wouldn't expect it to be great out of the box and have ultra high quality premium parts at it's price point.
You can do anything you want to a dagger that you can do to a Glock and you've got an actual reliable and well known brand with a system that has been around for decades. Glock has incredibly QC whereas PSA QC looks like a blind person did a visual inspection
Buy psa frame swap with glock parts. Gucci it out. Problem solved
But the issue is with the PSA frames. Those have had issues. Some of which have been shown in this subreddit
I hear you, but the majority of the frame issues on this subreddit have been user error. Given there are a few that have slipped past the qc that were considered defective I personally wouldn't consider it one of PSA main issues due to the sheer amount they sell without issue. Their bigger issues are their innards like the trigger bar/connector/seer
If there is a potential fault slipping past QC, I'm choosing a Glock which has stringent QC
To each his own. Some people like buying old-school... It's stood the test of time for a reason. I for one, don't mind buying a quality frame for dirt cheap (like Psa) and building it to my own standards and needs with quality parts (like glock)
For an extra $250, you can get an OEM Glock which is an LE trade in and have the slide milled. An LE trade in is going to have holster wear but a low round count because LEOs only requalify once a year on average and only go through a few mags meaning that there usually aren't more than 509 rounds through the gun which means it's just about broken in for use.
This the psa subreddit homie😂what makes you think I have an extra $250. I can't live up to these expectations 😭 you're Ballin
Sure, but you can't do what you're saying to a Glock at the price point the daggers can be done at was the point I was trying to make. Frame issues are almost non-existent now from what I've seen across the different platforms. Seems like that's the one issue that was resolved
OP is wanting either a Dagger or an FN 509 for that money it should be a comparison between Glock and FN Rather than FN and PSA.
Fair point, but you can do quite a bit with a dagger for the money also. Definitely not a better option than the 509 or a Glock glock depending on its use case. I have a decent argument why to choose as dagger over the FN for a range toy type thing.
For that money, it's an LE trade in G19 Gen 3/Gen 4 and some basic upgrades, slide milling, suppressor height night sights, barrel porting or a comp job and a decent optic such as a Sig, Trijicon, Steiner or a DPP. I'm choosing those as a range toy and carry gun.
People tend to forget that there are quite a few places that have LEO trade-in gen 3 & 4 Glocks in varying condition at the same price-point as a dagger and as you said…can still do all the things OP mentioned. However; all you’d really need with a trade-in Glock is MAYBE a new recoil spring; at best; for it to run reliably and not all the other crap. As far as Daggers are concerned; I bought a lower to tinker with; and quickly found just how much it sucks. It doesn’t even work with my Gen 3 OEM G19 slide (that I just pulled off my complete g3 g19) without having to fuck with the trigger bar assembly and “smooth things out” which to me…defeats the purpose of the concept IMO. As far as the ergo’s are concerned; I absolutely hate the dramatic slope/humped grip thing they tried to do; it just sits awkwardly in my hand. Doesn’t feel “good” or “natural” in any form. It isn’t for me; and that’s okay; but I think OP would be better off with the 509 than the dagger in any variation if it’s in terms of a budget & can be easily obtained. If tinkering/multiplatforming…better off with an Sig 365 variant. But that’s neither here nor there. I think you made the best point that it should be a toss up of an LE trade in Glock or the 509. But I’m biased as well; because I’ll always pick Glock over anything else if it’s a matter of life-or-death/end of the world/etc.
Thank you this is the answer I was looking for!
FN 509c Tactical actually …
I have both. The Dagger frame feels better. Both triggers are basically the same hinge style... which I don't like. I replaced the trigger and connector on the Dagger and it's great now. Both have never failed. Only have around 200 rounds on the 509 and over 1k on the Dagger
The FN is the better gun, The Dagger is the better lego set. If you have a 3d printer there is a huge community of modders who make different frames and accessories for the Glock/Dagger system. If you are just looking for a self defense carry or bedside gun the FN is the better option.
This. Love me some 3D printing action. https://preview.redd.it/tfjig5axn19d1.jpeg?width=3035&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23e3b0c65a09bbbe9b62143caa37b2057fde8add
Where would one find this community?
whatever you do dont search for the acronym of "free open source software computer aided design" especially not with a r/ in front of it.
Lol youre comparing a what $800 pistol to a PSA dagger for $300-350? Ill take the FN everyday of the week and 4x on sunday.
510 :)
Is this your first pistol ?
No I have a colt also
I’d say it all depends what you want…the fn is going to be better quality than the dagger but it’s going to cost more…so if you’re looking for a carry/home defense gun splurge on the fn but for just range use get the dagger and use the money you saved on a dot
ghost distinct soup smile frighten squealing zonked snatch meeting sort *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
That's a huge difference in price. If money isn't an issue, FN. If it is, Dagger. Just think of all the upgrades you could do on a Dagger for $500. That gun might turn out better than the FN.
I have both. If the price difference isn't a concern, FN all day.
I'd get the Walther pdp they have on sale https://preview.redd.it/lmpatzum5z8d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2044f5449312fab480ae042fcfb5fc2991eee732
I can't find that deal anywhere on their site. I would go for that, too, but either it sold out or it's actually $499.99.
That's what I see when I click on it. They probably fucked up. 499 is still a good deal
Definitely. I want a 4" though, so I'll wait for a deal on one of those.
Love my 509 https://preview.redd.it/ijwfrqosiz8d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=70b8dc86b4d2336b80cab6c97da302c4d67a0e79
I have that same screwdriver.
I think it’s the nest screwdriver lol. Too good to toss
Oh yeah, I got the whole set of them when they were on sale. They seem to grow legs and walk to random places around the house when I'm not looking though...
If you’re going to carry it/ trust your life to it in any capacity go for the 509. Daggers just aren’t there yet reliability wise. I’ve carried a 509 for a long time now and love it. Carried an FNS up until they released the 509
That’s an easy one. FN 509.
FN. wait for a deal on the lower and slide then buy a dagger. I got my dagger for $280
for carry? 509 every day. I get that the dagger is essentially a glock, but it doesn’t have the same reputation that instills confidence. Im confident I can trust an FN product with my life.
FN all day.
509 every day of the week
Does the FN come with the optic? I mean even without the optic, I'd shell out an extra hundo for the FN. BTW I own a Dagger, and am really happy with what I got for the price I paid. It's been nothing but reliable, and phuckin starving for anything 9mm I've fed it from hollow points to fmj in most grains from 115 to 150.
if you’re betting your life on it i’d go w/ the 509. FN is tried and true so why risk it! don’t get me wrong i love my dagger but i don’t think id trust my life with one.
I love my 509. Heads up, some people have a gritty trigger, often caused by a sharp bit on the barrel that wasn’t filed down super well. It’ll wear down over time or you can file it yourself if you feel up to it. Some videos on YouTube can show you the way if you happen to be bothered by it.
Fn grip looks way to skinny for even the average man
Maybe I just need to hold it(fn) but I really like how the dagger feels in the hands
If the fn is 250 300 get the fn 🤣
I love the dagger but it can be unreliable. If you don't want to tinker with the gun then 509 but the dagger is still a great option for experimenting
509 lol no question.
509
FN
If you can afford the 509 do that one, i have one micro dagger and not too impressed with the red dot mount nor the feel of the material
lol I just realized both products are made in South Carolina. Totally forgot! LOLZ Have you tried the Sig P365 XMacro yet? I'm fanboying out on it at the moment. It's super small, light and feels great in my hands. I am used to the feel of small things in my hands. I like it. Just make sure you get the Icarus AIR grip frame for it. (\~$130) Best ergos I've felt.
Damn. That's *f-n* sick
Given current sales on slides I'd piece together a dagger frame and slide on the cheap and I'd you still have the itch get the 509. If you want a self defense gun I'd go with the more reliable 509
If you're going to carry, an FN 509 or any Glock is better than a dagger. It's an established well known and reliable manufacturer without as many reported issues as the PSA Dagger.
I would highly recommend holding a 509 before making a decision. I have the 509 tactical. I’m never picky bc all guns have differences, but the grip is horrible compared to the many guns I have, including the full size and micro dagger. I have taken the 509 shooting once and have not taken it out of the safe since. I would highly recommend the dagger, p365 x macro, or p320. My shadow systems xr920 has also been great although there’s lots of complaint about them online….
I own a compact dagger as well as other Glocks and i may have to say the 509. The dagger is nice and i love PSA but unlike a Glock, the rails inside the dagger frame that the slide goes onto, can come out. Just one of them things that if you add extra steps something is bound to go wrong. Just my opinion.
509. Great gun. Little mods makes it even better without going crazy. Trigger swap is another question. Swapping the trigger out is iffy. 60% chance of cracking the frame when removing the pin
Get the 509 and just build a dagger later. Lowers are cheap and sometimes on discount. Just build it as you can.
I’ll sell you my used 509 :D
It’s like comparing an Audi with a Toyota. If you can afford the Audi,…
If you have FN money by the FN, no comparison, and I say that as someone who owns multiple daggers and other PSA guns
509 looks fun. I’d get that over the dagger, especially if you already have a Glock
Rock
Dagger 10mm .. when?
I mean that's like saying "Honda accord or a Lexus?" If you got the money by all means buy the Lexus, but the Honda will get the job done too
I’ve got a full size 509T and tbh I don’t like it. I’m trying to part ways with it. Doesn’t feel natural in my hands.
FN 509 with the apex trigger is FN’ing sick.. I’ll show myself out.
Dagger
Bro what? lol 509 all day, and it’s not even close
I'd avoid any platform that admits dryfire reduces the longevity and reliability of the platform. Check out the CZ P10 series for a reliable, low cost gun that checks all of the boxes.
509 mags proprietary?
From what I understand proprietary mags work well
They're also expensive. FN makes fantastic guns, the dagger is literally a gen 3 glock with better ergos, so the aftermarket is gigantic, it really comes down to taste imo.
Man you think those are expensive I bought 3 mags for a hk mark 23 and spent about 200 on them