The Palmetto State Armory (PSA) Dagger Compact is a fantastic budget alternative to a Glock. While it is often called a Glock clone, that isn’t completely accurate. The PSA Dagger and Dagger Compact accept many Gen 3 Glock parts, but not all of them. In particular, Glock MOS optics do not fit PSA Dagger models.
The PSA Dagger Compact is available with RMR or Docter optics mount cut slides. If you want to add a mini red dot sight to your PSA Dagger Compact without an adapter plate, you need a model that matches your mount. In my case and probably yours, that is RMR.
After doing a lot of research, I came up with this list of feasible RMR red dots available for the PSA Dagger Compact on Amazon. There are others on Amazon, but I omitted those that seem to be complete junk that nobody should consider and those that cost more than the Dagger itself. This list is meant to show every viable option on Amazon and I don’t recommend all of these.
These are Amazon affiliate links, but most models are available on other websites if you don’t like Amazon.
In order of most expensive to least…
Holosun HE507C X2 and HE507C-GR X2 Circle Dot w/ Solar Failsafe
Available as a green dot model or red dot model, both with “solar failsafe” that provides power when batteries are dead if there is enough sunlight. Holosun is a respected name in the industry and most consider it the “affordable” option for people that don’t want to spend Trijicon money.
Click one of these links to see current prices:
Holosun HE507C X2 Red Circle Dot
Holosun HE507C-GR X2 Green Circle Dot
- Dot size: 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle
- Dot color: Red or green
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Shake awake: Yes
- Weight: 1.5oz
- Window size: 0.63 x 0.91 inches
- Battery change: Side-load tray
- Co-witness ability: Yes! With standard Ameriglo sights
- Killer feature: Solar failsafe
If you can swing the cost, which is about the same as a PSA Dagger Compact, then this is your best option on the list. The 2 MOA dot would be small, but the 32 MOA circle aids in fast target acquisition. It will co-witness with the PSA Dagger Compact’s stock Ameriglo sights. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive and this is a proven model, but read on if you need something more affordable.
e your batteries regularly and make sure to carry a spare to save some money on these models. Otherwise, they’re almost identical. They’re even weight a little less.
Holosun HS407C X2 and HS407C-GR X2 Dot w/ Solar Failsafe
These 407 models are more affordable than the 507 models, but omit the circle on the reticle. All you get is a 2 MOA dot. They are also available in both red and green.
Click one of these links to see current prices:
Holosun HS407C-GR X2 Green Dot
- Dot size: 2 MOA dot
- Dot color: Red or green
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Shake awake: Yes
- Weight: 1.5oz
- Window size: 0.63 x 0.91 inches
- Battery change: Side-load tray
- Co-witness ability: Yes! With standard Ameriglo sights
- Killer feature: Solar failsafe
If you want the solar failsafe but don’t care about having a circle dot reticle, these are significantly cheaper than the HE507C X2 models. 2 MOA is small and that bigger is better for self-defense, but reviewers say that the dot is nice and bright. That should improve acquisition when compared to some of the cheaper brands on this list.
Swampfox Liberty
Swampfox is a relatively new company, but it is making waves thanks to affordability and solid reviews. They also make the coolest-looking models on this list. The Justice model is almost identical, but is a little bit bigger and doesn’t fit the PSA Dagger Compact slide as well. This is the red dot I bought for myself.
Click this link to check current price:
Swampfox Liberty & Justice red dot sights
- Dot size: 3 MOA dot
- Dot color: Red or green
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Shake awake: Yes
- Weight: 1oz
- Window size: 22mm (Liberty)
- Battery change: Top tray
- Co-witness ability: Yes, just barely with stock Ameriglo sights
- Killer feature: Cool design
The Swampfox Liberty is getting a lot of attention right now, the price is good, and the features are great. Both the Justice and Liberty models are available with red or green dots (green dots cost more). While reviews are very positive, some note that the shake awake feature is slow when compared to Holosun models. I didn’t notice that myself (it activates the moment I pick up the gun). It will co-witness (though just barely) with the stock Ameriglo sights on the PSA Dagger Compact.
Viridian RFX 35 Green Dot
This model doesn’t have many reviews on Amazon, but Viridian gets solid reviews elsewhere. It is a bit of a wild card on this list, but is worth considering if you want a green dot.
Click this link to check current price:
Viridian RFX green dot (ONLY RFX 35 MODEL FITS RMR!)
- Dot size: 3 MOA dot
- Dot color: Green
- Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
- Shake awake: Yes
- Weight: 1oz
- Window size: 22x26mm
- Battery change: Bottom (must remove optic)
- Co-witness ability: Unknown (please leave feedback for others!)
- Killer feature: Big window I guess?
Despite what Viridian’s own graphic says, the RFX 35 uses a CR2032 battery (not a AAA). It goes in the bottom, which means you must remove the optic to replace the battery and then re-zero afterward. I honestly can’t think of any reason why you’d chose this model, but the reviews are okay and so I’m including it for completeness.
Primary Arms Classic Series 24mm Red Dot
This model doesn’t have any reviews on Amazon and only has a single 4-star review on their own website. That said, Primary Arms optics tend to get decent reviews. I have one of their scopes on my 6.5 Grendel AR-15 and did consider this model for my PSA Dagger Compact.
Click this link to check current price:
Primary Arms Classic Series 24mm red dot
- Dot size: 3 MOA dot
- Dot color: Red
- Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
- Shake awake: No
- Weight: 0.97oz
- Window size: 24x17mm
- Battery change: Bottom (must remove optic)
- Co-witness ability: Unknown (please leave feedback for others!)
- Killer feature: Compact size
This model is a bit of a gamble, as reviews are few and far between. But it can save you some money if you’re willing to deal with the bottom-load battery and lack of a “shake awake” feature. It also appears to be lower-profile than most, which should help with co-witnessing.
Ade Advanced Optics RD3-020 Raptor Red Dot
Ade Advanced Optics doesn’t have a great reputation, but the handful of reviews for the Raptor model are good. However, the fact that the product images are renders is concerning. As is the Amazon title saying “6 MOA.”
Click this link to check current price:
Ade Advanced Optics RD3-020 Raptor red dot
- Dot size: 2 MOA dot
- Dot color: Red
- Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
- Shake awake: Yes
- Weight: 1.06oz
- Window size: Unknown
- Battery change: Bottom (I think)
- Co-witness ability: Unknown (please leave feedback for others!)
- Killer feature: None
The customer reviews on Amazon are good, but I would not recommend this model. There are others that a cheaper and better proven. The renders and lack of information are huge red flags, and the features are mediocre.
Swampfox Kingslayer Red Dot
This model is much more affordable than the Swampfox Liberty and is available in circle dot versions (though those cost more). It has lots of reviews that are almost all positive, making this one of the best low-budget options.
Click this link to check current price:
- Dot size: 3 MOA dot (circle dot available)
- Dot color: Red (green available)
- Material: “aircraft-grade aluminum”
- Shake awake: Yes
- Weight: 1oz
- Window size: 22mm
- Battery change: Side-load tray
- Co-witness ability: Unknown (please leave feedback for others!)
- Killer feature: None
The Kingslayer seems like a great choice and only has two downsides that I can see. First, it doesn’t have a shake awake feature. It automatically turns off after 4 hours, but you must push a button to turn it back on. Second, some say that the 3 MOA dot is hard to see in daylight (even at the brightest setting). That said, it seems like a solid choice if you’re on a tight budget.
UTG OP3 Micro Red Dot
Only has a few reviews and they aren’t great. One review is from a PSA Dagger Compact owner, who says the fit is poor (overlapped slide).
Click this link to check current price:
- Dot size: 4 MOA dot
- Dot color: Red
- Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
- Shake awake: No
- Weight: 1.06oz
- Window size: Unknown
- Battery change: Bottom (must remove optic)
- Co-witness ability: Unknown (please leave feedback for others!)
- Killer feature: None
There is really no reason to by this. It has poor features, poor reviews, and some of the cheaper options are clearly better.
GOWUTAR A20 Red/Green Dot
This is an interesting entry on the list. When I first saw this model, I scrolled right past because the brand name just screams “relabeled junk.” But the reviews are surprisingly good and the features are comparable to more expensive models.
Click this link to check current price:
- Dot size: 2 MOA dot
- Dot color: Red or green
- Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
- Shake awake: Yes
- Weight: 1.45oz
- Window size: 24mm
- Battery change: Top tray
- Co-witness ability: Unknown (please leave feedback for others!)
- Killer feature: Cost
The only downside here, if you’re willing to take a gamble on the brand, is the small 2 MOA dot. Other than that, it has great features and the reviews are positive. One user reported that it does fit the PSA Dagger Compact.
Ade Advanced Optics RD3-019 Stingray Red Dot
Like this Raptor, this is a questionable model from a questionable brand. Its reviews are poor and that outweighs the feature list
Click this link to check current price:
Ade Advanced Optics RD3-019 Stringray red dot
- Dot size: 6 MOA dot
- Dot color: Red (I think)
- Material: “Aircraft aluminum”
- Shake awake: Yes (and auto-adjust)
- Weight: 0.88oz
- Window size: Unknown
- Battery change: Bottom (must remove optic)
- Co-witness ability: Unknown (please leave feedback for others!)
- Killer feature: Auto brightness adjustment
The reviews alone should dissuade you, but the features are interesting. In particular, the automatic brightness adjustment is cool (if it works). But the bottom-load battery is unfortunate. The ad copy states the dot is red, but then also says it is green in another place. That’s concerning. They advertise the built-in rear co-witness iron sights, but I don’t see those as a good thing. If the Stringray had good reviews it might be worth considering, but it doesn’t.
Ade Advanced Optics RD3-023 Valkyrie Micro Green Dot
I was hesitant to even put another Ade Advanced Optics product on the list, but I want to be thorough. The Valkyrie Micro only has two reviews on Amazon, but they’re somewhat positive. As usual for this brand, the information is incomplete and contradictory.
Click this link to check current price:
Ade Advanced Optics RD3-023 Valkyrie Micro green dot
- Dot size: 4 MOA dot
- Dot color: Green
- Material: Unknown
- Shake awake: Unknown
- Weight: 1.24oz
- Window size: Unknown
- Battery change: Bottom (must remove optic)
- Co-witness ability: Unknown (please leave feedback for others!)
- Killer feature: None
Just don’t buy it. Aside from lack of user reviews, the Amazon listing has very little information. As we know from the other models, Ade Advanced Optics’ track record is bad and there isn’t any reason to think they got it right with the Valkyrie Micro.
Cyelee WOLF0 Red Dot
We’re now reaching into the bargain bin, but the Cyelee WOLF0 might actually be a good choice for those on a very tight budget. The reviews are surprisingly good.
Click this link to check current price:
- Dot size: 3 MOA dot
- Dot color: Red
- Material: “Aircraft-grade aluminum”
- Shake awake: Yes
- Weight: 1.41oz
- Window size: 24mm
- Battery change: Top Tray
- Co-witness ability: Unknown (please leave feedback for others!)
- Killer feature: Style, cost
I’ll admit that I was tempted to buy the Cyelee WOLF0 for myself. The low cost seems a little too good to be true, but the reviews are positive. The only negative I saw was that the shake awake feature is a little slow. It looks good and has similar features to the expensive models. 3 MOA is a little smaller than I would like, but users report that the dot is bright and clear in daylight. If wallet is very light, then this is about as cheap as you can find an RMR red dot that still has good reviews.
Cyelee CT2 Red Dot
The Cyelee CT2 is very similar to the WOLF0, but a little bit cheaper and less stylish.
Click this link to check current price:
Cyelee CT2 red dot
- Dot size: 3 MOA dot
- Dot color: Red
- Material: “Aircraft-grade aluminum”
- Shake awake: Yes
- Weight: 1.4oz
- Window size: 24mm
- Battery change: Top Tray
- Co-witness ability: Unknown (please leave feedback for others!)
- Killer feature: Cost
This sub-$100 red dot is as cheap as they get. It has similar features and reviews to the WOLF0. Frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they share identical electronics and glass, but in a different package. If you don’t care about style and want to save a few more bucks compared to the WOLF0, this might be worth considering.
Summary
So which should you buy? If your budget is unlimited, then get a Trijicon or something. But if you bought a PSA Dagger Compact, that probably isn’t the case.
If you can swing the cost, get a Holosun. They’re popular for a reason: they have been proven by many thousands of users. The exact model will depend on your preferences.
With a more limited budget, you’ll probably want to consider one of the Swampfox models—I purchased the Liberty and am happy with it so far. And if your budget is really tight, then the Cyelee WOLF0 seems like the only option that might not be a mistake.
What do you think? Did I miss something? Which is your favorite? Do you have experience co-witnessing any of these models? Then comment below!
FAQs
Why didn’t you list battery life?
Because that always comes down to brightness. All of these optics use one of two different coin cell batteries. Manufacturers may include an ultra-dim setting just so they can claim an extremely long battery life, but that’s just marketing. In reality, battery life comes down to the battery size and your use.
Why didn’t you list brightness settings?
Because they are impossible to compare. A model might have 10 brightness settings, but is that inferior to a model that has 12? Actual luminosity (minimum and maximum) would matter, but manufacturers don’t list that information—especially not in any standardized way.
Why didn’t you list X model?
It was too expensive (like Trijicon), too cheap and only good for airsoft, I didn’t find it, or it doesn’t fit RMR cut slides without an adapter. Other than those, I tried to include every single model on Amazon that someone might consider.
You claimed X was good/bad, are you stupid?
Rude…
But anyway, the HS407K X2 is the only model I have hands-on experience with. Everything else was based on guesswork and reviews from other users. Feel free to post your opinions in the comments!
What do you have against small dots?
Nothing, I just think bigger dots make more sense for self-defense. In those situations, fast target acquisition is far more important than precision. At 25 yards, 6 MOA is still only 1.5 inches. That “low precision” is not a factor in self-defense, but being able to quickly and easily see the dot and place the dot is a factor.
Why is this list about the PSA Dagger Compact and not X?
Because that’s what I currently own and because it is a relatively new model that is quickly gaining popularity, so I thought this information would be useful to many people.
What’s with the Amazon affiliate links? Are you a corporate stooge?
I have bills to pay (including hosting this site). This article took a lot of time to research and write, and those links help bring in a tiny bit of money (still pennies per hour of labor). Don’t click ’em if you don’t want to.
Why Amazon and not some other site?
Everyone uses Amazon and they have a wide selection. There are a couple of model (like those from TruGlo) that aren’t on Amazon, but most are and that isn’t true for other websites. I don’t like our corporate overlords at Amazon either, but I live in this society.
Can our company send you an optic to review?
Maybe. I do lots of reviews and don’t always have the time in my schedule for more, but get in touch and we can talk about it.
