PSA Micro Dagger (Glock 43X) Magazine Problems & Fixes (See Description)

Not all magazines have these issues showcased in this video. We are sharing some of the things we check when we have malfunctions and isolated the magazine to be the cause. I use similar principles to troubleshoot and diagnose the AR.
Some may wonder why we modified the front of the magazine since the bullet will hit the barrels feed ramps and raise. With some ammunition that's true, but with more pointed ammo like Hornady Critical Duty/Defense the pointed projectiles they use don't always behave like a typical 9mm profiled projectile does.
We didn't show issues with the plastic flashing on the inside of the magazines in this video. To remove the flashing, I used a surgical scalpel and some 800 grit sandpaper to knock down the flashing. The flashing can cause the rounds or follower to hang up. Several of these magazines had this issue.
Some people have experienced issues with these magazines not locking the slide back. In some cases the shooters grip can cause this, in other cases the follower misses the slide release. This can be a spring/follower issues, or an aftermarket slide release compatibility issue. I normally suggest testing with a factory slide stop and switch shooting hands to make sure the grip isn't holding down the slide release and the aftermarket slide release isn't the culprit.
We also didn't discuss baseplate flex when the magazines are left loaded. Hopefully PSA makes a beefier baseplate or an aftermarket option comes to the market.
Beyond the baseplate issue, these particular mags have been running flawlessly. I will keep my eye on the springs to make sure they don't take an excessive "set" and cause problems.

[@JG54206]

This video is an excellent demonstration of how important the magazines are in any semi automatic firearm. They are the most common root of malfunctions by far.

[@oklahomahank2378]

A designer once said you design the magazine and build the gun around it.

[@JG54206]

@@oklahomahank2378 it’s so true.

[@Frank7G]

​@oklahomahank2378 that's what I heard about the Sig 365

[@actionjaxxson1749]

iv had gen 1 SA mags for my 43x for years and it's my EDC. Never once had a feeding problem while using the slide release. iv never had a single problem with any of the mags

[@JG54206]

@@actionjaxxson1749 Many people haven’t had any issues at all with them, but some have. This tells me that there’s likely an issue of tolerance stacking between different examples of pistols and mags. One particular G43X or G48 may work fine with certain examples of S15 mags, while another particular pistol may not for example.

[@DerWaidmann_]

Glock needs to just make a high capacity OEM steel mag for the 43/43X/48

[@dannybarton940]

I would submit that Glock doesn't "need" to do anything at all. Those three models are still flying off the shelves as fast as they can make them. Would I like to see Glock make a 15 round mag for my 43x? Damn straight! If I was Glock would I? Not a chance.

[@Austinole11]

⁠@@dannybarton940there’s not a chance you would create another product that would “fly off the shelves”? What are you talking about?

[@kodiak7964]

​@@dannybarton940 Companies should do what the customers want. The days of manufacturers that are "too good" for the civilian market are over. I don't like Springfields at ALL, but I love the Hellcat OSP/Pro because its just a far better value than my 43x and has 15rnd metal mags standard.

[@dannybarton940]

I could be wrong. I hope I am. But don't you think someone at Glock looked at a higher capacity than 10 rounds during the R&D phase for the guns? For them to introduce the 43x with 10 after the 6 round 43 shows they wanted max capacity. How long has the market been crying for 15 rounds now? Even as the guys at Shield Arms made a killing, Glock seems to remain disinterested in the idea. Instead, they introduced four or five new models since the 43. I'm thinking that's where their return on investment focus is and probably should be. But then I don't run a gun manufacturing business. I do observe the company certainly isn't going broke.

[@DerWaidmann_]

@@dannybarton940 It's mainly because Gaston really wanted to keep the polymer sleeve mags

[@BassJunkie200]

"School of the Austrian Pistol" 😂

[@ratagris21]

Ja it's Gut!

[@concernedcitizen2898]

School of the tupperware led seed dispenser.

[@bradparker9664]

As a Glock armorer/nut, this is terrific information

[@bradyclark7185]

FINALLY a video that explains it instead of conjecture... Thank you

[@throwaway633]

You are the most trustworthy person on this platform that discusses modern firearm gunsmithing. Like on the level of Mark Novak. (He does older stuff mostly) I would love to see more stuff like this in addition to AR content. I’ve always stayed away from the 43x because of the limited capacity and problems of higher cap aftermarket mags. Thank you very much.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Mark and I are good friends. Thank you for the compliment.

[@thrillkillcult999]

Would it be possible to send you pictures of magazines that have altered via instruction on your video so you can look at them to see if they were done correctly sir question mark I assume you are a busy man and I appreciate and thank you in advance for your time​@@SchooloftheAmericanRifle

[@timschuh6524]

I haven't had that problem on mine but that doesn't mean I won't inspect and modify as need. Thanks for your diligence and willingness to share your knowledge!

[@chrishesotian1654]

Really like the general gunsmithing content, particularly magazine work. Good stuff!

[@thelastlatchkeykid8466]

Once again, Chad & Mrs. Albrecht have offered valuable information for free. No BS, no shilling, no politics. Just quality content. As always, thank you.

[@nateo6806]

An HONEST review of these PSA Micro magazines. Was always curious how they actually function. I hope PSA sees this and works on the issue! Thanks for sharing, you've probably saved alot of people some money and maybe even someone's life. Sticking with the Glock mags for now.

[@MrZhaokuo1225]

I am using Shield arms 15 round S15 magazine for my G43X, absolutely zero problems, been super reliable.

[@Whitefeather83]

Yeah same here. Definitely a hit and miss from what i have heard and seen regarding the s15 mags..

[@masonwilhelmy2613]

I have 2 gen1’s and 2 gen2’s. The Gen1’s needed the upgraded springs to get reliable lock back after last round, and my Gen 2’s were reliable from the start. No feeding issues on mine at all.

[@PaulFrancisAAA]

I'm running the black Shield Arms gen2 S15 mags with the upgraded (extended springs) and the metal mag release. I've had zero issues as well.

[@marcusborderlands6177]

​@@Whitefeather83honestly both these mags are hit and miss sometimes, when I worked at a range a while back we had dozens of both Gen1 and Gen2 shield arms mags that worked fine, and just as many that had endless problems, regardless of generation.

[@EarthAltar]

S15 Gen3 on mine. I put the NDZ aluminum base plates on them. Not a single malfunction as of yet. A couple hundred rounds so far of CCI, Magtech, Hornady, Sierra, and Norma. JHPs and FMJs. All were 124gr. One thing I've noticed is after about 100 rounds my index finger has had enough of that trigger snap. It's accurate enough and reliable enough, but I wouldn't consider it a fun gun to shoot.

[@limitlessbydesign]

Guys like you and videos like this make our community better. We should be sharing knowledge and helping each other out. Please keep these vids coming and hope all those who see this have peace and health.

[@AVH8TOR]

I’ve learned more about guns from his channel than I have any wear else. This guy is a Dr.

[@claytonb7915]

Chad, I love your no-nonesense approach to "working the problem" very systematically! I would gladly let you work on any firearm I had a problem with, even if you don't change the name of your school! 😉

[@charlieghague]

My greatest hope right now is that Glock will start coming out with this stuff themselves now that Gaston is gone. They've rested on their laurels too long and really need to start listening to customer demand.

[@zerohero6602]

Their profit comes from military and law enforcement contracts. I don't think glock is concerned with ccw community, unfortunately. All we can do is hope and rely on aftermarket

[@brett9382]

​@@zerohero6602 idk about them not having to worry about ccw. Many police departments choose their handguns based on what companies the higherups like and have experience with. Ccw is where a lot of this experience comes from.

[@Anon-greyman]

Its abhorrent that such a simple design flaw needs to be adjudicated by the user, rather than the manufacturer. Disgusting. Thank you for this information 🙏🏻

[@user-xp5vi6oy4g]

Damn right !! Shield Arms and sadly even PSA were so greedy that they just basically used us as BETA Testers ! I hope they learn from all the pissed off people that payed a premium price for mediocre engineering.

[@SmogFighter]

Great information. A little side note, not all “Non Chlorinated” brake cleaners are created equal. Some will attack polymers (plastics). Make sure to test on a small area that won’t affect the function if it gets melted. An alternative would be “Electronic Parts” cleaner. More expensive, but less reactive with plastics.

[@JacksonWalter735]

Great to see a video that explains it instead of people simply saying that the mag is out of spec or unreliable without saying why

[@joemurray9071]

Chad, Thank you as always for elevating your viewers’ knowledge. Greatly appreciated.

[@mexygnome]

It's wild that I was searching about this issue within a day of you posting this video. As always Chad, the info is much appreciated.

[@dancarter7009]

Always love learning about & gaining knowledge on all platforms! Thank y’all for sharing! 🤙🏻

[@mark7mod0]

Just did this to my new PSA micro mag...removing the excess polymer some filing, sanding and a little buffing made a good deal of difference. Thank you for the video and informing people how to improve the already very good PSA mag for the Glock 43x.

[@kobudo]

Very informative, thank you for this video. I recently picked up two of these mags for my 48, and they are very difficult to insert and seat on a closed slide. This has given me a few more ideas to make these mags friendly enough to carry with.

[@Jcoop73a5]

Just plain awesome man . Best stuff ever. Beautiful detail, craftsmanship, finesse, everything. All three dimensions. Makin it fit. Thanks for sharing what you have learned and can do.

[@johnniewalker877]

Haven’t run into these problems but if I do, now I’ll know where to check first. Thanks!

[@omegaentertainment1]

We learn something valuable from every video you post. We appreciate you.

[@poundz9oh9]

Great info. Never had an issue out of the PSA mags with the way I load and shoot but these are great areas to look at to make them just that more reliable.

[@Shelfka]

Thank you for this information, it is incredibly helpful! I'm in the process of testing a PSA micro dagger and will take a look at the mags.

[@douglasphillips24]

All I have is a bunch of factory 43X and 48 mags and never desired aftermarket mags until the dagger mags . Thanks for sharing this knowledge and experience with this product.

[@pedal2dametal686]

You answered a ton of peoples questions. Once again great video!

[@latedfuller5791]

Man I'm always impressed with your videos! I've been watching for the last few years and all these companies should be paying attention. I love PSA as well I have some of the black micro mags as well as the slick ones that you got. Haven't had the chance to use them yet.

[@kenibnanak5554]

Good to see. There seem to be very few videos made about problems with pistol magazines, yet it is one of the most important topics. It was a hot topic in gun magazines of the mid to late 1980s, but faded from view as the many forms of Wonder 9 began to arrive and writers were no longer being paid to write about 1911 stuff. Absolutely the wrong brand of magazine can cause a malfunction. Followers shape is also critical, and so is proper spring tension. Modification of feed lips should be considered an art form and not for the unskiiled.

[@TedHallII]

Good information. I checked my Shield mags, and they are polished and relieved right where you showed. Makes me glad i waiting till they got it right.

[@bang2loud1981]

Just got a glock 48 used and just purchased 3 psa mags they are on the way and this video should help me a lot thanks for the detailed video

[@haan2747]

Just checked both of my mags with that slide stop trick and they worked great but I was thinking of buffing it out more. I got two pretty decent mags the insides needed cleaned out but I’m glad to see a gunsmith really show how to make these better.

[@EarthAltar]

Thanks Chad. Haven't had any malfunctions with mine, but now i know where to look if they occur.

[@concernedpatriot.2221]

Wow ! That’s a really good tip. I have two of the PSA magazines, I test fired both the magazines ( two full loads for each ) with no issues but I’ll definitely do your tests. Thank you

[@kevinbrantley2872]

You always have the best videos. Thank you for making quality videos!!

[@hailtothe_rooster1572]

Awesome troubleshooting and attention to detail. My collection is full of stuff that “didn’t work” when I purchased it

[@landminehopscotch3617]

Great video and props to whoever was working the camera!

[@TheRealSpek]

Upmost respect for this man. You notice every step in function check & exam of part he stops & checks if clear. Its quick but if ya know what your looking for 😊

[@adamcasey4184]

Awesome and informative video as usual. Thanks for sharing the “free advice” to those who pay attention! I personally don’t have this setup, but it’s informative nonetheless. Thanks again!

[@lindeleasley]

Good info. I haven't had these issues, but then I haven't checked them like you've shown. I'll be looking at these issues. I did have to remove the interior flashing like you mentioned.

[@rux2213]

great video, Chad. thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge

[@declineofthewest.]

Another excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@kinkycontango]

Regardless of the issue being discussed, I just learned a lot about semi automatic pistols that I didn’t know.

[@bdbeats7209]

Great video. I was just considering a 48 and getting these and the shield arms magazines. Solid information as always.

[@justinmcbaen1161]

Great advice that works. I have three magazines that all had failures to feed. After your tips and a little interior clean up, they all ran 100 %. Ammo prices limited me to only two full load outs through each but I have hope now rather than paper weights.

[@bryanwells3144]

Great video.Excellent diagnostics.PSA need to step up and deal with all of this on their own

[@fellixx11]

Thank you for this. I bought one to test and inspected it as I watched your video. Only issue I found with mine was it pushing the slide release up.

[@natejackson4791]

Another excellent tutorial, thank you.

[@BangBang-hk4rg]

Great information! Thanks so much for posting this! 👍

[@jdwar11]

Perfect and thank you. I imagined there would no doubt be some compatibility issues even though so many other freedom devices are modeled off of this legendary piece of molded plastic. Everything from the claims of compatibility really needs to be inspected and then tested before it’s put into that everyday use.

[@williamnantz5604]

Upload all the vids you want. The more info, the better! 👍

[@rollercam351]

Excellent video! Informative, to the point and well produced. Tell your camera man/lady bravo on the fine work!!!

[@ryanking813]

This is very interesting and informative, I’ve personally only ever had problems with factory Glock mags and maybe I just got a bad bunch but I’ve never had problems with aftermarket for any models, only from Glock branded products and the little feed ramp extension on the front of the Magazine was always the cause. Appreciate you demonstrating the fix for these issues 👍

[@BrokenSpoke-im9re]

Thank you Very informative as always

[@kenshinhimura3014]

Sir, you can teach all of your knowledge, doesn't matter the platform you're working on. we are here to be "entertained"...... thank you 😁

[@rianad54]

Alpha Foxtrot produced their S15 (introduced at 2023 SHOT) around the SA 15 round mags. Even the gun editors noted mags falling out at range day. I found all this out while trying to troubleshoot the same issue with my sub 200 s/n S15. SA told me to shove off..then Gen2 and now Gen3. Brownells did honor their forever warranty. Great job here! I now have 10 modded and dedicated mags.

[@deweydecimal1446]

Thank you for doing this. Just purchased 2 micro daggers.

[@mrgrump2534]

I wish they would hurry up and release the goddamn frame instead of making us buy the whole pistol, especially for us who already bought the slides earlier llast year… You know they’re doing it on purpose to try to milk every dollar they can because most of us will get frustrated and just buy the whole complete pistol

[@srwarehouseman]

Great presentation as always.

[@WarheadFPS]

Im surprised no big companies have tried to recruit you for there R&D department you know your stuff bro. Excellent video!

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

They have. Just because I share good ideas does not mean a companies bean counters or managers will agree.

[@TheJuls630]

Thank you sir for the information and great advice.

[@joeluskfcac]

Great video Chad, love this kind of content

[@palkoenergies7790]

Really good video. I also have had no good luck with the shield, arms magazines. I’ve been pretty lucky with the PSA magazines, but it’s really good video for diagnostic modification.

[@TYinNH]

I don't have either but I found this video fascinating. TYVM for sharing this.

[@jasonspicer7814]

I can relate to this completely. I have a Glock 36 at home and the slide lock was oversized for the OEM mag. This caused the slide to lock back every single shot with a loaded mag. I performed a very similar trick and ever since, my Glock has run flawlessly. Just goes to show that even well-built products can have imperfections.

[@Cant_Stop-Wont-Stop0329]

Great breakdown job well done.

[@Hornet135]

Great video. I’ll have to do this on my father’s mags if he has issues. Very similar process to what I had to do to a couple of Colt SMG type mags that were binding on the bottom of the bolt/pusher.

[@davidhelmuth6654]

There is something to be said about stock stuff from a good manufacturer. I find this particularly interesting as this is my carry gun. On a side note for my 1911 I tend to use factory or a Wilson combat mag. Thank you for your insight and for sharing.

[@Ralph.U]

Wilson Combat for my 1911 mags

[@sammyboy423]

Great video, thank you for this.

[@WvMnts]

Thanks for sharing. Great content.

[@kellz8854]

Finally! I wouldn’t bet my life of SA mags. Good bless who do.

[@FrostedIceRacing77]

Now i have to go try inducing these failures with mine. Havent experienced them. What i did have happen was deformation at the mag catch cutout on the all black mags. Fail to stay seated when firing. The all black mags had polymer over the entire cutout and seemed softer than the silver replacements i got. They were shallower too. Cut them down to the sheet metal. All gens of the s15 are trash btw. Threw mine away. A 15lbs recoil spring seemed to help cycling reliability for me.

[@awesomedave8484]

Great info…So many people sent the SA Prodigy back for a 3rd party mag issue I made a video similar to show a mag fix.

[@9mmthroatpunch211]

Should do more videos like this it was great to get a knew video and of something unexpected love it

[@JoseSuarez-bl9su]

IMO I think after the first batch they made is when lil problems started I have 30 PSA micro mags from the very first batch and all of em run smooth and load in smooth. Nice video. I’m glad I never have had an issue with mine.

[@LB-nc7tg]

Excellent Vid. Exactly what I experienced with Shield Arms mags Gen2. Last year sent them PPT presentation of possible fix to eliminate slop. Looks like they implemented, and I exchanged my Gen2's for Gen3's. However, I don't like the need for metal mag catch so will go with PSA mags and apply your fixes.....thnx much!!

[@kopanomofokeng6562]

The man is brilliant

[@jesscobb2279]

Pretty cool bro. Thanks for sharing

[@charlesgillette2925]

Excellent Video thank YOU Sir.

[@user-xp5vi6oy4g]

Well, ... That's what I call seriously helpful information. I appreciate the thoroughness of your methodology. I've been holding off buying Shield or PSA, now I know what to do. It's sad though that Shield Arms (on their 3RD iteration) and PSA were in such a rush for profits, that they didn't engineer these to be rock solid from the beginning.

[@BrassAngels]

Spot On little fix. Gona inspect the operation on all my mags now. Also refreshing to watch a lil something different. Thanks Chad! #ARJunkie #2ARights #RepealNFA #SOTAR

[@chucksharts]

I use that Dewalt Gyroscopic screwdriver too. Have been for years. I love that thing.

[@Isaac_5.56x45]

One of the most useful tools around

[@robertalonzo5725]

Outstanding educational content!

[@tedmartin3093]

Thanks for the video. I’ve been intrigued with the PSA mags so this will definitely be something to take into consideration if I get them for my 48. To answer your initial question of the efficacy of the Shield Arms Gen III’s: it’s hit and miss. The QC issues are still hitting some people hard (I’ve been spared) and feeding issues are less common but still occurring. Bear in mind, this is a sample size of myself and four other friends who run Glock 48’s and 43X’s in a mixed bag.

[@ForceRecon112]

I carry full size pistols and plan on purchasing one of the upcoming PSA sabre dagger pistols. Now I know this is the micro dagger, but I feel the issue can apply to the full size so this is excellent information. Thanks Chad!

[@mrgrump2534]

No offense, but I think you’re a little off here. I’ve never heard of any saber, dagger line. The only thing in the saber line is for rifles unless you have some kind of insider information I’m pretty sure they would’ve told us about that shot show if they had some kind of premium dagger, pistol line.

[@ForceRecon112]

@@mrgrump2534 they did show them at shot show lmao they had a whole video on the PSA youtube on the sabre line of daggers lol full and compact, 4 side stippling, threaded or non threaded barrels, optic cut, in black, m81 woodland or m81 arid. they're a more premium version of their current dagger lineup

[@jackmatthews5609]

This is really good news for me. I’m going to get myself and PSA mag and try this out. If it works for me it will be a massaive game changer

[@bang2loud1981]

I got my psa mags yesterday and I think they fixed all the issues mine are the black ones and they have different revisions then these slick ones

[@darrenjones2070]

Brilliant wonderful video love it. Great video brother.

[@kudzukid12]

Great information as usual sir! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge as I have learned a ton from watching many of your videos. I am curious what back plate is on the wife’s 43x? Thanks for your time and effort and keep up the great work.

[@jeffhuntley2921]

Excellent. I plan on getting some. Appreciate it

[@masterbaits1]

Thank you for the information i just ordered a couple of these for the exact same reason and didn't wanna get the sheild mags bc of all the problems ive heard and having to use a metal mag catch/release

[@YesMan702]

shame glock wont just release a reliable 15rd mag. Hopefully Magpul will make a good one since they're making metal mags for the 320 now

[@elo-matey]

Better than them releasing an unreliable 15rd mag. But I get what you're saying.

[@chadwickhayes8260]

Perfect video I was wondering why my mag was feeding so hard and I just shaved the top left side with a razor knife and it feeds so much better

[@dannebrbrother8609]

Great information for the firearm owners

[@bob_mosavo]

Very interesting! Thanks, Chad 👍

[@Whitefeather83]

Great video, and great info as usual.

[@warrenrosen132]

Correcting after market defects voids the warranty😮

[@Whitefeather83]

@@warrenrosen132 yeah no shit

[@stantonkramer2986]

I just checked my PSA mags. Front edges were slightly frayed when new and I did have a couple ftf’s. I filed off the frayed plastic with a diamond fingernail file. The edges of the mags were smooth and did not push the slide step up and shown in the video. All has been good since I did that little bit of filing, which took all of two minutes each.

[@huckleberry3822]

Excellent video.