Here is a quiet advantage of the Palmetto Dagger Compact. It is built to be affordable, so you can spend a good portion of your budget on the optic and still come in under the price of many competitors.
That makes the optic decision more important than usual. A decent red dot turns a budget friendly 9mm into a fast, accurate pistol, and the dot is where most of the performance gain lives.
The Dagger Compact is offered with an optics ready slide. Palmetto State Armory’s cut is described as an RMR style footprint, but confirm the exact cut and any plate on your specific pistol before you order.
The RMR style footprint is the most supported, which is good news. It fits many popular optics, so you have more choices than owners of pistols with unusual cuts.
Here is a number worth understanding. Holosun rates the 507C at up to 50,000 hours on a mid setting. At eight hours a day, that is about 17 years before you need to change the battery.
The one thing that separates a good choice from a poor one is the use case. A pistol for the range and home defense can run a larger window, while a carry pistol wants something durable and compact.
Reticle choice matters too. A ring around the dot makes the optic quick to find under pressure, which helps new shooters learn faster.
Here is the lineup. The Holosun 507C X2 is the best all around pick, the 407C X2 is the budget winner, and the 509T X2 is the enclosed choice.
The 507 COMP X2 is built for fast close shooting, and the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is the trusted pick for hard use.
Best Optics for Palmetto Dagger Compact Comparison
| # | Image | Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Holosun 507C X2 | Multiple reticle system, solar failsafe, RMR footprint | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
Holosun 407C X2 | 6 MOA dot, solar failsafe, lowest Holosun price | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
Holosun 509T X2 | Enclosed emitter, rugged housing, multiple reticle system | Check Price |
| 4 | |
Holosun 507 COMP X2 | Large ring reticle, fast close work, solar failsafe | Check Price |
| 5 |  |
Trijicon RMR Type 2 | Very rugged, proven design, simple dot | Check Price |
#1 Holosun 507C X2 – Best Overall
If you want one optic for a Dagger Compact, start here. It is rugged, flexible, and priced for what you get.
The multiple reticle system lets you choose a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA ring, or both together. The ring is easy to find on a fast draw, and the dot is there when you want precision.
Here is the field translation. A 32 MOA ring is about 3.5 inches wide at 25 yards, which is much easier to spot under stress than a tiny dot.
The solar failsafe tops up the battery in daylight, and shake awake turns the dot on when you pick up the pistol. A side battery tray means you can swap batteries without removing the optic.
Honestly, for a pistol at this price, the 507C is the optic that makes the most sense. It gives you features that rival optics costing much more.
Who should buy this? Carriers and range shooters who want a flexible, reliable dot. Who should skip it? Buyers who want an enclosed emitter.
It earns the top spot because it fits the widest range of uses at a fair price.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reticle | 2 MOA dot with 32 MOA ring, selectable |
| Battery | CR1632, side tray |
| Battery Life | Up to 50,000 hours at a mid setting |
| Solar Failsafe | Yes, X2 generation |
| Footprint | RMR style |
| Warranty | Covered by Holosun’s 10 year warranty |
Pros
- The multiple reticle system gives you a dot, a ring, or both
- A side battery tray lets you swap batteries without removing the optic
- Solar failsafe and shake awake eliminate battery worries
- Covered by Holosun’s 10 year warranty
Cons
- It is an open emitter, so debris can collect over time
- It sits taller than some micro dots
- You need taller sights to keep a usable backup
Our Take
If you want a flexible, reliable dot, the Holosun 507C X2 is worth a closer look. It delivers a multiple reticle system and a solar failsafe, and it is covered by Holosun’s 10 year warranty.
#2 Holosun 407C X2 – Best Budget Pick
A budget pistol deserves a budget optic that still works. The 407C X2 gives you the core features at a lower price.
It uses a single 6 MOA dot. That dot is large enough to find and small enough to be useful at 25 yards.
Here is a detail most buyers miss. A larger dot is more forgiving for newer shooters, because it is easier to find as you learn to present the pistol.
The 407C X2 shares the RMR style footprint and the solar failsafe of the 507C. If you want more features later, the upgrade is a direct swap.
The tradeoff is flexibility. You cannot choose a ring, and a 6 MOA dot covers more of a small target at longer distances.
Who should buy this? New red dot users and anyone who wants a simple, reliable setup at a lower price. Who should skip it? Shooters who want a multiple reticle system.
It lands second because it is the value pick. For the price, it does the job well.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reticle | 6 MOA dot |
| Battery | CR1632, side tray |
| Battery Life | Up to 50,000 hours at a mid setting |
| Solar Failsafe | Yes, X2 generation |
| Footprint | RMR style |
| Warranty | Covered by Holosun’s 10 year warranty |
Pros
- A simple 6 MOA dot is quick to learn and easy to find
- It costs less than the 507C and shares the same footprint
- Solar failsafe and shake awake protect against a dead battery
- Covered by Holosun’s 10 year warranty
Cons
- You cannot choose a ring reticle
- A 6 MOA dot is less precise at longer distances
- It is an open emitter and needs a regular wipe
Our Take
If you want a simple, dependable dot, the Holosun 407C X2 is worth a closer look. It delivers the core features most shooters need and is covered by Holosun’s 10 year warranty.
#3 Holosun 509T X2 – Best Enclosed Emitter
Open emitters collect lint, dust, and sweat. If you carry daily or shoot in bad weather, an enclosed emitter solves that problem.
The 509T has a sealed housing that protects the emitter from debris. The dot stays clean and clear even after months of use.
Here is a detail worth knowing. An enclosed optic is also a good choice if you shoot suppressed, because carbon and gas blowback can foul an open emitter.
The tradeoff is size and weight. The 509T is taller and heavier than the 507C, and it may need a holster cut for a larger optic.
It uses the RMR style footprint, so it fits the common cut on the Dagger Compact. It carries the multiple reticle system and solar failsafe of the other X2 models.
Who should buy this? Daily carriers and suppressor users who want a clean emitter. Who should skip it? Shooters who want the lowest profile.
It lands third because the size and weight are a real cost. For the right buyer, the sealed emitter is worth it.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reticle | Multiple reticle system, selectable |
| Battery | CR2032 |
| Battery Life | Up to 50,000 hours at a mid setting |
| Solar Failsafe | Yes, X2 generation |
| Housing | Enclosed emitter |
| Warranty | Covered by Holosun’s 10 year warranty |
Pros
- An enclosed emitter keeps lint and debris out
- A strong choice for suppressed shooting
- A multiple reticle system and solar failsafe carry over from the 507C
- Covered by Holosun’s 10 year warranty
Cons
- It is taller and heavier than the open models
- It may need a holster with a larger optic cut
- It costs more than the 507C
Our Take
If you want a sealed emitter, the Holosun 509T X2 is worth a closer look. It delivers a clean emitter and a multiple reticle system, and it is covered by Holosun’s 10 year warranty.
#4 Holosun 507 COMP X2 – Best for Fast Close Shooting
If you want a reticle built for speed, the 507 COMP gives you a large ring that is very easy to find. It is a popular choice for competition and home defense.
The 32 MOA ring is the core of the design. When you present the pistol, the ring appears, and you can place it on target with very little effort.
Here is a detail most buyers skip. A big ring is fast at close range, but it is less precise at distance, so use the dot when you want to make a small shot.
The optic uses a larger window than the K series, which helps with finding the reticle. It also carries the solar failsafe and shake awake features of the X2 line.
It is a bit larger than the 507C, so check your holster before you commit. For a range or home defense pistol, that size is a benefit.
Who should buy this? Shooters who want a fast reticle for close work. Who should skip it? Deep concealment carriers.
It lands fourth because it is a specialist. For close range speed, it is a very good choice.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reticle | 2 MOA dot with 32 MOA ring, selectable |
| Battery | CR2032 |
| Battery Life | Up to 50,000 hours at a mid setting |
| Solar Failsafe | Yes, X2 generation |
| Footprint | RMR style |
| Warranty | Covered by Holosun’s 10 year warranty |
Pros
- A large ring reticle is very fast to find at close range
- A large window helps you pick up the dot
- Solar failsafe and shake awake protect against a dead battery
- Covered by Holosun’s 10 year warranty
Cons
- It is larger than the K series and the 507C
- A big ring is less precise at distance
- It may not fit every holster
Our Take
If you want a reticle built for close speed, the Holosun 507 COMP X2 is worth a closer look. It delivers a fast ring and a large window, and it is covered by Holosun’s 10 year warranty.
#5 Trijicon RMR Type 2 – Best for Hard Use
The RMR is the optic that set the standard for pistol red dots. It is simple, very tough, and trusted by people who count on their gear.
The design is a single dot in a very rugged housing. It has no solar failsafe and fewer features than the Holosun models, but it has a long record of surviving abuse.
Here is a detail most buyers miss. The RMR’s value is its durability and track record, not its feature list. If you want a dot that survives years of hard use, that matters.
The window is small and the dot options are simple, so it is not the most forgiving optic for new shooters. It is a tool for people who know what they want.
The RMR footprint is the standard that many other optics copy, so it fits the Dagger Compact’s cut without trouble.
Who should buy this? Shooters who want a proven, rugged optic and do not need extra features. Who should skip it? Buyers who want solar failsafe or multiple reticles.
It lands fifth because it costs more and offers fewer features. For hard use, it is a trusted choice.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reticle | Single dot, several sizes available |
| Battery | CR2032, top loading |
| Battery Life | Long, check current specification |
| Solar Failsafe | No |
| Footprint | RMR |
| Warranty | Protected by Trijicon’s limited lifetime warranty |
Pros
- A very rugged housing with a long record of hard use
- A simple design with few features to fail
- The footprint is the standard that many other optics copy
- Protected by Trijicon’s limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- It has no solar failsafe and fewer features than the Holosun models
- It costs more than the Holosun options
- The window is smaller than some competitors
Our Take
If you want a proven, rugged optic, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is worth a closer look. It delivers a tough build and is protected by Trijicon’s limited lifetime warranty.
Did You Know? The RMR footprint became so popular that many pistol makers cut their slides for it by default. That is why so many optics from different brands share the same mounting pattern, and why you have so many choices.
Conclusion
You now know the Dagger Compact leaves room in your budget for a good optic, and that the optic is where much of the performance gain on a budget pistol comes from.
You also know the RMR style footprint is the most supported, so you have many choices, but you should still confirm the cut on your specific pistol before you order.
For most Dagger Compact owners, the Holosun 507C X2 is the right choice. It gives you a flexible reticle, a solar failsafe, and a warranty that covers a full decade.
It earns the top spot because it fits the widest range of uses at a fair price.
For a tight budget, the 407C X2 gets you a reliable dot for less.
If you carry everyday or shoot suppressed, the 509T X2 keeps the emitter clean.
The 507 COMP X2 is built for speed and highly recommended if you want a fast reticle for close shooting.
If you want a proven rugged optic, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is a trusted choice.
Before you order, confirm your footprint, and add taller sights so your backup picture stays usable.
Then practice your draw until the dot appears in the window every time.
Whichever optic you pick, you are adding a real advantage to a very capable pistol. Take your time, train with it, and enjoy the speed.
Richard Brown is a long-range shooting enthusiast and competitive shooter with extensive experience in scopes across multiple disciplines. He hunts regularly across the Midwest and has built his expertise through years of hands-on testing in both competitive shooting and hunting. Richard also instructs youth rifle shooting, which has given him perspective on scopes at every price point and skill level. He combines technical knowledge with practical field experience to provide honest reviews – contact me