Watched a video on the new CSX and I was surprised to see that it requires a tool to take out the takedown lever to field strip it. Maybe its because I’ve only owned M&Ps and Glocks but I’ve never heard of removing the takedown lever to break down a pistol. Is this common?

1911s, CZs, and many other pistols require the slide stop to be removed.

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Release the Kraken

Very. To add to Steve's list, the browning hi power, a lot of the 3rd gen smiths etc.

I could be wrong, but I thought the OP was remarking about the fact that a tool is needed to remove a takedown lever, not that the takedown lever itself needs to be removed.

Anyway, my 1911s don’t need a tool to remove anything, but its helpful to have a barrel bushing removal on my SA Milspec because of how dang tight it is. Even so, I’ve managed to remove it without the tool.

So what kind of tool is needed to remove the CSX takedown lever?

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Ed

Seems that one has to use a punch to push the slide stop pin out. As the pin is flush with the right side slide stop.

In the videos I saw, looks like about anything with a point would work. Punch, pen, tip of 5.56 ….

Some Ruger handguns also need a tool to remove the pin.....

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Tom
Michigan CPL

Yep. My wife's LC9S is one of then. Kind of annoys me to need a "tool" to disassemble.

It's a common procedure to use any kind of punch to press takedown pin out.
Sometimes the pin is protruding enough to be pressed by finger, like in 1911/2011.
CSX has the pin inside the right side of slide stop/release lever, so there is no way it can be pressed without any tool.
Nothing uncommon for a pistol designed for a deep concealment.
(the same idea as in SIG P365SAS with hidden controls)

I really don't understand why Smith didn't make that pin a couple of MM's longer, so it protruded a little so you could use the bottom of a magazine to get it started. It makes no sense to me to use some pointed thing that could mar the finish of the gun using it.
Someone should come out with a little longer take down lever to have it work like it should.

Pocket carry doesn't like any parts sticking out from the contour.

I dont golf. I have a bunch of golf tees for stuff like this.

Ya I know but I'm talking just a tiny amount that a flat mag could just move it so you could pull it from the other side. A rounded smooth end if the pin wouldn't effect anything being so small, yet it would solve the problem

Not for nothing but, how often are you guys having to field strip your pistols “in the field”? I agree that it is a bit annoying to have to find something to help with disassembly, but all we are talking about here is something as simple as a rifle cartridge, pocket knife, or ink pen to get it started. I just don’t see it as an issue.

yeah, I got your point. Something like 1911 has. Small to not be an issue, but enough to be pushed py finger.
With CSX it's a little bigger problem, because slide stop lever for left handed shooters is already protruding, so additional "mms" might be an issue for deep concealment.

It’s not that easy. I picked up a CSX yesterday and I’ve spent over an hour trying to get the damn pin out. I’ve used a punch, a golf tee, and it’s just not budging. I’ve only got two hands so if it needs a whack with a hammer cause it’s tight, I can’t hold the slide back and hold the punch and a hammer too.

Is anyone else running into this problem?

Have you ever field strip any 1911? It is the same idea. If you are in good spot, simple push with punch works.

I’m absolutely familiar with the 1911, I’ve got twelve of them, everything from Colt to Wilson to Nighthawk to Kimber to Staccato to Ruger. My first thought was I don’t have the slide on the CSX lined up right. So, I’ve been fooling with that slide for over an hour. Complicated by astigmatism. At the same time, it’s hard to believe that the pin is so tight that I can’t simply push it out with finger pressure ...like a 1911. But, nothing seems to be working.
Grrrr.

Welcome to new design World. There are a lot of similarities to 1911... but the whole design is S&W idea.
Perhaps your piece is just faulty? Or there is no good relationship between you two?

Good grief. If this is the biggest gripe you all have with this new gun, I'd hate to hear what REALLY gets you PO'ed.

I have a degree of sympathy with you. Many disassembly instructions talk about pushing something out with your finger. Often I find that the the author must have callouses like a bricklayer, because there is no way my office worn fingers can get the required force applied without drawing blood.

The only other advice I can give is this; try holding your chin a little differently while attempting to pop out the pin.

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Release the Kraken

Success! Finally got the slide stop pin out. I gave up on cleaning it before first range visit and was able to put 200 rounds thru it this morning. When Igot home I was able to pop it right out. Must have loosened up after workout.
Only had two hiccups which I think were Ammo related. Was shooting BB 115 FMJ for the most part but did run a couple mags of Federal HST 124 with no trouble.
This is a snappy little pistol and requires a lot of concentration to shoot well ( at least for me)
BTW - Fits perfectly in the OWB TT Gunleather holster I had made for my P365. Go figure.