Ok, we'll start with my 4516-2. Does anyone make an appendix iwb holster for the 4516?

I've been thinking about getting either a CS9 or a CS45. Does anyone have the dimensions/weight on both models or pictures of the two side by side?

How difficult is it to find night sights, mags, and spare parts for the CS9 & CS45?

Does anyone make an appendix iwb holster for the CS9 & CS45?

Found these online (Can't verify accuracy): Smith & Wesson CS Pistol Series - Internet Movie Firearms Database - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games

My pair:



S&W considers both models to be "obsolete" and no longer offers major retail parts support, although some parts still show up at one of the regularly supported vendors (Midway is one).

Magazines still appear for sale if you look around, and the "wearable" springs (magazine & recoil) are still able to be found among aftermarket vendors. I've still been making occasional orders of both mag & recoil springs through the factory, but I've sometimes had to wait because they've been back-ordered for a few months.

Fortunately, unless you're someone who likes to needlessly "tinker" with things, 3rd gen models (especially later production versions, like the CS series) are pretty durable.

I've been shooting my CS45 quite a lot since I ordered it back when the stainless model was first introduced ('99?). My CS9 was a newer version, when they started using ambi manual safety and steel sights. It hasn't seen quite as much range use as the CS45 (think of the CS45 as my 'range beater' pistol), but it's seen probably as much use as my well-worn '98 vintage 3913.

I initially had my CS45 slide machined at the Performance Center to convert it to Decock-Only, and tried a couple then-new sight setups on it, finally deciding to leave the older (original) Ashley Big Dot sights on it. I've replaced the wearable springs (mag & recoil) several times, but then as a firearms instructor I used those little guns at the range a lot.

You'd have to check with the bigger sight companies to ask about new sights (like Trijicon, who used to make them for S&W).

Holsters are anybody's guess, as once guns go out-of-production some holster companies no longer seem interested in supporting them. I had Blade-tech and Hume make a couple of their popular holsters for mine, but I doubt they still bother to get out their older "mold" guns and make those models anymore. You'd have to call and ask.

Whatever you do (if you get the guns) DON'T disassemble and remove the magazine catch from the frame. It uses a plastic snap-on "nut" button, and it's considered a one-time use part. If you pry it off the mag catch body, it's recommended it be replaced with a new one. (Same parts used in CS45 & 457/457S, and the CS9 & 908/908S.)

It's recommended that even armorers never remove those parts from the frame for a routine armorer's inspection or detailed "cleaning", but only to replace a worn/broken part. Those parts are rapidly becoming unavailable. (I've never removed either of mine over the many years I've owned and used the guns.)

Like other 3rd gen S&W's, if you ever manage to break or wear out an extractor or sear release lever (decocking), both of those parts required fitting (filing), meaning some knowledge and experience. Armorers were originally sold a set of bar/flag gauges ($70) and a Wagner Force Dial gauge ($150) to both fit the extractor and determine which extractor spring to use in any particular gun.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

A 4516 is pretty big for an IWB holster, but I would venture a guess that most holsters that fit midsize Sigs and HK's would fit a 4516. You may have to take it to your local gun store and test fit a few. As far as the CS9 and CS45 IWB holsters, again subcompact Sig, HK, Glock and possibly Kahrs would fit. Again i would recommend a test fit. DeSantis makes great IWB holsters and offers numerous models.

FWIW, while my CS9 will fit within the leather holster specifically made for my CS45, my CS45 will NOT fit inside the same leather holster designs that will fit my CS9/3913. The .45 slide is too thick for them.

Of course, in these times of plastic holsters, there are some offered which are a "fits many" sort of affair.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

A Bianchi 100 Professional IWB holster Size 13 can be used with the 4516 and both CS models.

I've seen a lot of folks making good kydex holsters. Find one and take him your pistol and have him make it while you wait. Might have to slip him an extra $10 which is what I did.

Here is an old thread with exact dimensions for the CS45. Post #10

S&W CS45 dimensions and specs

I use a DeSantis Nemesis size E1 for IWB carry of a CS45. Works well and is inexpensive.

The Bianchi Professional 100 is my favorite IWB holster for my S&W 45s. It works with my 4516-3, 4513TSW and CS45. But for carrying a 4516 you will need a gunbelt with reinforcement stitched into it. A dress belt won't cut it. Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Have to agree with 18DAI.... which is not hard to do; and generally the way it goes......
In the early 90s I carried a 3913 and then bought a 4516 for concealed carry in the winter months...... nice gun but a major chunk of steel....transitioned to a Sig 245 (alloy frame) for my .45 concealed carry needs.

Cheap guy that I am, I tried one of those $30 gun belts a few months back. It isn't on the same level as a serious, custom gun belt but the value is remarkable. They recently introduced a laminated version which I bought and like quite a bit. I couldn't believe it actually had steel inside, at that price, but a magnet proved me wrong.

Might be worth a try.

Off on a tangent ..... but the Wilderness Tactical; Frequent Flyer, 5 stitch belt for about $35 makes a good utility/carry belt.