I'm retired from 34 years in LE, where I was a firearms instructor for 30 years and at the end head of the firearms training unit. Started with revolvers, ended with Glocks, and plenty of S&Ws and SIG in between. Been shooting SAO pistols, amongst others, for about 45 years, have competed internationally with the 1911, and other guns. Been to many armorer schools, including three S&W schools. Along with other business, I work one day a week at a busy LGS. So I see a lot of new and old guns, and what customers buy.
I applaud S&W for trying something new. But based on the what the gunsumer market wants, what S&W already has in their catalogue, where the economy is going, and the actual practicality of this CSX for what it intends... S&W would have been better off making a double-stack Bodyguard 380 and/or better quality revolvers. Sorry to pour cold water in the middle of winter.
One of these CSX came into the LGS 3 weeks ago, and I examined it shortly after. Unlike most new gun introductions, the intertube shills have not had an overflow of reviews on it with actual shooting results. Interesting that these whores could not produce an inflated review, while a lowly LGS already as one on the shelf.
Today, that same CSX is still sitting in the display case. And this shop has a solid contingent of customers with money that must-buy whatever the new gun-of-the-month is, as soon as it hits the market. They've all seen it, and all passed.
For starters, the gunsumer market for what I would call the "visible hammer all-metal SAO pistol" is a shrinking subset, and getting smaller all the time. You need a magnifying glass to see it, in relation to what else is actually selling. The big 100 year 1911 anniversary rush started fading about 5 years ago. Most new handgun buyers don't even consider a 1911. While PolyNines rotate out in a few days, these "visible hammer all-metal SAO" guns sit for 6 months to a year, or more. They have turned into a novelty gun for the mature handgun enthusiast. He or she is more likely drop large coin on a SIG Legion or Python than a SAO pistol of any flavor. If they do, it's a safe queen. The sub-genre of micro SAO pistols - SIG, Kimber, Springfield - have an even more extremely small niche audience. The LGS has one tray designated for these micro SAOs, and they are the slowest movers in the whole place. Shop doesn't even take them anymore when distributors offer... except the CSX was a new entry.
The LE market is very large, not only for duty guns but also off-duty guns. The CSX is not making any headway there either. Most large departments and many small ones have a list of authorized off-duty guns, and a SAO pistol is about as likely to get on that list as Aunt Jemima is in making it back on the box of her pancake mix.
Then how about the merits of the pistol for the niche enthusiast? Some people will buy this because they have the skins laying around and are must-buy types, or hate polymer guns, or whatever reason and like to pop off inflated-priced ammo at the range with new a toy. And there's nothing the least bit wrong about that.
But in terms of a concealed-carry defense piece, the CSX offers no advantages over existing guns in the market - including S&W's own products - and actually is inferior to other guns in some ways. Compare this to the better-quality small 9mm guns on the market; for example, the SIG P365, Springfield Hellcat, M&P Shield variations, Glock 43/43X/26. In varying ways, the CSX comes up short in terms of both fast close-range use, and intermediate range performance. How so? It's not right for a pocket (unless it's a German Sausage style pocket); the thumb safety is at simultaneously too small, not positive enough, and the ambi-ridiculous gets in the way of firing; the grip while comfortable in the hand is awkward to get a clean draw with; fully loaded it carries heavy and chunky; the trigger is atrocious for accuracy work; and while I haven't it fired it, those who have fired their CSX report the accuracy is lackluster at even 50 feet.
There are plenty of guns with mediocre to poor accuracy on the market these days. Why buy this one for 6 Large after tax?
I realize the Capacity Craze - which is fueled by industry shills in order to sell new guns - adversely influences the gunsumer. They are largely ignorant of how non-LE shootings actually occur, getting their info from ad copy or sandbox commandos. Six rounds in a magazine as enough, went to 10, then to 11, then to 13, then 15... until the micro pistols weigh and size nearly the same as the larger guns they meant to replace (which are also easier to shoot accurately). Go figure.
BTW, these are the same shills selling micro red dots on micro guns that they test at 21 feet, and with which the gunsumer cannot generally shoot with any degree of competence past 15 feet. But this influencer advice requires the purchase of a new gun plus extra profit red dot! On the other hand, ammo and range time with dedicated practice is expensive and time consuming and potentially frustrating. Why not buy the smallest gun with largest number of rounds and a red dot - instant success!
Sorry, I'm a bit jaded. I teach shooting, so see a lot of misinformation, bad habits and internet-induced delusions amongst clients. After gentle correction and practice, they advise that their friends ask how he/she is now shooting so much better than they are. Rant off.
When customers come into the store, and are shown the various pistols, they don't pick these micro SAOs. Putting personal preference aside, pick any of the other guns mentioned and they are better choice objectively for concealed carry than the CSX. And I say this as a 1911 shooter. When circumstances require a small 9mm pistol, the CSX would be a last choice. As far as being novel and interesting, I suppose it has some value.
Which leads to the last point. While the CSX was undoubtedly a while in the making, the economy at the moment is not in the recovery mode it was last year. Inflation is eroding wages and causing other disposable money to be spent chasing luxuries like gasoline, food, heating oil, and shoes for your children. China Virus is still a thing and regardless of politics, even a mild illness is disruptive both personally and across the economy. Uncertainty breeds hesitation to part with hard money for anything which is not clearly needed.
And when you put the CSX thumb safety in the fire position and the right side of the frame cutout looks like the factory forgot to cover up the pins and levers underneath, you may sigh, "If only....."
