Chief's Special, CS9 questions (versions, upgrades, etc)

Hey!

I'm looking to add a CS9 chief's special to my collection to go along with my beloved 3913's. Been watching online sources, as I will never see one in local gun stores (never have, and doubt I ever will).

I've seen different variations, and wanted to see if you kind folks could clarify. Most obvious would be the the alloy/stainless colored vs black version. I know the silver colored one would be same bead blast type alloy frame, with stainless slide. Just like 3913. Is the black version an anodized alloy frame with carbon steel slide...OR stainless slide that has a "black" treatment of some type? I've read in previous posts (which I have no reason to doubt), that they used "C" after "CS9" for carbon slide, and "S" after for stainless. However, looking at one online that's black...model number shows "CS9" (no C or S). ??

Also, it seems like some CS9's out there have ambi safeties like standard 3913's...and some have left side only (like 3913 lady smith or NL models). Is this true? I've also seen some black colored safety...even on the silver stainless slide? Again, from previous posts, sounds like older models have single side safety, and later models had ambi. Also sounds like black vs. stainless manual safety was somewhat random.

Depending on year made, sounds like sights could be plastic or metal. Read that some folks upgraded sights to night sights...so sounds like standard novak type dove tail. Also looks like mag release was black nylon, as is some (if not all) guiderods. But sounds like some report later version had stainless guidrods. Would be nice to upgrade sights, guiderod, and mag release with metal parts like the 3913 has. Anybody done this? Swapable parts?

OK...lot's of questions there. But I really appreciate your time, feedback, input, and of course pictures!

Yes, the black CS9 is a carbon steel slide on an aluminum frame, which is anodized black. They were the first CS9s produced.

The first stainless CS9s had stainless steel slides on light grey anodized frames. These first stainless CS9s had single sided decocker/safety levers and plastic sights, the same used on the black CS9.

The last CS9s produced were stainless slides on light grey anodized frames with ambi decocker/safety levers and metal Novak sights.

As far as upgrades go, some folks put Big Dog grips (cut down 3913 Delrin grips) on in place of the OEM Hogue grips. Metal Novak sights or night sights are another frequent mod. One last mod, done by some, is to substitute the shorter rounded mag baseplates from the early 3913TSWs on the CS9 mag rather than the finger rest plates that come on the CS9 mags.

I have an early black CS9. It is my favorite 9mm carry gun. And I have some nice ones too.

I did buy some TercGen Delrin grips for mine. In the miserably hot and humid NC weather.........which is pretty much 8 months of the year here, I use the Delrin grips with a rubber grip sleeve over them and a rounded 3913TSW mag baseplate.

This set-up enables me to carry the CS9 in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster, in my pocket, or in an ankle holster.

But for the rest of the time I use it as it came from the factory. Because it is just about perfect as it is. A perfect size and weight for carry. Very accurate, especially with 147 grain RA9b or HST.

And like all 3rd gen guns it is bet your life reliable. Mine is approaching 4K rounds without a single malfunction. It is one of my very favorite carry guns.

So I would advise you to buy it, shoot it, love it. On the off chance you dont care for it, you will have no trouble selling it. Lots of folks here looking for one...... or as in my case a second CS9. Because they are that good! Good luck with your decision! Hope this helps! Regards 18DAI

Great info 18DAI, thanks! I'll probably take the first one that comes up that I can afford (I've seen some sell north of $700...and as much as I want one....), although I'm hoping that it's stainless slide version with single side safety. I have a standard 3913, but like carrying my 3913NL better due to less width at back of slide. I'm assuming the same would be true for the CS9. But, it won't be a deal killer if a black one turns up at a fair price! Like the idea of metal sights. I've never shot 147 grain from my 3913's, wonder if that would help with accuracy on that model also. I usually buy what's cheapest. I like the 124, but 115 usually easier to find. Like your idea on the base plate. I've found the pinky base on my other guns typically increase printing for my typical 4:00 IWB carry position. I'll have to find some of those early TSW mag bases! Thanks again!

My experience with my pre rail 3913TSW and pre rail 3953TSW is that they shoot low with 115gr ammunition. They shoot much better with 124gr, and even better with 147gr. As you note, both are harder to find than 115gr.

The early TSW base plates MIGHT still be available from the factory. They had them the first time I called, but had them on back order the second time. Eventually they showed up. That was probably three years ago, but still worth the call.

Part # is 262670000

therealsmithfan said:

Great info 18DAI, thanks! I'll probably take the first one that comes up that I can afford (I've seen some sell north of $700...and as much as I want one....), although I'm hoping that it's stainless slide version with single side safety. I have a standard 3913, but like carrying my 3913NL better due to less width at back of slide. I'm assuming the same would be true for the CS9. But, it won't be a deal killer if a black one turns up at a fair price! Like the idea of metal sights. I've never shot 147 grain from my 3913's, wonder if that would help with accuracy on that model also. I usually buy what's cheapest. I like the 124, but 115 usually easier to find. Like your idea on the base plate. I've found the pinky base on my other guns typically increase printing for my typical 4:00 IWB carry position. I'll have to find some of those early TSW mag bases! Thanks again!

Click to expand...

I couldn't add anything else to what 18DAI has said.

I never thought I'd find one locally either, but one showed up a couple of years ago. I ended up "bundling" it with a Beretta 21A .22 for $500.00. Neither one was mint perfect, but both cleaned up well.

I liked the CS9 so much I got a CS45 in Washington, which was an expensive nightmare. I didn't now how hard it was to just buy a pistol there.

Anyway, here's a couple of pics. I bought KSD grips for both, but KSD screwed up on the CS9 one, and I got NO HELP from them.
The hammers were just an experiment that I did, still not sure if I'll change them back or not.

Buy one you will not be disappointed.

Jim

Wow...great replies guys. Thanks for the pics 4T5! I like the way the wood grip looks. I've seen 'big dog' delrin grips cut that way so that the backstrap comes down to be closer to flush with bottom of mag base plate. I like that look, and may be better to reduce printing. How can I buy one...with hoarders like you running around? One place I don't see them, is on this forum's for sale section. Only about 3 CS9 over last few years on there. Nobody wants to sell these, I can see why. I should have bought one years ago, since I've wanted one for probably a decade and have bought many guns during that time. Duh.

I owned a black CS9 many years ago. My first CCW. It did shoot low (for me) with 115 gr. I put on the Big Dog grips (ordered directly from him) and made it a lot easier to carry. I could not get used to the slide mounted safety so sold it. I think it also had a magazine safety. Sometimes wish I still had it.

wyo-man

I hear ya Wyo-man. If you are really used to that safety, it's no biggie. Been carrying 3913's since early the 90's and my summer carry is a walther PPK (same exact safety operation/position). So I'm quite used to it. Use mainly as decocker and carry one in chamber, so "safety" is long DA trigger pull. Beretta is also same. Always in holster with trigger covered though. Not a big fan of the ambi version though. When I shoot 1911 I have to think about safety, as opposed to 2nd nature. But won't sell em...fun to shoot. Just don't carry that platform. Guess I'm a wimp, but carrying a gun with round chambered and hammer back freaks me out.

therealsmithfan said:

I hear ya Wyo-man. If you are really used to that safety, it's no biggie. Been carrying 3913's since early the 90's and my summer carry is a walther PPK (same exact safety operation/position). So I'm quite used to it. Use mainly as decocker and carry one in chamber, so "safety" is long DA trigger pull. Beretta is also same. Always in holster with trigger covered though. Not a big fan of the ambi version though. When I shoot 1911 I have to think about safety, as opposed to 2nd nature. But won't sell em...fun to shoot. Just don't carry that platform. Guess I'm a wimp, but carrying a gun with round chambered and hammer back freaks me out.

Click to expand...

That is something that takes trust and time...Even hit mine with a rubber hammer
to make sure that "Cocked & Locked" was safe as everyone said it was...

My first pistol was a Star 30M, which had a decocker, so you could load it,
charge it, then use the FP safety where a little cover slid over the firing pin,
then simply flip it up to go BANG, or push down a little extra to decock

I have the CS9D and CS45D, love them both, but I recently picked up a 3914DAO and it doesn’t want to leave my side... I ordered a two sets of the custom grips from tercgen, I’ll be installing them as soon as I get them... I put the KSD wood grips on my cs45d, but they felt too chunky, so they are coming back off...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hey Don, thanks for nice picture. Nice looking! You are the DOA king on the compact 3rd gens for sure. I've always been tempted to buy some wood grips for my 3913NL, but so used to the stock grips now. One of my 3913's has the hogues mainly for range shooting. Love how those fit my hand, too bad not nearly as nice for concealed carry. Once I get the cs9 I'm longing for, I'll be needing a set of them big dogs! Does tercgen still make those?

therealsmithfan said:

Hey Don, thanks for nice picture. Nice looking! You are the DOA king on the compact 3rd gens for sure. I've always been tempted to buy some wood grips for my 3913NL, but so used to the stock grips now. One of my 3913's has the hogues mainly for range shooting. Love how those fit my hand, too bad not nearly as nice for concealed carry. Once I get the cs9 I'm longing for, I'll be needing a set of them big dogs! Does tercgen still make those?

Click to expand...

Yes, I do still make some of these grips from time to time, more of a hobby than a steady production. I just completed a few sets for Don and will likely have a few sets for both the CS9 and the CS45 ready in the near future.

This is what an early "black" CS9 looks like with "Big Dog" grips:





Note the decocker is only on the left side. (The skate board tape was already on it so I left it alone.)

A DAO model would be pretty cool methinks.

It was in a "conversation" on this Forum about a year ago, I am pretty sure it was 2017 but maybe 2016, wherein I expressed my desire for a CS-9 and a very nice East Coast Forum member directed me to a North Carolina board where a member had posted a CS-9 for sale and VOILA! There it is. It is one of 4 guns that I routinely carry. It is excellent.

This is its cousin that I used to carry:



Still might some time; you never know.

Keep looking and asking; one will turn up!

I've had my stainless CS9D since the late 1990s and I'm not giving it up. Last month, I did see a black CS9 for sale for $499 here in the Atlanta area. Unfortunately, I did not have a spare $499

Thanks again guys...and TercGen for chiming in on grips. And thanks to Yoda for the great reference images for grips, etc.

OK...since we are on the topic of CS9's here...and all things related, some feedback on below would be appreciated.

1) I've been searching/reading for quite some time. I've seen some folks say that if you have a 3913, there isn't much utilitarian need for a CS9 (save for "wants", collection, etc)...since the size difference is "negligible". I'm really hoping that it's small enough and light enough (counting on big dog grips here too) to be better for summer carry, wifes small handbag holster, etc. I have 3 3913's already (standard, NL, LS) so wanted feedback of those that have/had both....is it small enough to make a difference in your opinions? Not looking for pocket carry. Just less printing, etc. There are simply very few 9mm options for all metal DA/SA guns notably smaller than 3913's. Several options for SAO (P938, etc), .380 caliber (NAA guardian, Seecamps, PPK, P232,etc), and plastic/striker fired. But I'm a metal DA/SA lovin' fool!

2) DA/SA vs. DAO. As you all know, these are getting hard to come by. I've been watching online for some time. I've seen DAO CS9D come up and have been tempted. But I do love the 3rd gen DA/SA trigger for follow up shots, longer distance targets, etc. Only real advantage i see to DAO is less parts like manual safety, and less to think about (pull it out, pull the trigger). But I use safety as decock only for the most part...so I'm presenting/shooting already. Triggers about the same in DAO? pull weight? Am I missing something...what do you DAO guys love about them, compared to their SA/DA siblings?

therealsmithfan said:

Thanks again guys...and TercGen for chiming in on grips. And thanks to Yoda for the great reference images for grips, etc.

OK...since we are on the topic of CS9's here...and all things related, some feedback on below would be appreciated.

1) I've been searching/reading for quite some time. I've seen some folks say that if you have a 3913, there isn't much utilitarian need for a CS9 (save for "wants", collection, etc)...since the size difference is "negligible". I'm really hoping that it's small enough and light enough (counting on big dog grips here too) to be better for summer carry, wifes small handbag holster, etc. I have 3 3913's already (standard, NL, LS) so wanted feedback of those that have/had both....is it small enough to make a difference in your opinions? Not looking for pocket carry. Just less printing, etc. There are simply very few 9mm options for all metal DA/SA guns notably smaller than 3913's. Several options for SAO (P938, etc), .380 caliber (NAA guardian, Seecamps, PPK, P232,etc), and plastic/striker fired. But I'm a metal DA/SA lovin' fool!

2) DA/SA vs. DAO. As you all know, these are getting hard to come by. I've been watching online for some time. I've seen DAO CS9D come up and have been tempted. But I do love the 3rd gen DA/SA trigger for follow up shots, longer distance targets, etc. Only real advantage i see to DAO is less parts like manual safety, and less to think about (pull it out, pull the trigger). But I use safety as decock only for the most part...so I'm presenting/shooting already. Triggers about the same in DAO? pull weight? Am I missing something...what do you DAO guys love about them, compared to their SA/DA siblings?

Click to expand...

IMO the CS9 is a great little gun, and well worth adding to the collection. Even if you don't wind up liking it, chances are you won't lose any money by reselling later.

1. While the CS9 is a bit smaller than the 3913 in height and length, it does offer some advantages in concealment. It is possible to pocket carry, especially in shallower jacket pockets, and it works better for appendix carry due to the shorter slide. It won't stick out from under a shirt in an OWB holster as much, and for light clothing/Summertime carry I feel that it does print less IWB.

2. I prefer TDA to DAO mainly because it gives you more options, especially in regards to safety. My favorite thing about TDA is the ability to load & unload the pistol with the safety on and the firing pin securely locked in place, as well as when I am holstering the weapon. I like to choose when to have the safety off and have never yet had the lever accidentally move on me. With a single-sided safety the gun is also just as slim (in terms of printing) as a DAO gun.

TercGen,
Yeah, I figure I can't go wrong buying a cs9, providing I don't get impatient and way over pay for one. I'm guessing for what I'm expecting, it will do what I want. I carry a PPK for front pocket carry in shorts with pocket holster. Also IWB in sticky holster. Even if the cs9 will just be "kind of" in the middle between 3913 and PPK...I will be pleased as punch. I've been trying to convince myself to enter the world of DAO, but the other half of my brain isn't going along. I like shooting my S&W revolver (625) in DA, as well as SA for longer shots. But for bottom feeders, seems odd. I came inches from buying a little North American Arms guardian 380 at a local pawn shop the other day. Thing is tiny, and DAO. No safety, no slide lock, no nothing. Trigger wasn't bad either, and I realize it's just a "get off me" gun. But couldn't get past the DAO. Plus it looked like it could be painful.

Curious to see what the DAO fans have to say...I know there must be some advantages to them, or why would they make them?

+1 to my friend TercGens comments. I own 3913s and 3914s and I find that they are rarely shot or carried any longer since I acquired the CS9.

The CS9 is, as TercGen pointed out, slightly smaller - lighter and shorter than a 39XX series gun. AND it Points better and handles quicker, for me, than a 39XX series gun. And of course a CS9 is a joy to carry. And slightly easier to conceal than a 39XX gun - especially when it wears TercGen grips!

Yes, you do lose one round with a CS9 vs a 39XX.......but having worked homicide investigations for 19 years, I am of the belief - based on experience, that you will be out of time long before you are out of ammo - no matter what you are carrying. Regardless of the.....stuff...you may read on gunboards. 7+1 147 grain JHPs works just fine, for me. My 0.02 Regards 18DAI

therealsmithfan said:

I've always been tempted to buy some wood grips for my 3913NL.........................

Click to expand...

go ahead do it..

My CS9D is my only DAO S&W auto, so I can compare it to other 3rd Gen DAO models. But, the trigger pull on my CS9D feels much like my 686, and I have no trouble qualifying in the high 90s with it (which includes shots at 25 yrds). The pull is long but smooth and not overly heavy. And, it has multiple strike capability. It really shoots like a magazine fed revolver.