So is the CSX a success?

[sheepdawg]

Sure haven't heard much about the new S&W CSX lately. Not anything like when it was introduced. Are they still flying off the shelves or has the thrill died?

Got to be honest, I really wanted one but complaints about the trigger have calmed the itch.

[NCBeagle]

I hope that it does well. Really do. I need a DA/SA or DAO version for appendix carry.

I handled one a couple months ago. Felt solid. Nice grip. Is it a success? Might be too soon to tell.

[sigp220.45]

I’m finally seeing them in stores, and they’ve all been at or above $599.

I’m slowly talking myself into one. Both of the ones I handled had nice triggers. Cocked and locked is fine with me.

[0849]

As a long time CS9 owner, and someone who now prefers the 1911 manual of arms, I was very happy to see the arrival of the CSX. Best advice I can offer is to check out the many reviews that have been posted here on the forum by firearms knowledgeable members and decide for yourself based on your personal needs and preferences.

I have inspected mine carefully and had to the range a couple of times and like everything about it. There have been some youtuber influencer reviews as well, however, I would take them all with a grain of salt until I see a review by someone like Hickok45.

Always a bit of risk with any new product, but so far I am happy with mine. I have trust in S&W so purchased mine without first shooting one, but always good to see if you can find a rental gun at a range to try first.

[sheepdawg]

Originally Posted by 0849

As a long time CS9 owner, and someone who now prefers the 1911 manual of arms, I was very happy to see the arrival of the CSX. Best advice I can offer is to check out the many reviews that have been posted here on the forum by firearms knowledgeable members and decide for yourself based on your personal needs and preferences.

I have inspected mine carefully and had to the range a couple of times and like everything about it. There have been some youtuber influencer reviews as well, however, I would take them all with a grain of salt until I see a review by someone like Hickok45.

Always a bit of risk with any new product, but so far I am happy with mine. I have trust in S&W so purchased mine without first shooting one, but always good to see if you can find a rental gun at a range to try first.

Well here you go. Hickok doesn't give it a great review due to the trigger reset.

YouTube

[kingrj]

Well...they got me to spend my money on one...And man do I hate to spend money!

[CajunBass]

I've got one and I really like it. I didn't buy it for any particular purpose, just to have one really, but it would be a great carry gun. I've got an IWB holster on the way for it though. I wish night sights had been available, but I doubt I'll install any. I've got other guns that have them already.

The only "problem" I had with mine was the mags were a bit hard to load to full capacity at first. When I say "at first" I mean the first couple of times. Now I don't need a mag loader at all. They go straight into the mag well with just a normal smack on the bottom to seat them, slide back or forward. Both mags perform as expected at the range. I don't care for that gasket thing they put on the 12 round mag. I'm sure there was a better way to do that, and I'm sure I'm not alone in saying I'd just rather have two twelve round mags in the first place.

I've never noticed the "false reset" problem. Maybe that's because I don't pay any attention to reset in the first place. I had to google the term to even understand what they were talking about. I can hold the gun up to my ear, and maybe...maybe I can hear the two clicks they talk about, but then maybe I can't. I had one incident at the range where it apparently bit me, but I chalked it up to me short stroking the trigger, something I've been know to do before.

The trigger on mine has a firm "wall" I think is the "in" term, but breaks at 4.5 pounds. That's after about 100-150 rounds and I don't have any idea how many dry fire cycles. I didn't have a trigger pull gauge when I got it, so I have no idea what it was when new, but it ain't bad now.

Accuracy. It's hard to shoot well, but no harder than the Kimber Micro 9 I used to have. Easier maybe since the grip on the CSX is wider, and has a lot better texture than the Kimber had. When I took a seat and shot it off the bench I found out it wasn't the guns fault. I need more range time with it. I plan to work on that this weekend.

[AppStFan]

I don't own one but I would of had more of an interest if it had been a DA/SA configuration.

[ultratec00]

I believe it is S&Ws attempt to cut into the Sig P938 and Kimber Micro 9 market. Both are very popular and it wouldn't surprise me to see either come out with higher capacity version.

[grover99]

I like the looks of the gun and plan on getting one when the street price hits $499. Saw one for $549 so am hoping it will come down more. If not I will have to pass because got to draw a line on what something is worth to me

[photoman]

Many initial reports have not been favorable (mostly about the trigger and lack of mechanical accuracy).

I think once the price gets below $500, more will sell.

[H Richard]

I go back to my 469, alloy frame, DA/SA, 12 round mag. Just a little bigger, (not much), and been around since 1983.

(Frame was originally black but has been stripped, when the grips strap was checkered, by the forum member I purchased it from 17 years ago.)

[LVSteve]

Reset "issues" are the fault of those trying to operate the machine in a way for which it it is not designed.

(Braces himself in flame suit for the wrath of the reset Mafia)

[VictorLouis]

Originally Posted by 0849

There have been some youtuber influencer reviews as well, however, I would take them all with a grain of salt until I see a review by someone like Hickok45.
.

Entertaining at times, sure. However, the least of the ones I would turn to for credibility. Much like the GunBlast Bros., nary a gun reviewed they didn't like.

.

Originally Posted by grover99

Saw one for $549 so am hoping it will come down more.

Lowest I've seen in Phoenix so far....

[panther]

I haven't seen one yet. My local store has had 2 in, both sold quickly.

[cnj]

$549 seems to be common now. Doing a search, I did see one for as low as $519.99, but that vendor charges shipping as well.
I paid full ticket for mine ($599) at a gun show not too long after they were released, and I do like the pistol. I've not noticed the reset issue that some are talking about, and I really don't feel that the trigger is too heavy. Mine has been 100% reliable, but then, I only have about 250 rounds through it so far.
I am struggling a bit with accuracy, although I do OK. I find that I have to be very focused to get decent groups, where with other guns like my Sig P238 or my Sig P365 (when I had it) it was easy to shoot accurately...bullseyes were common. I've had 2 other firearms that required complete concentration to get any kind of accuracy...a Taurus P638 (380) and my Steyr M9 A2 with the trapezoid sights. The Taurus is long gone, and the Steyr is on consignment at my LGS...just can't get used to those sights. The CSX is better than these 2.
As I said, I like the Smith and will keep it due to its 100% reliability and the fact that I prefer hammer fired pistols over striker pistols. I would still like to find a hammer fired DA/SA pistol with this capacity, at this weight and size someday.

[0849]

Originally Posted by LVSteve

Reset "issues" are the fault of those trying to operate the machine in a way for which it it is not designed.

(Braces himself in flame suit for the wrath of the reset Mafia)

Think I have to agree.

Like CajunBass and cnj, I just have not experienced this as an issue.

[vegasgunhand]

As a long time devotee of the single action pistol, I was really excited about the CSX. I got to hold one at this years SHOT Show, and I was impressed.

Then I hear about magazine loading problems and the "false" reset issue with the trigger. I was going to wait, then my LGS waved one under my nose and it came home with me.

I took it to the range with my "proof" box of mixed and orphan 9mm ammo. It's a mix of different JHP, FMJ ammo that I just load in random order. If a pistol fires a mix, it's a pretty safe bet it will eat anything. I had no problems loading the magazines or inserting a loaded magazine in the pistol.

I shot a little over 300 rounds through the CSX. I had zero malfunctions of any kind. The accuracy was exactly what I expected from a defensive pistol. If I did my part, it did it's part and we were tearing a ragged hole out of the center of the target.

Now about the "false" reset....Well it's a little click you can feel as you reset the trigger, but when the actual reset hits, you know the difference. the more I shot it, the less apparent it was.

Here comes the BOOM...I look at the CSX as what it was designed for, a close range self defense pistol. It isn't a match grade target pistol, so the reset is not really a factor. Having survived two shootings during my law enforcement career, and after speaking to dozens of officers you have used thier pistols in self defense, I believe that finding a reset under fire is more or less a falicy. I've even spoken to three former members of the Navy's DevGru, and they even slap the trigger under fire. With adrenaline coursing through your body, I just don't think you're going to take the time to find the reset. On a target range where you're life isn't in the balance maybe, but not under fire.

So after shooting over 300 rounds through my CSX, I have found a new carry gun. I am very happy with it, and just want a few more holster options and extra magazines to start arriving.

[Mustang93]

I like mine and it is currently my carry gun. Very reliable, about 450 rounds through it with no failures and more accurate than I am. Previously I carried a 380 in the summer and usually a CS-45 in the winter. While a 9mm/CSX is no 45ACP, it is a step up from the 380 in stopping power and much more concealable than the CS-45.

[kingrj]

Just another point of data:

I have NOT had any issues with false reset and have not noticed it at all during shooting..I just may be insensitive....

Whe the gun was new the trigger was crisp but crunchie..a light stone work on the hammer engagement surface solved this totally..Sear was fine and the hammer hooks did not need to be cut down..

For a gun this small it has a suprising magazine capacity of 12 +1..

It is NOT a magic handgun..many of the micro striker fired guns will do anything the CSX will do...if you like striker fired guns...but I wanted a series 80 "style" single action trigger and this one has it...

[rangemeister]

Mine is my new EDC. I got it for $520 or so then tax etc, came to to $580. I like Hickok45, but the trigger on my CSX is just fine. I wished I could find an extra magazine or two, that's my only complaint!

[Electraclyde]

Rented one nearby. No issue with reset, but trigger pull was terrible. Was not as smooth or easy as my double action only S&W 442, and not even close to any 1911.
Accuracy was also less than expected. Overall, I will pass.

[panther]

I went by my shop today and they had another CSX in. It was priced at $529. It's sitting in front of me on my coffee table now. Hopefully the rain will hold off for awhile and I can get it out this weekend.

[CajunBass]

I've managed to scroung up a couple of holsters for mine. One is an IWB Kydex "no name" I got on Ebay for about $25.00.



The other is one I had left from my Kimber Micro 9 experiment. It's a Don Hume J.I.T. belt slide, OWB. One of my favorite holsters. Not quite a perfect fit, but the Kimber fit about the same way I remember.

[kbm6893]

It certainly hasn't been the splash that the Shield, the Shield Plus, the 365, or the Hellcat were. Honestly, I don't believe it will be much of a success. The excitement is already dying down. Cocked and locked 1911 style carry appeals to a very particulate niche. If one comes out in SA/DA, I'll be all in. I have no desire to carry cocked and locked.

As for the reset, I think it’s overblown and fueled by YouTube reviewers and tactical wanna-be’s. I never use the reset on any of my weapons. Accuracy might be a hair better during slow fire if I did, but the paper target doesn’t know the difference, and a living target would be just as dead.

[Pistolfan59]

I'm happy with mine. It's more accurate than I am and I haven't noticed any of the reset issues. I've been using holsters from my 938, they seem to fit pretty well.

[rosewood]

I held one at a LGS. I like the size, capacity and feel of the gun in my hand. I did not like the trigger. It was worse than the 2.0 M&P striker fired guns. A single action should be better than any factory striker fired gun by default. Not sure why S&W missed this concept.

And yes a DA/SA option would be a better solution me thinks. It could be the new 3913 if it was built right.

Rosewood

[rosewood]

Originally Posted by CajunBass

The other is one I had left from my Kimber Micro 9 experiment. It's a Don Hume J.I.T. belt slide, OWB. One of my favorite holsters. Not quite a perfect fit, but the Kimber fit about the same way I remember.

If you wrap the gun in a thin plastic bag, then slightly dampen the non-fitting areas of the leather holster, insert the gun in the bag and maybe lay a heavy sand bag on top of it overnight, it will reform those offending areas to match the gun.

Rosewood

[emptymag]

Here's a little secret...
go look up pics of the Star (or Interarms) FIRESTAR, and the FIRESTAR PLUS.
You will see where they 'got' the idea for the CSX.

[BmcRet]

I guess you could say that for most of the micro 9mm SA pistols, they look like mini 1911's. I just like how it feels in my hand. I haven't had a chance to shoot mine yet.

[Oaklane]

I finally had the chance to put one in my hand today at my local fun store. I was very favorably impressed and didn’t feel the trigger was bad at all. I have an origami CS9 that I really love but I can see this being my future carry gun. They are holding it for me until Saturday. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to ring it out Saturday afternoon or Sunday. Just racking the slide and finding the reset didn’t bother me at all, firing it may change that but I don’t shoot to reset anyways. I usually carry my 640 or 360 pd but I’m very intrigued by this gun.

[0849]

Originally Posted by Oaklane

I finally had the chance to put one in my hand today at my local fun store. I was very favorably impressed and didn’t feel the trigger was bad at all. I have an origami CS9 that I really love but I can see this being my future carry gun. They are holding it for me until Saturday. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to ring it out Saturday afternoon or Sunday. Just racking the slide and finding the reset didn’t bother me at all, firing it may change that but I don’t shoot to reset anyways. I usually carry my 640 or 360 pd but I’m very intrigued by this gun.

My experience and thoughts have been similar, acquired a new CS9 back over 20 years ago and had been one of my favorite semi autos, but it has now been placed in storage, along with the Corbons I carried in it, and replaced by my new CSX.

[Randall_G]

The trigger on my CSX was about 5.5 lb. right out of the box. I probably have around 400 trigger pulls at least, between live (160 rounds) and dry fire. Trigger pull is now down to about 4.5 lb. and crisp. Not as nice as the trigger on (e.g.) my EMP, but pretty good. Completely reliable so far.

No issue with the 10-round magazine. Yes, it’s a tight fit when loaded and must be slammed home when the slide is closed. But I don’t think that’s out of the ordinary for a high capacity, compact gun. I can hand load and top off the magazine with moderate effort, but prefer to use an UpLULA. I can’t comment on the 12-round magazine, as I live in California.

[cnj]

Originally Posted by Randall_G

The trigger on my CSX was about 5.5 lb. right out of the box. I probably have around 400 trigger pulls at least, between live (160 rounds) and dry fire. Trigger pull is now down to about 4.5 lb. and crisp. Not as nice as the trigger on (e.g.) my EMP, but pretty good. Completely reliable so far.

No issue with the 10-round magazine. Yes, it’s a tight fit when loaded and must be slammed home when the slide is closed. But I don’t think that’s out of the ordinary for a high capacity, compact gun. I can hand load and top off the magazine with moderate effort, but prefer to use an UpLULA. I can’t comment on the 12-round magazine, as I live in California.

I take it you are "roster exempt", as you were able to purchase a CSX? Or was it a PPT? If roster exempt, you should be eligible to possess the 12 round mags. Or at least that's how I remember it being when I escaped that awful state.

[Markmontana]

I had one fora short while — posted my experience on this forum. Like the ergonomics and way it felt in my hand but just couldn’t shoot it well. Not sure why but could never get accuracy as good as my Kimber Micro 9 or other guns in my carry rotation. Could probably have improved if I’d been willing to put in the range time. Eventually sold it.

[Randall_G]

Originally Posted by cnj

I take it you are "roster exempt", as you were able to purchase a CSX? Or was it a PPT? If roster exempt, you should be eligible to possess the 12 round mags. Or at least that's how I remember it being when I escaped that awful state.

Nope, I'm not roster exempt. It was PPT of sorts--gift from my mother in Michigan, which is exempt from the roster. But the exemption doesn't carry over to the 12-round magazine.

If I were roster exempt (e.g., law enforcement), you're right: 12-round magazine is exempt, too.

[Randall_G]

Oh, and I'm plotting my own escape from this awful state--getting close to retirement. Helps that San Diego County has been issuing CCW permits for several years now, even if it takes a year to get one.

[ultratec00]

For whatever reason, have never been able to get a modern S&W 9mm to meet my accuracy standards. Note I said modern. My 3913 was a shooter. Shield 9mm is so so. My M&P 9Cs (1.0 and 2.0) never made the cut when compared to my FNSs and not even close to my Caniks. For subcompacts, my Kimber 9s and Sig P938 are very accurate.

In comparison, they'll have to pry my S&W 45s out of my dead hands. Never had a S&W 45 that wouldn't shoot: 645, 4566, 457, M&P 45s, Shield 45s, etc).

Originally Posted by Markmontana

Not sure why but could never get accuracy as good as my Kimber Micro 9 or other guns in my carry rotation.

[rosewood]

Originally Posted by ultratec00

For whatever reason, have never been able to get a modern S&W 9mm to meet my accuracy standards. Note I said modern. My 3913 was a shooter. Shield 9mm is so so. My M&P 9Cs (1.0 and 2.0) never made the cut ...

Well, they did model them after the Glock allegedly.

[Oaklane]

I was able to pick mine up this morning instead of waiting till Saturday, I’m gonna give it a good cleaning and lube and hopefully I’ll be able to ring it out this weekend. I’ve got a holster that I had for a 3” 1911 and it fits almost perfectly, I may have to trim just a hair where the mag release hits but other than that it’s a very good fit.

[cnj]

Originally Posted by Randall_G

Nope, I'm not roster exempt. It was PPT of sorts--gift from my mother in Michigan, which is exempt from the roster. But the exemption doesn't carry over to the 12-round magazine.

If I were roster exempt (e.g., law enforcement), you're right: 12-round magazine is exempt, too.

Ah. Makes sense! Sounds like you have a great, thoughtful Mom!!

[cnj]

Originally Posted by Randall_G

Oh, and I'm plotting my own escape from this awful state--getting close to retirement. Helps that San Diego County has been issuing CCW permits for several years now, even if it takes a year to get one.

Nice!! Congrats on the escape in advance! Best thing I ever did. I could never go back.

[KEN L]

I remember when I first saw the ads for the CSX, I wondered why? I, like many, decided it was Smith’s attempt to give Sig and Kimber some competition. I didn’t think I would like it, that was until I held one in my hand. I was hooked and now own one. Haven’t had a chance to fire it yet, but I’m sure once I do it will become part of my carry rotation. It most likely will ride in a DeSantis pocket holster, but in the meantime, I happened to have an extra .380 Backup pouch. Fits perfectly!

[Castle357]

Hey, I'm new here but I love my CSX.
Traded a first gen shield with a laser/light for it.

No regrets, feels great in the hand, sight picture comes naturally and it's essentially a baby S&W 1911. I may be a fanboy, maybe even a bit biased, but I love it.

The reset issue mentioned here and by multiple youtubers is really not that significant to me, just something that bothers people who shoot from reset and take that too seriously.

[jimjjc]

I used to be into S&W for many years, I really didn't have anything against them, then I moved to Sigs the P320/365 platforms, I'm really into customizing guns and the Sigs are IT when it comes to that.

When the CSX came out I was interested, Handled one in the LGS and I liked it but I do love my 365's though. When the CSX hits below $500 I'll
be looking for one, it would be a good rotation CC, I guess I'll be waiting.

[upcountry]

I know there is a CSX disassembly video, but would like to see a schematic or some direction in order to do a little hammer stoning and trigger work.
I sold a gen1 9mm Shield and like to CSX but the trigger needs some help.

[Jimmyjones]

Mine rides in a Don Hume H715M #56, I'd gotten years ago for my Firestar.

[Dave686]

I was looking for info on the CSX. I’m glad I found this thread.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Hickok45 say he wouldn’t recommend at gun from one of the major manufacturers. I don’t see where those of you who have bought it have experienced the problem he had with the trigger. So I’ll wait to see what that outcome is.
But like most everything else; they left out us .40 guys.

[Thin Man]

Originally Posted by emptymag

Here's a little secret...
go look up pics of the Star (or Interarms) FIRESTAR, and the FIRESTAR PLUS.
You will see where they 'got' the idea for the CSX.

Yep.
The size comparison is certainly valid, except that the CSX is about half the weight of the all-steel Firestar.
As much as I love my mildly customized old Firestar I'm looking hard at the CSX.
First new S&W auto I've been interested in in a long, long time.
Gratuitous pic of my Firestar:



The shop I work at has a CSX on the rental range and, although the trigger is a bit heavy, it shot like a laser for me.

[Mustang93]

I'm in the same boat as you. The disassembly video is pretty good. I stopped at taking apart the trigger group but so far the disassembly/reassembly was pretty easy. I measured the hammer spring; .040" wire. 1.210 Length, and ,250 OD. I have a pack of wolf springs coming that might work to reduce the hammer spring tension/trigger pull. When they come in I will do the disassembly and also polish the hammer/sear. I'm about 90% sure the sight cuts are the same as an M+P. I have some old front sights and they will start in the CSX's front dovetail. I just put an EGW Red Dot plate on my M+P and I will try its rear sight in the CSX. It will overhang the hammer but I think it would fit and function. The Red Dot plate would also then fit and it would overhang much less. I will post when I have more info.

Originally Posted by upcountry

I know there is a CSX disassembly video, but would like to see a schematic or some direction in order to do a little hammer stoning and trigger work.
I sold a gen1 9mm Shield and like to CSX but the trigger needs some help.