Chiefs Special (CS9) questions

[Grumpa72]

Good evening to all. My first post here and I already have questions. I was in the local gun store, looking for something small yet comfortable to hold and shoot. They had a like-new CS9 with no wear except some very slight holster wear and it fits me like a glove. I own it now and have shot 50 rounds through it. Very nice!

So, now the questions. A search didn't turn up much so I could use some help. This pistol came without anything other than the one mag but I would like to find an original manual and perhaps even a hard case. Ideas?

From an operating stand point, does this design use a trigger block like Sig and Glock? That is, can this pistol safely be carried with one in the chamber and the safety off? Since the safety goes the "wrong" way, this coming from a Colt 1911 guy

, it doesn't feel natural pushing up the safety when drawing the gun. Of course, I will work at this using range time and several hundred rounds of practice.

Secondly, at the range, this pistol shot consistently low at 10 yards. Nice group but low. Does anyone know at what range the sights should shoot evenly at the point of aim? The gunsmith showed my how to field strip it and I did prior to shooting but is there any reason to go beyond field stripping? My Sig hasn't ever had anything besides that.

Last question. The lgs sold me some S&W 8 round mags at a bargain price. They lock up nicely but the bottom 1/2" sticks out, which is ok for range work. However, when 8 rounds are inserted into the mag, it will not seat without a very heavy push. If I pull the 8th one out, it snaps in normally. Is there too much tension because I have 8 in the mag and would a full size gun, using this mag, exhibit the same problem?

Thank you,
Grumpa
ps, I already have a nice IWB holster. Recommendations for an OWB for this gun?

 

[SW CQB 45]

Originally posted by Grumpa72:
Good evening to all. My first post here and I already have questions. I was in the local gun store, looking for something small yet comfortable to hold and shoot. They had a like-new CS9 with no wear except some very slight holster wear and it fits me like a glove. I own it now and have shot 50 rounds through it. Very nice!

So, now the questions. A search didn't turn up much so I could use some help. This pistol came without anything other than the one mag but I would like to find an original manual and perhaps even a hard case. Ideas?

CALL SW 18003310852.

From an operating stand point, does this design use a trigger block like Sig and Glock? That is, can this pistol safely be carried with one in the chamber and the safety off? Since the safety goes the "wrong" way, this coming from a Colt 1911 guy

, it doesn't feel natural pushing up the safety when drawing the gun. Of course, I will work at this using range time and several hundred rounds of practice.

YES IS CAN BE CARRIED SAFELY WITH A ROUND IN THE CHAMBER AND THE MANUAL DECOCKER IN THE FIRE MODE. IT HAS A FIRING PIN SAFETY ACTUATED BY PULLING THE TRIGGER.

Secondly, at the range, this pistol shot consistently low at 10 yards. Nice group but low. Does anyone know at what range the sights should shoot evenly at the point of aim? The gunsmith showed my how to field strip it and I did prior to shooting but is there any reason to go beyond field stripping? My Sig hasn't ever had anything besides that.

SOME FIXED SIGHT GUNS DO NOT SHOOT POINT OF AIM. A FRONT SIGHT CHANGE (HEIGHT DIFF) CAN FIX, HOWEVER TRY DIFFERENT AMMO AND MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT DROPPING THE MUZZLE PRIOR TO THE SHOT BREAKING AS THE LONG STROKE TDA SMITHS CAN CAUSE SHOOTER ERRORS AND ITS DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOIS AS THE MUZZLE DROPS JUST PRIOR TO THE SHOT BREAKING.

Last question. The lgs sold me some S&W 8 round mags at a bargain price. They lock up nicely but the bottom 1/2" sticks out, which is ok for range work. However, when 8 rounds are inserted into the mag, it will not seat without a very heavy push. If I pull the 8th one out, it snaps in normally. Is there too much tension because I have 8 in the mag and would a full size gun, using this mag, exhibit the same problem?

THIS GUN WAS DESIGNED WITH THE SHORTER NEWER MAGS. I BELEIVE 8 SHOTTERS WERE FOR THE OLDER FULL SIZED GUNS. IN A STRESSFUL SITUATION, YOU MAY OVERINSERT THESE MAGS WHICH CAN DOWN YOUR GUN (NEED TOOLS TO REMOVE MAG). STRICKLY RANGE MAGS.

Thank you,
Grumpa
ps, I already have a nice IWB holster. Recommendations for an OWB for this gun?

 

[bad_man_ one]

Hello Grumpa72,
Welcome to the S&W forum.
Try to bench rest it and see if it still shoots low.
If so post the amount low and at what range and one of us will calculate the amount of change you will need in the front sight.
We will have to know the height of the front sight that is in there now.
There maybe one in the S&W inventory that will suite you.
Regards,
BM1

 

[PX15]

FWIW:

I have a 3913,3913LS,5906,6906,CS9, and CS45.. The CS9 is the only one to shoot low at self defense range, and when I called S&W CS the recommendation was to replace the factory Novak sights with a set of TRILUX H3's. (Night sights).

I did that and it shoots poi/poa now.

Hope this helps.

I didn't mind replacing the sights as the CS9 has become my favorite cc choice and I think night sights on a cc weapon is not a bad thing.

I was able to purchase new extra mags from CDNN for about $30 ea. The availability of specific mags varies it seems from moment to moment with CDNN, so if they are out of stock today, they may have them available tomorrow.

Hope this helps. I love my CS9....

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[Grumpa72]

Thank you for the replies. I shoot weekly and, on a good week, even twice, averaging 200-300 rounds per week. Right after I shot my new CS9 I shot my Colt 1911 and my Sig using the same procedures. Of the three, the only one to shoot low, unsupported and without a bench rest, was the S&W. I will say that, once I got my new sight picture, I can put them where I want the bullets to strike. Ammo amongst the three guns is easy since it is all reloads using my cast bullets. I was using a 8.5 X 11" target at 10 yards, so, when I say it shoots low, it is still center of mass, more or less. I will be practicing more.

Oh, did I say that I really like this pistol.

 

[PX15]

Originally posted by Grumpa72: I was using a 8.5 X 11" target at 10 yards, so, when I say it shoots low, it is still center of mass, more or less. I will be practicing more.
Oh, did I say that I really like this pistol.

Grumpa72:

Try shooting to center mass at 3' and see the results.

I'm a senior citizen.. I'm not Roy Rogers, or the Durango Kid (for those with long, long memories) and my declining vision and less than steady hand strength won't allow me to try shooting the gun out of a bad guys hands.. But at what I consider reasonable self defense distance I can certainly put 'em all in the X ring..

JMO but I'm thinking if you shoot someone at 30 feet you'll have a hard time making your case you were in fear of your life, so I practice at the distance I feel WOULD be reasonable and that works for me.

My CS9 is no where as "target accurate" as my HK P7, or my Walther P99c/AS... But it's my 9MM carry choice.

Just personal opinion, no offense.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[Grumpa72]

Originally posted by PX15:


Grumpa72:

Try shooting to center mass at 3' and see the results.

I'm a senior citizen.. I'm not Roy Rogers, or the Durango Kid (for those with long, long memories) and my declining vision and less than steady hand strength won't allow me to try shooting the gun out of a bad guys hands.. But at what I consider reasonable self defense distance I can certainly put 'em all in the X ring..

JMO but I'm thinking if you shoot someone at 30 feet you'll have a hard time making your case you were in fear of your life, so I practice at the distance I feel WOULD be reasonable and that works for me....
Jesse

Thank you for your comments, Jesse. Let's see, I remember your two gun-toting TV fellows but not a senior citizen yet. I am almost there

When I shoot for personal protection practice, I draw from my concealed holster, fire the first double action and then a second one in single action. In addition, each time I go to the range, I try some instinctive shooting, that is, from the hip at 10-15 feet. I like the 3 foot idea though.

My local VFW has a range that I can practice any type of shooting, ever prone or on my back, if I choose to.

Thanks for your comments.

To the other S&W users here, knowing that holsters are as individual as favorite ice cream flavor, what do some of you like?

Thank you in advance,
Grumpa

 

[PX15]

Originally posted by Grumpa72:

To the other S&W users here, knowing that holsters are as individual as favorite ice cream flavor, what do some of you like?
Thank you in advance,
Grumpa

G72:

As to the holster question?

99.9% of the time my carry weapon is my LWS380. I carry it in a Hedley rear pocket (wallet style) holster and it works perfectly.. It just disappears in my back pocket.

WHEN I cc a larger caliber pistol I prefer the ultra thin (and ultra ugly) FIST Kydex IWB. I have one of those for my CS9, another for my HK P7, and even one for my J-frame Smith w/CT Lasergrips.

I am very high on the FIST Kydex IWB's because they ARE extremely thin, and to me, that's a big plus in a iwb holster.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[Cruiser RN]

Hello and welcome.The CS9 was my first semi-auto pistol after 15 years of solely double action revolver shooting.The CS9 can be safely carried with one in chamber because there is a firinng pin block safety that is deactivated by pulling the trigger.My CS9 consistent shot low also with the low mmount Novak sights.I corrected this problem by switching them with the Trijon Night Sights.Immeadiately after the change it goes effortlessly to point of aim.In regards to the magazines,the CS9 is designed for a 7 round single stack magazine.The 8 round is too big for the gun and that is why it sticks out from the bottom of the Magazine well.You can buy the proper mags from www.midwayusa.com for less than they are offered at the S+W site.I just top of the chamber and insert a full mag in the well giving you a 7+1 total capacity.You should also look @ Big Dog's Custom CS9 Delrin Grips to get rid of the rubber Hogues that print out in Concealed carry mode.......God Bless....Mike

 

[wyo-man]

Agree with what has been said about getting Big Dog's grips. Has a whole new look and a much better feel.
Mine also shot low (requested advice about it here in forum) and upon the advice of Cruiser RN ordered the night sights (which are being installed next week).

Big Dog is a very fine craftsman at making grips and a gentleman to deal with.

wyo-man

 

[PX15]

Originally posted by Cruiser RN:
.You can buy the proper mags from www.midwayusa.com for less than they are offered at the S+W site.

Cruiser:

I called S&W for a price on extra mags for several of my 3rd gen Smiths and then I called Midway (as you suggested)and the price from Midway was considerably cheaper. The salesman told me shipping would be a bit delayed as Midway gets THEIR mags from S&W..

I was in no hurry so I saved money and purchased from Midway.

Go figure.

 

[Grumpa72]

Thank you all for the replies.

Magazines - yes, I know that the 8 rounders were for bigger frame guns but, for target work at the range, they work just fine (and I got three S&W branded mags for $45). Maybe I will just trade them for 7 round mags with someone. Just a bit ugly sticking out like that. I will follow up on the refernced sources for correct mags.

Sights - I will talk to my local gunsmith and see about either Trijicon or Trilux night sights. I was at the range again yesterday and did some stationary shooting bracing my hand and using different ammo. I also had my Sig and Colt 1911. There is no doubt that this is a pistol-specific issue and not a grip or ammo issue.

I have read the threads on Big Dog grips and I will be ordering some soon.

thanks for the help.

 

[Cruiser RN]

I am glad that Midway is saving forum members money on all things CS9.Gumpa I am not sure that non Trijton sites will work to correct the tendency to shoot low but I am sure the TRijton sights will work as reported by at least 3 forum members after I made this discovery.You can get these sights also on www.midwayusa.com .I also found that Midway's prices are lower than Trijton's site for the same sights.BRB for the links to the item #'s......Mike

 

[Cruiser RN]

As promised here is a link to the front and rear Trijton Night Sights http://www.midwayusa.com/Searc...s____-_1-2-4_8-16-32

 

[SW CQB 45]

Grumpa, does your gun have the plastic rear sight or a novak?

here is my original format that I never shot as my rear sight could be pushed off by finger pressure.

so what I did was fit a Novak plain black rear and left the factory front dot as is. of course I peppered to taste also

 

[Grumpa72]

Originally posted by SW CQB 45:
Grumpa, does your gun have the plastic rear sight or a novak?

Hmm, I think I am going to embarass myself now. I don't know!

This pistol has been in my possession since Wednesday and I have fired it for about 75 rounds. While I am a gun owner, know the name Novak with reference to sights, I have not seen them or used them to my knowledge. Both of my Colt 1911s are standard iron sights, my Sig 226 is factory, and I have never altered or modified a pistol in my possession. I am not home now, so I can't tell you right now. I will go out on a limb and suggest that "maybe" my sights look like the ones in the first photo. I know it is the 3 dot arrangement. Let you know when I get home.

Btw, was there any modification or smithing necessary to fit these sights? As suggested in early replies to my questions, I was shooting at 10 yards which is probably far outside of the range of my self-defense shooting. Still, before I practice my defensive shooting I always practice my marksmanship.

 

[SW CQB 45]

grumpa, most sight installs on smiths require slight massaging. usually removing material from the bottom of the dovetail will get it. careful thou, as too much off makes for a loose fit and u cant put it back on (metal on sight).

 

[PX15]

Originally posted by SW CQB 45:
Grumpa, does your gun have the plastic rear sight or a novak?

here is my original format that I never shot as my rear sight could be pushed off by finger pressure.


FWIW:

There should have been one (or two?) springs UNDER the rear sight, in the drilled holes, to keep pressure against the bottom of the rear sight which would prevent your being able to "push off" the sight easily.

Apparently the original pressure springs were missing from the factory, or someone had taken the rear sight off before and lost the spring(s)?

When I took off my original Novak rear sight to put on the night sight the spring flew out of the hole (I only found one)with gusto, hit the ceiling and fortunately fell where I could retrieve it.

Could this be the problem?

Best Wishes,

JP

 

[SW CQB 45]

Originally posted by PX15:

Originally posted by SW CQB 45:
Grumpa, does your gun have the plastic rear sight or a novak?

here is my original format that I never shot as my rear sight could be pushed off by finger pressure.


FWIW:

There should have been one (or two?) springs UNDER the rear sight, in the drilled holes, to keep pressure against the bottom of the rear sight which would prevent your being able to "push off" the sight easily.

Apparently the original pressure springs were missing from the factory, or someone had taken the rear sight off before and lost the spring(s)?

When I took off my original Novak rear sight to put on the night sight the spring flew out of the hole (I only found one)with gusto, hit the ceiling and fortunately fell where I could retrieve it.

Could this be the problem?

Best Wishes,

JP

those springs have nothing to do with sight retention.

they are the firing pin safety plunger and spring and the mag safety plunger and spring.

could it be a problem? IMO, yes as the factory safeties are disabled.

will your gun work without them, YES.

 

[PX15]

dupe