CS45 custom magazine floor plate...

[CS45Fan]

Hi Everyone - I am a new member on the S&W forum. I've been reading through many threads regarding the 3rd generation semi autos and in particular the Chief's Special 45 (cs45). I purchased a cs45 about 2 months ago and I am very happy with it. However, like a lot of folks that own the CS, the magazine floor plate that comes standard with the CS annoys me because of the size of my hand. I also looked around for 4513/4553 round\flate floor plates that many of you suggested but as you know they do not make them. I also tried a couple different manufacturers for fit and that didn't work either. What I ended up doing was my own custom job on the mag floor plates!

It only took about 30 minutes per floor plate. I started off using a box\utility\carpet knife (with caution I may add) to cut off the excessive protruding tip and then with a dremel
(using the sandpaper bit) on low speed rounded off the base until I got the desired look and feel. Then I cleaned it up by spraying each floor plate with flat black Krylon paint.
What a difference in the feel of this pistol now! Why S&W discontinued the round\flat mag floor plate is a mystery to me. Looks like they brought it back with the M&P though.

Next project - custom grips! I understand BIG Dog for whatever reason is no longer in the business of making these grips - so I'll give it the old college try!.

Cheers!
CS45Fan

 

[JohnHL]

Hi, Fan!

I had to do pretty much the same thing on mine.
My hands are just the right size that the "pinky shelf" catches me right in the middle of my pinky.

And I'm with you that I don't care much for the Hogues as originally configured. (Although I do like them better on my 4513TSW)
Go figure?

Anyway, modding the delrin grips is not too difficult except for locating the pin hole. I have a foolproof method for drilling the hole in the proper location first time, every time.
But it's not for the faint of heart or those with ten thumbs.

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your CS45.

John

 

[TercGen]

Nicely done CS45Fan, and welcome to the forum!

If you haven't seen it, here is a good thread for some pointers on the grip mod: http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/348608-cs9-grip-mod-parts-assembly.html Tom 45's post #17 is very helpful, and I also posted there with some of my attempts. Though I haven't checked in a while, Numrich had factory new 4513TSW pre-rail grips for sale at $14, which are partially cut to length for the CS45 already. Good luck!

 

[CS45Fan]

Thank you both for the "welcome aboard" and compliments.

JOhnHL - which model delrin grip did you end up using? Can you upload a pic? I've been thru a few grips already and either sent them back or ruined them. Thx

 

[JohnHL]

Hi, Fan!
I used the 457/4516/4513TSW grips for my project.
Got some "Honey-do's" to take of this afternoon, but I'll try to do a tutorial sometime soon.

John

 

[Big Shrek]

Something that works with SOME plastics is to use gun oil for Wet-Sanding,
down to 600-grit, then liberally coat the plastic with the oil after...
For some reason it brings a nice shine

 

[CS45Fan]

Nice! I'll to try that. Thanks for the tip.