CS9 Ammo

[FoundFather]

I bought a CS9 about a year ago, and between Covid closures, work, family obligations, etc., I have hardly had much chance to shoot it. Only two outings with it until yesterday. I took it out yesterday and had a great time shooting it. In previous outings, I felt I couldn't hit anything with it. This time much improved accuracy (still not going to brag about that, many others on here who are much better shots than I will ever be). But it just felt great in my hand, as did the trigger.

So I am trying to sort out why I liked it this time so much more than last. Part of it was reduced expectations - I was shooting at a six inch splatter target before, and couldn't get ANYTHING on it. This time I went with a 12 x 18, and every shot was on it. OK, bigger target, easier to hit, no mystery. But I even had some in the bulls eye this time, whereas I couldn't hit a six inch target last time. Go figure. Maybe less pressure with a bigger target?

One variable is the ammo. The first time I had the gun out, I was shooting all 115 grain ammo, various brands. Second time, I compared 115 to 124. I felt like the 124's were a little better. This time, I took 147 grain (Speer Lawman TMJ) and compared it to some 124's (sorry, forgot the brand already!). 147's were definitely shooting better for me.

I guess the heavier bullets are going slower and hence reoil less. Maybe the lighter bullets were causing me to flinch? More research needed, but fortunately I have a good supply of the 147's (Speer TMJ for range, HST standard pressure for social engagements), so I'm looking forward to that.

I'm curious to see if others prefer the heavier bullet in short barrels. I know a lot of guys just want the higher muzzle energy of the light ones going fast, but for me, if the tradeoff for slowing them down a bit is that I can actually hit something with them, it seems worthwhile to me. What do you guys like to shoot in CS9?

 

[JohnHL]

My experience with the CS9 was similar to yours.

The first magazine load was terrible on the target as I shot the little pistol rather casually like it was a larger, service size pistol.

I concluded the little fellow required more attention than the larger pistols and I concentrated a little more on sight alignment and trigger control, and the second mag produced a decent, defensive group.

Ammo was Federal 115gr FMJ (Ball).

John

 

[stansdds]

Not a CS9 owner, but my Model 6946 seems to pattern with 115 grain FMJ, but better with JHP ammo, is more accurate with 124 grain FMJ and JHP ammo, but does best with 147 grain FMJ and JHP ammo.

 

[Heymatt]

Like stansdds, not a CS9 owner. My 3913 and 6946 seem to be more consistently accurate with 124 and 147 grain ammo. I save the 115 grain for my new shooter friends to get them familiar with the pistol. Then dial them in with 124 and 147. They do actually comment that the pistols feel less "snappy" and easier to stay on target.

 

[18DAI]

My CS9 shoots 147 grain to POA with its Novak night sights. So, thats all I carry in it. Winchester Ranger 147 RA9B.

I had a couple of LE turn in CS9s back when a large dealer was selling them on the big auction board, for not too much money. One of them shot 124 grain more accurately. IIRC, the other shot 147 more accurately.

Anyways, I kept the one that shot my carry round most accurately and sold the others.

Nice little 9mm the CS9. Congrats! Enjoy yours. Regards 18DAI

 

[GaryS]

My experience in general is that the 3rd Gens don't like 115gr ammunition. With the exception of my 5906, which just doesn't care about bullet weight at all, it just puts the rounds where I aim it.

For my 39xx and 69xx guns I usually carry 147gr ammunition. For my CS9, it's 124gr just because it's a bit more controllable for me.

The newer guns seem to like 115gr just fine, but older guns seem to prefer 147.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

My CS-9 doesn't like anything but I don't recollect any issues with either my 5906 or 6906. But y'all have given me some ideas on testing that CS-9 again. And I need another excuse to shoot the other two guns, anyway.

 

[grcoffman104]

CS9 ammo?

I use these in mine and my 908s.
Feed well and manageable.
In retirement I figure any encounters will be up close and personal. If I'm seeing a bad guy at 25 yards, I'm gonna advance to the rear and let the Calvary arrive to handle the threat.
My Cs9 with TercGen and Wood grips shown.

 

[grcoffman104]

Ooops

Late night. Pic is 908 and issue and wood grips.
Good thing I shoot better than I post!

 

[petepeterson]

I had the most luck with the 147s in my 3rd Gens. Closest to point-of-aim, anyway.
Surprisingly, my 39 and 59 seem to shoot best with 115s.
I don't have one, but maybe 124s hit best out of a 2nd gen??

 

[LoadedRound]

My CS9 is much more accurate with 124s than 115s. Well...my 6906 is too. Haven't tried 147s.

 

[stansdds]

I had the most luck with the 147s in my 3rd Gens. Closest to point-of-aim, anyway.
Surprisingly, my 39 and 59 seem to shoot best with 115s.
I don't have one, but maybe 124s hit best out of a 2nd gen??

My Model 439 does not particularly like 115gr FMJ, but does well with 115 JHP. It also seems to prefer 124 and even 147 grain bullets.