CS9 vs CS45 Problem

[PX15]

OK,

Here's my problem..

I'm a dedicated 9mm TDA type guy, and have been for decades. In my senior years I have come back to the 3rd generation family of pistols that I first encountered in 1995 when I bought my first 3913..

So, here I am with several thousand dollars invested in compact 9mm pistols, I've got all sorts of holsters & stuff, and I've been telling the world how great the compact 3rd generation S&W pistol is for personal protection.. I particularly like the CS9.

Then, on a whim, a whim I tell you, I bought a CS45.... Hello? Why would I do such a thing? I don't care for the 1911 type platform, but I know zillions of folks do. But this CS45 is sneaky.. It's not like a 1911, it's like a, well, like a CS9. But the opportunity to buy a pristine, low mileage CS45 has led me to the dark side.

I had never even held one, much less fired one.. So I was somewhat surprised to find that the CS45 is pretty darn close in size, etc. to the CS9, but just has a bigger hole in the end of the barrel..

I was amazed at how easy the CS45 was to shoot.. Recoil not bad at all, and just as accurate as my favorite CS9.. The darn thing even fits my FIST Kydex iwb CS9 holster, perfectly..

I think it's a plot..

Anyway, just thought I'd throw this subject "out there" for comment.

Dare I use the CS45 for cc when I have so many nice 9mm's just waiting to to the job? Or do I dare use one of the compact 9's for cc when I have the option of another choice whut' makes a bigger hole in things when you shoot it?

I think this is just one of those things destined to drive this old man crazy. But, in a good way..

Maybe I'll just mosey out on the front porch, sit in my old rocking chair and watch my buddy sleep.. No harm in that.

If you have an opinion, speak up.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[PX15]

OK,

Here's my problem..

I'm a dedicated 9mm TDA type guy, and have been for decades. In my senior years I have come back to the 3rd generation family of pistols that I first encountered in 1995 when I bought my first 3913..

So, here I am with several thousand dollars invested in compact 9mm pistols, I've got all sorts of holsters & stuff, and I've been telling the world how great the compact 3rd generation S&W pistol is for personal protection.. I particularly like the CS9.

Then, on a whim, a whim I tell you, I bought a CS45.... Hello? Why would I do such a thing? I don't care for the 1911 type platform, but I know zillions of folks do. But this CS45 is sneaky.. It's not like a 1911, it's like a, well, like a CS9. But the opportunity to buy a pristine, low mileage CS45 has led me to the dark side.

I had never even held one, much less fired one.. So I was somewhat surprised to find that the CS45 is pretty darn close in size, etc. to the CS9, but just has a bigger hole in the end of the barrel..

I was amazed at how easy the CS45 was to shoot.. Recoil not bad at all, and just as accurate as my favorite CS9.. The darn thing even fits my FIST Kydex iwb CS9 holster, perfectly..

I think it's a plot..

Anyway, just thought I'd throw this subject "out there" for comment.

Dare I use the CS45 for cc when I have so many nice 9mm's just waiting to to the job? Or do I dare use one of the compact 9's for cc when I have the option of another choice whut' makes a bigger hole in things when you shoot it?

I think this is just one of those things destined to drive this old man crazy. But, in a good way..

Maybe I'll just mosey out on the front porch, sit in my old rocking chair and watch my buddy sleep.. No harm in that.

If you have an opinion, speak up.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[Erich]

I sure am happy to be able to view those terrific side-by-side photos. Both are great guns that I'd be proud to own.

BTW, I chrono'd Speer's 9mm +P 124-gr "short barrel" load from my 3" RAMI, and got pretty impressive results: average of 1178 fps, with a spread of 29.71 and a SD of 11.09 (382 FPE) (54° F at the range which was 5950'>sea level).

You might consider this load for your 3" CS9 . . . I was quite impressed with it, and feel it gives full-size results from my subcompact pistol.

 

[PX15]

Originally posted by Erich:

BTW, I chrono'd Speer's 9mm +P 124-gr "short barrel" load from my 3" RAMI, and got pretty impressive results: average of 1178 fps, with a spread of 29.71 and a SD of 11.09 (382 FPE) (54° F at the range which was 5950'>sea level).
pistol.

Erich:

Thanks for the ammo suggestion..

As I mentioned I'm new to the 45, as the majority of my pistols the past couple of decades have been 9mm's..

I use the DoubleTap jhp's in my 9's, and I really like those.. They are FAAASSSST, shoot very accurately, and have a great reputation.

I stopped by a local gun shop yesterday and bought a box of 45 cal.DoubleTap 185gn. (Speer Gold Dot)jhp's.. These rounds are said to produce 1225fps/616fp in a 5" 1911, but don't know how they'll do in the shorter barreled CS45.

If I decide to cc the CS45 I certainly will do more serious checking to determine a very good carry round, and your recommendation will certainly be in the mix.

Thanks Again!

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[Fastbolt]

Just depends on your pleasure. I went the other way, myself.

I'd owned a CS45 for a couple of years and held off on even thinking about a CS9. I had a 3913 which suited me better than anything else I'd carried and used. My issued 6906 came close, but made for just a bit more noticeable thickness around the middle when carrying it.

It wasn't until I relented and tried a CS9 belonging to another instructor that I grudgingly admitted it might be something which interested me. Once I ordered one for myself and spent a few more range sessions with it, the CS45 was parked in the safe for a couple of years.

I've actually fired more rounds through the CS45 by now. I felt it served me well to actually spend more time with the neglected CS45, and doing so made the CS9 even easier handling and shooting.

Bottom line? While I own more .45's than any other caliber, and will finish my career carrying a .45, I carry a 9mm more often on my own time than any other pistol caliber. Go figure.

I like my 3913, CS9, SW99c and G26 well enough that I'm not going to order a M&P 9c for my next pistol, but will probably pick up a M&P 40c, instead. Something relatively small enough to remain comfortable and convenient for a retirement CCW in that caliber, as I still haven't found that 'ideal' smaller .40 S&W platform for my tastes and needs. My present pistols chambered in that caliber just lack something or other from my perspective when it comes to carrying something which is personally-owned.

Anyway, I'll keep my CS45, but I doubt it'll see much usage outside of the range. If I eventually pick up a M&P45c, as well, then it might remain in the safe except for the odd range session.

Nice little .45. If the push for polymer wasn't at the forefront of the market, the CS45 would've probably received the attention it deserved.

 

[Springfield Bob]

I also have the CS-45 and an assortment of 9mm's as well. I carry 230 gr Hyda shoke in it as more police dept's are going to .45 cal.Why wouldn't you rather have a more potent round in your gun? Remember the Miami FBI shoot out were as the 9mm didn't stop the bad guys. Go with the better manstopping pistol ( CS45 }.

Originally posted by PX15:
OK,

Here's my problem..

I'm a dedicated 9mm TDA type guy, and have been for decades. In my senior years I have come back to the 3rd generation family of pistols that I first encountered in 1995 when I bought my first 3913..

So, here I am with several thousand dollars invested in compact 9mm pistols, I've got all sorts of holsters & stuff, and I've been telling the world how great the compact 3rd generation S&W pistol is for personal protection.. I particularly like the CS9.

Then, on a whim, a whim I tell you, I bought a CS45.... Hello? Why would I do such a thing? I don't care for the 1911 type platform, but I know zillions of folks do. But this CS45 is sneaky.. It's not like a 1911, it's like a, well, like a CS9. But the opportunity to buy a pristine, low mileage CS45 has led me to the dark side.

I had never even held one, much less fired one.. So I was somewhat surprised to find that the CS45 is pretty darn close in size, etc. to the CS9, but just has a bigger hole in the end of the barrel..

I was amazed at how easy the CS45 was to shoot.. Recoil not bad at all, and just as accurate as my favorite CS9.. The darn thing even fits my FIST Kydex iwb CS9 holster, perfectly..

I think it's a plot..

Anyway, just thought I'd throw this subject "out there" for comment.

Dare I use the CS45 for cc when I have so many nice 9mm's just waiting to to the job? Or do I dare use one of the compact 9's for cc when I have the option of another choice whut' makes a bigger hole in things when you shoot it?

I think this is just one of those things destined to drive this old man crazy. But, in a good way..

Maybe I'll just mosey out on the front porch, sit in my old rocking chair and watch my buddy sleep.. No harm in that.

If you have an opinion, speak up.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[Fastbolt]

I also have the CS-45 and an assortment of 9mm's as well. I carry 230 gr Hyda shok in it as more police dept's are going to .45 cal.Why wouldn't you rather have a more potent round in your gun? Remember the Miami FBI shoot out were as the 9mm didn't stop the bad guys. Go with the better manstopping pistol ( CS45 }.

It's still just a handgun.

The much debated Miami/Dade shooting of more than 20 years ago does offer some potential discussion topics which still have relevancy, although I wouldn't necessarily hang my hat on one of them being the wholesale inadequacy of the 9mm as a defensive cartridge in general.

I've carried all 3 major defensive pistol calibers as issued weapons. I own a fair number of pistols chambered in all 3 of them, too. Matter of fact, I own more .45's than I do 9mm and .40 S&W pistols combined ... at least for the moment.

While I'm admittedly an enthusiast who enjoys owning and shooting .45 pistols, and I'm presently carrying an issued one (but only because that's what was available when I was checking out a compact model at the time), I don't really feel that much more/less well armed & equipped because of the specific caliber.

Matter of fact, given my druthers, if we still issued 9mm weapons and I were given a choice between 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP ... I'd still take the 9mm. Especially if I could choose a compact model like the 3913TSW. I simply enjoy a consistent, slight advantage when it comes to controllability & recoil management with the 9mm.

Of course, ammunition and bullet development has come a long way since the middle 80's, too.

 

[Erich]

Wonderfully said. I've yet to see the person shot with the 9mm who failed to fall down when a .45 in the same spot would have stopped him. And I've worked on quite a few shooting cases.

I've got a .45 in the safe, but a nine in my waistband . . .

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

The first/only two guns that I bought new were the CS9 and CS45. I use them for CCW interchangeably depending on mood.

 

[Cruiser RN]

Hi Jesse.I bought my CS9 as my first semi-auto and if it weren't for my wife I would have the CS45 also.My father in law is retired US Army and is going to give me one of his duty 1911's so I am forbidden to buy anything in 45 caliber.After putting on night sights and getting it changed to DAO the CS9 is my primary carry gun.The person who taught me to shoot always said to shoot what you practice with so the 9mm is more favorable to shooting often due to lower ammo costs.Another determinate in combat shooting is shot placement.There really isn't a issue if the perp is hit in a vital area.If you have carried a CS9 for a time and are proficient with it there is no reason to change other than personal preference.Being a small guy I prefer the lower recoil and controlability of the 9mm in a carry gun.......All the best and God Bless.......Mike

 

[PX15]

Originally posted by Cruiser RN:If you have carried a CS9 for a time and are proficient with it there is no reason to change other than personal preference.

Cruiser:

I am a senior citizen living in a low, ok very low threat area in rural S. Ga. Our place is surrounded by 5 acres of chain link fence, and the gate stays closed at night. We have an 80lb Australian shepherd who looks like he could eat your lunch, but honestly he's a woose who would not bother a fly, but would eat anyone's lunch.

Our neighbor three doors down is the Sheriff.. One of his deputies lives on the next block. All to say I don't even cc a large caliber firearm most of the time.

I DO carry a Seecamp LWS32 in my back pocket in a wallet style holster 99% of the time. And actually I have an LWS380 on order and due here any time. I'll probably use the 380 for cc if I like the way it shoots.

But when my wife and I are away from home the pistol I prefer to cc has been (in recent past) a Walther P99c/AS (a fine pistol), replaced by a PPS (a not-so-fine pistol) which was in turn replaced by a S&W 6906,3913LS CS9.. The purchase of my CS45 was a result of the pleasure I found in the CS9.

I have no problem with the 9mm round as an adequate self defense round. I keep 115gn JHP Doubletaps in my cc 9mm pistols, and I think they'll do the job.

Surprisingly, I didn't find the recoil and controlability of the CS45 to be much different than the CS9, so that wasn't a big deal.

I've just got too many pistols to chose from, and I guess if you've got to have a problem, it's better than having too few to chose from..

Heck, I even cc this P7 from time to time..

But, I've just never had a small 45cal pistol that I enjoying shooting that was actually small and concealable enough for me to consider it as a cc option, until the CS45..

Um....

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[Cruiser RN]

Jesse I would absolutely love to have a problem such as yours.I have my little 380 keltec for when I stop at the neighborhood stop and rob.Your decision basically comes down to I carry this one cause I feel like it,which is the most valid reason of all.I live in a city right outside the Kingdom of New York City with a population of 3/4 million people.My Co Op apt building has 72 families and houses are next to eack other on 50x100 foot lots basically the antithesis of your living situation.I couldn't imagine having that much open land to call my own.All the best and God Bless......MIke

 

[PX15]

Originally posted by Cruiser RN:
Jesse I would absolutely love to have a problem such as yours.

Mike,
We are indeed blessed.. We live on 5 acres in the country surrounded by my wife's Mom on one side, a favorite Aunt & Uncle on the other, and a good friend behind us on his 20+ acres (he has a small "berm" style firing range set up on his property for us). On the other side of my MIL is 85 acres of woodlands owned by a very nice (rich)lady who lives in Savannah and just visits on summer weekends,and she has given us the run (incld. keys to her gate)of her property. Shes a very nice tree hugger, who won't allow any hunting on her property (I don't hunt anyway) so walking my dog thru her trails in the morning gets me a peek at neat stuff like deer,fox,huge owls,hawks, wild turkeys, zillions of squirrels, etc. I hear there are coyotes back in the creek but never seen one. ALL of the property behind us is just, woods... Probably at least for 5 miles or more with a neat creek running down the boundry of my neighbors property. Sometimes there's a small gator in the creek, but haven't seen it for a while.

So really cc is just a personal choice and not one of necessity. I don't "do", "buy" or "sell" drugs, I don't visit the wrong side of town late at night, and if my darlin' wife thinks she is running low on milk or bread she can expect to tough it out because I don't shop at the local "stop n' rob" late at night for such things. I try and be aware of my surroundings as much as an old fart can, but I'm convinced except for being in the wrong place at the wrong time you can reduce your chances of a potentially deadly confrontation by using common sense.

I'm such a redneck country boy that I'd be in panic mode all the time if I lived in NYC, or any large urban area as you do. Of course each to his own lifestyle, and hope since you have been sentenced to live in such proximity to social dangers you, and your family stay healthy and safe.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

P.S. Step off our back porch walk down our back yard and there's nothing but woods for miles and miles and miles, and....

 

[Red Tex]

If you have an opinion, speak up.

Aw, come on now, Jesse...

Appears to me you don't really have a conundrum over which of those two beauties to bring along on your morning walks. You just needed a good excuse to post some gorgeous photos.

Mission accomplished, by the way.

I have a 3rd gen auto (908) that I keep in my pickup. And I have to admit to an occasional lust for one of the CS models. They've always intrigued me. Thanks for confirming my suspicions that they're top-drawer compacts.

Oh, and old dogs are the best dogs. You never get a chance to make a new old friend.

 

[Cruiser RN]

Hi Tex.I absolutely agree that the CS series are top shelf sub compacts.I found out that I have a very interesting Hybrid CS9 after its conversion to DAO.When I got it back from the S+W Armorer I noticed the hammer is in near the half cocked position at all times.I learned that after conversion S+W would put a new longer slide on it to avoid this "Cocked and Locked appearance.The armorer kept the shorter slide on because I put night sights on it and probably didn't want the extra work of removing and reinstalling them for no good reason other than to avoid the cocked presentation.That was a added bonus for me because it gives it character..........God Bless......Mike

 

[Cruiser RN]

Jesse thanks for sharing pictures of your slice of heaven with me.I could get very used to the beauty and tranquility very very quickly.Here you can have the cops called on you for having your stereo playing to loud.Must be nice to do what you please and have noone to bother you about it OR EVEN CARE.........God Bless.....Mike

 

[PX15]

Originally posted by Red Tex:

If you have an opinion, speak up.

Aw, come on now, Jesse...
Appears to me you don't really have a conundrum over which of those two beauties to bring along on your morning walks. You just needed a good excuse to post some gorgeous photos.

R/T:

BUSTED....

 

[Red Tex]

Go ahead, Jesse...

Keep it up. Just remember that it's less than two weeks 'til Christmas and Santa's watching.

 

[Red Tex]

I found out that I have a very interesting Hybrid CS9 after its conversion to DAO.

That IS an interesting mod, Cruiser. To be honest, I LIKE the DA/SA on my Model 908, though. But I can imagine there are some advantages to your set-up.

 

[PX15]

Originally posted by Cruiser RN:
Jesse thanks for sharing pictures of your slice of heaven with me.

Mike:

Hey, come on down.. We can put a mattress on the back porch for ya!

Best Wishes,

Jesse

Or you might prefer to sleep in the guest house?