S&W CS9 My take on it.

Great write-up and a lot of other great contributions to this thread.

Regarding this: "I don't know if I will wind up having a long relationship with the CS9. In 9mm I much prefer the 39XX series. Fit my hand better and far more accurate, for me."

I'm a long-time 3rd gen single-stack fan. I couldn't WAIT to get a CS9, but when I finally got one I realized my own preference for the overall feel and balance of the slightly larger 3913. My CS9 shot great and they are well put-together and great-looking guns. When I did some actual side-by-side comparisons and saw how very little difference there really is between the two models I didn't see any reason to keep the CS9. I did carry the CS9 while I had it, but on the hip, either IWB or OWB, I think anyone would have a hard time telling one from the other but out of the holster I much prefer the 3913.
 
Jim PHL said:
...out of the holster I much prefer the 3913.
Click to expand...

No disagreement. Slightly heavier with a bit more muzzle heft. Some might experience that as a bit more immediate stability toward the end of the drawstroke. Every little bit can help. right?

However, I do notice a bit less weight on the hip when belt holstered, and, more importantly for me, I can carry my CS9 pocket-holstered in some of my jackets. That's something I can't do as easily with my 3913.

One of those "coin toss" and personal priority things. ;)

Which is why I own both, BTW. :) Saves me the necessity of having to choose between them.
 
Thank you Fastbolt! You have mail! :)

I agree that the little CS9 is easier to carry than........well.......anything I've ever carried. Literally hard to know its there. In fact, I carried it off duty Tuesday night and had a cold stab of fear a couple times that I'd lost it. A quick pat confirming it was still in the holster. Hard to beat it as a CCW gun.

As to the plastic parts, I've got no complaints with them.......other than the fact that for the original asking price of the guns that have them they should have been metal parts.

That said I've yet to have a plastic part fail or cause me a problem on a value line pistol. In fact, I have yet to shoot a gun more than I have my value line model 910 and it has ALL its original plastic parts, with the exception of its guide rod.

Someone here years ago suggested that installing a metal guide rod in the 910 would tighten up its groups. It did. A little bit. And I promptly lost the original plastic rod. :(

That 910 was used AND abused by me and still runs 100%. Even with a crack in the front left frame rail. It had 19,000 rounds through it before I lost my log books. NOT all fired by me. ;) I probably fired over 6,000 through it. Over 100 people I've taught to shoot fired at least 100 rounds a piece through it. Some much more than that, over a twelve year period of time. All metal jacketed rounds. The first barrel was not properly rifled according to my gunsmith, so he replaced it around 2006 or so.

I don't let others shoot it anymore due to the crack in the frame, but I still take it out to the range and run 100 through it now and then. One of my favorite S&W pistols. In fact my favorite 9mm semi auto of any brand because in addition to its durability and reliability it LOOKS like what a semi auto pistol should look like, to me. All black and business like.

With 17 rounds on board using a MecGar mag its a real "crowd pleaser" too. You know, should I ever run into one of those crowds of meth crazed fleshy headed mutant bad guys who I read about accosting so many of the CCW'ers in the "Concealed Carry" section of this board. ;) :) Regards 18DAI
 
A couple of random thoughts.

I thought that the sort of wedge shaped base plates were specific to the 3913TSW, but it appears that I was wrong. I know that they fit on the CS9 magazines and that the magazines for the CS9 and pre rail 3913TSW are the same except for the base plate. I stopped using the curved base plates because they seemed to "hook" my clothing and cause my shirt to hang up when I moved. Which increased the risk of inadvertent exposure.

Anyway, I have all three styles, so I guess it would be matter of choice.

I'm a righty, so the ambi decocker isn't really an issue for me. Actually, the slightly thinner width of a left side only decocker would make carrying slightly easier. Then again, if that becomes an issue I'd probably just use my 3914NL or the CS9.

The reason I started looking at ambi decockers is that both my wife and daughter are left handed. My daughter likes to shoot, but doens't like left side mounted decockers. She shot my 6906 and liked that the best along with the Walther P22. Both have ambi safeties. If she ever decides to carry for self defense, that will be a consideration.

Anyway, the CS9 is very nice, concealable SD firearm. It only fell out my rotation because of the pre rail 3913TSW I acquired.
 
The wide/wedge shaped butt plate was specifically made for the original 3913TSW, to fill the gap of the cutaway frame on each side of the magazine.

It'll fit the regular 7 & 8-rd CS9/3913 mags, though. I use a couple on the 3913 mag I keep in the holstered gun. While I use the standard flat 3913 butt plates, I find the curved ones work nicely as spares when it comes to getting them firmly seated, especially in the short-gripped CS9. Something about the curved butt plate sticking out from my fist a bit better than the flat one.

I converted my 3913 to spring-loaded, decock-only after I discovered the slide on mine had been machined to accept the optional assembly. That required keeping an ambi lever, as that's the only way the spring-loaded assemblies were made. (Nobody could explain why the one I ordered had the slide machined, as that was before they started offering it as a standar4d feature on later TSW slides. Their best guess was my slide might've been machined for a project that wasn't completed, so it went back into parts and ended up on my 3913 when it was assembled.)

My CS9 was new production, which meant it came with an ambi assembly (and steel Novak low mounts).

Neither ambi lever ever really bothered me, except when I used an open-top paddle or IWB for the 3913, in which case the edge of the ambi lever would rub/catch & wear my clothes.

Oddly enough, it was the older 6906's sharp rear sight base that destroyed more of my work jacket/coat linings during the yeats I carried it, even after installing some factory (Trijicon) night sights, which were still nicely sharp on the ears. :D

When I went from an open-top paddle to a leather retention holster for the 6906 (Hume H726, and OUSTANDING - and fast - holster for plainclothes/off-duty), the ambi lever poking my linings was no longer an issue, but those sharp sight ears were rough on clothes. I'd much rather have had a newer model 6906 slide with the Novak low mounts like my 3913 & CS9. ;)
 
Another great write up 18! Glad to see you found your BUG, and stopped fooling with those plastic pistols.
Anytime you wanna swap stories lemme know.;)
Dale
 
Thanks Badkarma 1 !! :)

But..........my relationship with the CS9 is going to be shorter than I anticipated.....

My dealer, who has been watching for a clean 4516 no dash for me, called me yesterday. He has a NIB 4516 no dash. The inspectors sticker is still on the frame. Hogue grips with the original grips in the original box and 4 mags.

So..........I'm taking the CS9 with me to go see him today. See what he will give me in trade or sell it on consignment.

Don't get me wrong, the CS9 is a very nice little pistol. Much nicer than anything currently being produced by the current company calling itself S&W. But its not as nice as a 4516. Especially in my hands. ;) Regards 18DAI
 
I can not say that I blame you one bit. I'm not a .45 guy for the most part, but a 4516 or 4513 would tempt me.

I think it's a step up from a CS9, maybe two.

18DAI said:
Thanks Badkarma 1 !! :)

But..........my relationship with the CS9 is going to be shorter than I anticipated.....

My dealer, who has been watching for a clean 4516 no dash for me, called me yesterday. He has a NIB 4516 no dash. The inspectors sticker is still on the frame. Hogue grips with the original grips in the original box and 4 mags.

So..........I'm taking the CS9 with me to go see him today. See what he will give me in trade or sell it on consignment.

Don't get me wrong, the CS9 is a very nice little pistol. Much nicer than anything currently being produced by the current company calling itself S&W. But its not as nice as a 4516. Especially in my hands. ;) Regards 18DAI
Click to expand...
 
Imagine how interesting it might've been if the CS9 (or the CS45) had been produced in a version with a steel frame? Heavier, yes, but even more controllable and ultra durable? ;) Oh yeah.

That's right up there with my lamenting that they never made a 3916/3916TSW ...
 
18DAI said:
Thanks Badkarma 1 !! :)

But..........my relationship with the CS9 is going to be shorter than I anticipated.....

My dealer, who has been watching for a clean 4516 no dash for me, called me yesterday. He has a NIB 4516 no dash. The inspectors sticker is still on the frame. Hogue grips with the original grips in the original box and 4 mags.

So..........I'm taking the CS9 with me to go see him today. See what he will give me in trade or sell it on consignment.

Don't get me wrong, the CS9 is a very nice little pistol. Much nicer than anything currently being produced by the current company calling itself S&W. But its not as nice as a 4516. Especially in my hands. ;) Regards 18DAI
Click to expand...

I should have figured that! You and Smith 3rd Gen .45s go together like schnitzel and Jagermiester.;)
Now ya just gotta find that 645!
Dale
 
Last edited:
Very nice write up 18DA. I had a CS45 and 2 CS9s. They have somewhat of a cult following like the 3913s do. I found them to be accurate but I just liked my 3913 better and my 4513TSw better. It wasn't really because of the items you mentioned in your 1st post. I just shot the 39/4513 series better and saw no reason to keep both. I had no problem selling them I will say that. Those who like them.. love them. Great analysis. 18DA also I would love to see you publish a book/paper on 3rd gen semi autos..Lord knows there are dozens of books on S&W wheel guns.
Edit:
A book would be even better about the 3rd gen S&W if it including the adventures of a Detective who has probably seen it all..things we can't begin to imagine!! :)
 
Last edited:
CS45. Now a keeper

Hello guys......this has been one of the best and most informative discussions I have read on these 3rd gen Smiths, so I finally decided after reading all I have found on this forum in the past 4 or 5 months, I would venture my first post.
I have always been a wheelgun man, and
Have been especially fond of a 6" L frame Smith, And my grandfathers 4" deep blue Python. (Purchased in 1964 for $175). I have always lived in very rural Georgia, and have held a ccw since 1985, I have not been a regular carrier.
Given the current political climate and moving to an area that is not quite as rural a couple of years ago made me rethink that mentality. I started carrying a blued Colt Agent that I had given to my wife some 15 years ago. About a year ago, one of my most knowledgeable 'gun nut' friends introduced me to a well worn CS45 that I assume is of early production.....left side only decocker, black frame and wellworn brown slide an heavily worn original houges. Myself being notoriously hard to accept change and a burning disdain for polymer guns, I developed a like for the little powerhouse, and when he offered it to me for a great price I talked mysel into it.
Despite my large hands the gun just plain shoots naturally well for me, much to my surprise.
Well, the more I shot it, the better I liked it, and after finding a new set of houges (I have no interest in the much heralded delrin grips made byBig Dog) and FINALLY locating a second magazine, I have decided that this will be my everyday ccw weapon for as far as I van see...it has impressed me that much.
I hope you fine gentlemen can help me clear up a few misconceptions I have been under, and and offer some light on a few questions I havent been able to locate answes to, so here goes....
#1 Arent all the slides made of stainless? #2 I intend to add a set of XS Big dot sights, and the XS website shows availability, but from what I have picked up on this thread there Iis more than one type of dovetailing depending on time of production. Should I just let XS Worry about that?
#3. Where can I find a list and source for any springs I should replace? It has never failfed to feed ANY of the 230 grain FMJ'S (AROUND 600 ROUNDS) I have fed it, nor the several brands of HP's I have run through It, and I wish to keep it that way.
Thanks in advance for any of these subjects you fella's can shine a little light on, and i am open to any other tricks tips, or suggestions.
 
From what I've learned here, the recoil spring is the one that should be replaced regularly. I think that Brownell's has them, if not S&W does. Also, if the magazines are of unknown age, the magazine springs should be replaced.



skunkwks said:
Hello guys......this has been one of the best and most informative discussions I have read on these 3rd gen Smiths, so I finally decided after reading all I have found on this forum in the past 4 or 5 months, I would venture my first post.
I have always been a wheelgun man, andHave been especially fond of a 6" L frame Smith, And my grandfathers 4" deep blue Python. (Purchased in 1964 for $175). I have always lived in very rural Georgia, and have held a ccw since 1985, I have not been a regular carrier.
Given the current political climate and moving to an area that is not quite as rural a couple of years ago made me rethink that mentality. I started carrying a blued Colt Agent that I had given to my wife some 15 years ago. About a year ago, one of my most knowledgeable 'gun nut' friends introduced me to a well worn CS45 that I assume is of early production.....left side only decocker, black frame and wellworn brown slide an heavily worn original houges. Myself being notoriously hard to accept change and a burning disdain for polymer guns, I developed a like for the little powerhouse, and when he offered it to me for a great price I talked mysel into it.
Despite my large hands the gun just plain shoots naturally well for me, much to my surprise.
Well, the more I shot it, the better I liked it, and after finding a new set of houges (I have no interest in the much heralded delrin grips made byBig Dog) and FINALLY locating a second magazine, I have decided that this will be my everyday ccw weapon for as far as I van see...it has impressed me that much.
I hope you fine gentlemen can help me clear up a few misconceptions I have been under, and and offer some light on a few questions I havent been able to locate answes to, so here goes....
#1 Arent all the slides made of stainless? #2 I intend to add a set of XS Big dot sights, and the XS website shows availability, but from what I have picked up on this thread there Iis more than one type of dovetailing depending on time of production. Should I just let XS Worry about that?
#3. Where can I find a list and source for any springs I should replace? It has never failfed to feed ANY of the 230 grain FMJ'S (AROUND 600 ROUNDS) I have fed it, nor the several brands of HP's I have run through It, and I wish to keep it that way.
Thanks in advance for any of these subjects you fella's can shine a little light on, and i am open to any other tricks tips, or suggestions.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for the detailed write-up everyone. I love threads like this one that combine practical use of a gun and the reasoning behind the performance.

Jerry
 
GaryS said:
I seem to remember that the 457 uses a double spring that is flat and not round. Wolff doesn't make flat springs. Again, that's something that I read here no doubt, so a search of this sub forum would likely turn up the post.
Click to expand...

I apologize! I didn't know for a fact whether they offer them or not. I was just trying to be helpful by offering a suggestion.
 
timn8er said:
I apologize! I didn't know for a fact whether they offer them or not. I was just trying to be helpful by offering a suggestion.
Click to expand...

No problemo! It's one of the S&W 3rd gen fun facts you pick up only if you spend WAY too much time reading the forum. Which is what I did when I was still working full time and we had a quiet shift.
 
It's easy to get twisted up with all these different springs!

Models 4013TSW, 4516-1/2/3, 457 (and others) all use the 2 "nested" round wire springs (different sizes), one inside the other.

Models CS45 and CS40 use the same part number single flat wire spring.

John
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

F
CS9 vs Hellcat! Do we really need this newfangled plastic?
2
Replies
20
Views
2K
ladder13
L
GaryS
TSW base plates
2
Replies
22
Views
2K
GaryS
GaryS
Golddollar
My Model 41s are getting a new brother
Replies
9
Views
1K
Minshooter
M
R
S&W 5946 Date Question
Replies
1
Views
152
ACEd
ACEd
F
How do *you* do your TDA pistol training?
Replies
15
Views
2K
Brian Parrish
Brian Parrish

Latest posts

Back
Top