What to do with a CS40

[AKp47]

I recently purchased a CS40 from a LGS. I wanted something in .40 S&W for a winter CCW and, for the price, could not pass it up. What can I say? I have a soft spot for oddballs and orphans!

Here are my questions:

1. I have wide palms but short fingers. Which Big Dog Grips are ideal for my hand and concealed carry? I have concerns that the straight back grips will lower the POA. I also prefer a full length grip so my palm will not hang off of the bottom but, in this particular area, comfort is secondary to concealment.

2. The pinky rest on the magazine floor plate crowds my 5th finger. Any suggestions for replacement floor plates?

3. I have a slim build and am a bit bony in the hip area so I usually carry in the appendix position unless I carry OWB. Have you any suggestions for both IWB and OWB holsters?

I have a confession. I have trouble leaving well enough alone.
I cannot resist a great pistol for a great deal, but then I want to make it "better." With each "improvement," the pistol becomes less of a deal. In the end, I could have just spent the money on something new.

Maybe I should just sell it and cut my losses?

 

[jfd]

Congrats on your purchase. IMO the CS line is hard to beat for accuracy, reliability and concealability. I own all three (9,40 45) but the 9 is my EDC. My replies in order:
1) I don't think full length straight back grip will adversely impact concealability much if at all. If you find it impacts POA, practice more. The MUCH thinner profile of the BigDogs are a huge benefit to concealability.
2) I replaced the curved finger extension magazine base plate of all my CS mags with a flat plate....got some from S&W parts, some from Midway. They are cheap, few bucks each but IMO aid concealability tremendously.
3) for OWB carry I use a PJ Holster (kydex)....very discreet, thin and concealable but well made and not too expensive. For IWB, have tried many but mostly gave up on this style of carry due to discomfort....then tried "N82" (Nate "squared"). Its my go-to holster for for secure, comfortable IWB carry but sometimes use a Remora too.

Good luck, hope this helps. The CS is a great little gun.

 

[Ransom]

Clearly this gun does not fit your hand. I think your best option is to sell it to me and cut your losses.

 

[BruceB]

Hi Congrats on your CS40, great little carry pistol.

I got the straightback extended Big Dog grips for mine. I can get a solid grip with two fingers, the pinky ends up curling under the mag base, but having the extended base on the grips helps keep the butt pushed forward a bit as it gives some more leverage against the fleshy part at the back/bottom of your palm.

I got a sweet OWB paddle/slide from Lefty Lewis (forum advertiser) that's minimal but covers well and very comfortable.

 

[AKp47]

 

[AKp47]

Thanks, jfd, for your advice and encouragement. I think I'll order a set of the straight, full length Big Dog Grips. I intentionally bought a pistol with a single stack magazine to accommodate my hands. The oversize Hogues must go.

Do you remember the part number for the magazine floor plates? I am not sure which ones to order.

Thanks for the holster advice. I'm still shopping. For now, I'm making do with a Blackhawk size 7 IWB.

Ransom, everything's negotiable

BruceB, thanks for the suggested grip technique. I will try it out at the range. The paddle holster suggestion seems right on the money. I carry a Glock 19 in a Crossfire paddle as it is the most comfortable I've tried yet.

 

[jfd]

AK...sent you a pm