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Smith & Wesson CSX: The Best New Micro-Compact 9mm Gun?

For those who like the feel of actual metal, there is the new Smith & Wesson CSX, which pays homage to metal frame micro compacts of the past
Smith & Wesson CSX. Image Credit: Smith & Wesson.

Smith & Wesson CSX: A 2 Minute Review: Polymer frame pistols have become increasingly common and popular, yet not everyone loves what polymer has to offer.

For those who like the feel of actual metal, there is the new Smith & Wesson CSX, which pays homage to metal frame micro compacts of the past, while bringing the classic style to the 21st century. The 9mm pistol is built on an aluminum alloy frame but with interchangeable polymer back straps, and the CSX provides the operator the ability to customize their level of concealment and ergonomic fit.

Smith & Wesson has rarely been a follower when it comes to firearms, so clearly it took cues from what the market wanted.

The new micro-compact concealed carry pistol is available with a 10-round flush-fit magazine or extended 12-round magazine. It also features a bilateral slide-stop lever along with a manual safety. The fully ambidextrous steel slide also offers serrations at the front and rear for easy manipulation, while an integrated “EZ tab” makes for easy slide-racking. For left-handed shooters, the magazine release is also changeable. The pistol is further equipped with metal three-dot sights. Unloaded it weighs just 19.5 ounces has barrel length of 3.1-inches with a 1:10-inch twist rate.

“Since the launch of the M&P Shield pistol, Smith & Wesson has been invested in the compact concealed carry firearm market,” said John Myles, senior product manager at Smith & Wesson. “Last year, we modernized and updated the legacy platform by increasing capacity and updating the trigger geometry with the release of the Shield Plus. With the design of the CSX, we started with a fresh canvas; providing the consumer with a completely different option for concealed carry.”

Smith & Wesson CSX: Going Small for 2022

Despite its micro-sized frame, the CSX offers a textured front strap, ambidextrous manual thumb safety and two magazine release buttons included for left and right hand shooters. The Smith & Wesson CSX may be a micro-compact, but it features a chamfered ejection port to help ensure no snags when drawing from holster, along with an optimal 18-degree grip angle for natural point of aim, and flat faced trigger with integrated safety for a consistent finger placement. The single action also provides for a light, crisp trigger pull for accurate shot placement.

Smith & Wesson CSX specs:

Caliber 9mm Luger

Capacity 10+1, 12+1

Length 6.1

Front Sight Metal White Dot

Rear Sight Metal White 2-Dot

Action Single Action

Grip Interchangeable Backstraps

Barrel Material Stainless Steel with Armornite® Finish

Slide Material Stainless Steel with Armornite Finish

Frame Material Aluminum Alloy

Slide Finish Matte Black

Frame Finish Matte Black

Barrel Length 3.10-inch (7.9 cm)

Weight 19.5 oz.

The Smith & Wesson CSX, which is now available at select retailers, could be a sign that there is still a market for aluminum frames even in the era of full polymer frames. Suggested retail pricing on the Smith & Wesson CSX is $609.

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He regularly writes about military small arms and is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress, which is available on Amazon.com. Peter is also a Forbes Magazine Contributing Writer. 

Written By

Expert Biography: A Senior Editor for 1945, Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,000 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu.

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