By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
Smith & Wesson has bucked the trend with the introduction of the new CSX pistol, a hammer fired single action pistol with an aluminum frame and exposed hammer.
Most new introductions are polymer frame striker fired pistols, so the CSX is something of a novelty. It holds more rounds in the magazine than most pistols this size and it fits the hand.. The pistol fits most hands well due partly to the grip design and also changeable grip straps and extended backstrap tang. The CSX is a single action pistol featuring an aluminum alloy frame unusual in modern production. The pistol features polymer grip inserts. There is an ambidextrous safety, ambidextrous slide lock, and a reversible magazine release.
The CSX is supplied with two well-made steel magazines. One is a ten round flush fit type and the other a twelve round type that is only slightly longer than the flush fit magazine. It was easy enough to load to eleven rounds, but it took considerable effort and a break-in period to convince the magazine to accept twelve cartridges. Metal parts are finished in durable corrosion resistant Armonite.
Sights are white three dot types; the rear sight is drift adjustable and they are snag free. The single action straight-to-the-rear trigger features practically a flat trigger face. The trigger breaks at a clean six pounds and reset is sharp, and it features a blade type safety that prevents lateral discharge. This was a good choice for overall safety and handling.
The pistol features an ambidextrous safety, and the slide may be manipulated with the safety on. This pistol may be loaded with the safety on. The proper state of ready and carry is hammer to the rear and safety on.
There is a half cock notch to catch the hammer if you slip cocking the hammer, but you should never carry a single action pistol on half cock. Don’t carry a single action pistol hammer down, either. This is fumble prone and slower into action. I would carry cocked and locked in a proper holster. If I carry the pistol in a pocket, then hammer down is reasonable.
The CSX features both front and rear cocking serrations. I especially like the manner in which the front strap and grip panels are roughened, creating an excellent balance of adhesion and abrasion. A tool is supplied to depress the plunger-type lock that allows changing the grip insert. The pistol is delivered with a larger grip insert; a flat insert is also included.
The pistol locks up on the slide and barrel hood like most modern handguns. Take down is Browning type and simple with the slide lock punched out to allow disassembly. There are no obvious tool marks, the pistol is well made of good material.
I fired the pistol primarily with full metal jacket ammunition, using whatever I could obtain over several range sessions. A 20-ounce 9mm isn’t difficult to control, and the CSX is easier to control than most pistols this size. Perhaps it shoots better in the hands of a trained shooter than anything in its weight and size class. There were no failures to feed, chamber, fire or eject. The CSX will keep all its hits in the X ring to ten yards or so. The longer the range the greater he concentration needed on trigger control and sight alignment.
As for absolute accuracy I fired the pistol from the MTM K Zone shooting rest. Taking my time for the best results I fired the Hornady 115-grain XTP and the Hornady 124 grain XTP. Each went into less than three inches with the 124-grain load cutting a two-inch five-shot group. While Hornady is excellent ammunition this is a good showing for any lightweight handgun with a three-inch barrel and short sight radius.
The CSX features good balance, a pleasant heft, it isn’t too heavy to wear constantly, chambers the popular and effective 9mm cartridge, and exhibits good practical accuracy. I like the CSX a lot.
KU 12615
Model: S&W® CSX™
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Capacity: 10+1, 12+1
Length: 6.1 inches
Barrel: 3.1” (7.9 cm)
Weight: 19.5 oz.
Front Sight: Metal White Dot
Rear Sight: Metal White 2-Dot
Action: Single Action semi-auto
Grip: Interchangeable Backstraps
Barrel: Stainless Steel with Armornite® Finish
Slide: Stainless Steel with Armornite® Finish
Frame: Aluminum Alloy
Finish: Matte Black
