On The Range: Smith & Wesson CSX

by
posted on January 17, 2022

Watch our American Rifleman range video above to see the new Smith & Wesson CSX in action.

One of the hottest segments of today's concealed-carry market is the so-called "micro-compact," and when looking at that market, it's dominated by polymer-frame, striker-fired handguns. Smith & Wesson went in a different direction with its CSX, which features all-metal construction with an aluminum-alloy frame and a hammer-fired ignition system.

Smith & Wesson created a worthy contender in the more-traditional marketplace of striker-fired handguns with the introduction of its Shield Plus, but to give consumers an alternative that stood out from the crowd, the company went back to the drawing board to create its CSX. In addition to its metal grip frame and hammer-fired ignition system, the pistol also features a bilateral manual safety and slide-stop lever. As configured from the factory, the gun also includes a right-hand magazine-release button, but the pistol ships with an additional magazine-release button that can be swapped out for left-hand use.

Other features of the Smith & Wesson CSX include a flat-faced trigger design that feel smooth and seamless, yet still includes a bladed mechanism for added safety. The guns are machined with serrations at the front and rear of the slide, and glare-reducing serrations also span the length of the slide's top. Each pistol is equipped with high-visibility night sights, and the gun also includes the same comfortable 18-degree grip angle found on its M&P handgun lineup for a natural point of aim. Interchangeable backstraps are also available for an improved hand fit, and the pistol is built with S&W's "EZ Tab," which reduces the amount of effort needed to rack the slide.

Suggested retail pricing on the Smith & Wesson CSX is $609. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com.

Latest

Bill Ruger, Sr., Alexander Sturm
Bill Ruger, Sr., Alexander Sturm

Legendary: Sturm, Ruger & Co. Turns 75

Started as a partnership between two young men in 1949, the firm now simply known as Ruger has achieved amazing success in the American firearm market. Today, three-quarters of a century later and counting, it shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.

New For 2024: Springfield Armory SA-16A2

Springfield Armory's latest addition to its AR-15 family is the SA-16A2, a faithful recreation of the original M16A2 that served as the U.S. Army's principal service rifle for decades.

The Armed Citizen® May 20, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Simeon North: First Official U.S. Pistol Maker

Arguably the first official U.S. pistol maker, Simeon North began contracting to the U.S. government with 500 horse pistols in 1798. After subsequent success, North went on to supply the Horse Pistol of Model 1799 -1800 by the thousands, manufactured Hall rifles and more.

Preview: Ammunition, Demystified

Billed as “Hatcher’s Notebook for the 21st century,” Ammunition, Demystified: The (Non) Bubba’s Guide To How Ammo Really Works is intended for both advanced shooters and reloaders, as well as industry professionals.

James Wallace Elected As 76th NRA Director

James L. Wallace has been elected by the members to a one-year term ending in 2025.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.