New For 2022: Smith & Wesson CSX

Smith & Wesson went back to the drawing board when designing its latest micro-compact concealed-carry pistol, and the result is a unique offering in the form of the metal-framed, hammer-fired, 9 mm Luger-chambered Smith & Wesson CSX. This new pistol features an aluminum-alloy frame complete with interchangeable backstraps and includes a 10-round flush-fit magazine, as well as an extended 12-round magazine.

“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. "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."

The alloy frame of the Smith & Wesson CSX features a bilateral slide-stop lever and manual safety. Out of the box, the gun is equipped with a single-side thumb safety, but the company includes an extra magazine-release button with each gun, so left-handed shooters can change out the standard right-hand release button. There's a flat-faced, single-action trigger that provides a crisp trigger pull, and the grip features the 18-degree grip angle found on most of Smith & Wesson's current offerings.

On the slide of the Smith & Wesson CSX, you'll find serrations at the front and rear for easy manipulation, and it also includes an integrated "EZ tab" that makes slide-racking easier. The ejection port is also chamfered to prevent snagging during a draw. The gun is equipped with metal three-dot sights, as well as a matte-black finish and texturing on the front strap and backstrap. Unloaded, the pistol weighs 19.5 ozs., and barrel length measures 3.1" long with a 1:10" twist rate. Suggested retail pricing on the Smith & Wesson CSX is $609. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com.