NRA Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson CSX

by
posted on July 1, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The CSX from Smith & Wesson is a robust little pistol that, unlike like many of the striker-fired offerings that have come from the legendary pistol maker, provides users with a customizable micro-compact alloy frame and hammer-fired ignition. Watch the video above to see the CSX in use.

Man with handgun pistol wearing ballcap earmuffs glasses at white shooting range shooting pistol handgun smith&wesson csx hammer-fired semi-automatic nra gun of the week


Weighing in at just 19.5 ozs. unloaded, and measuring 4.6”-tall by 6.1”-long, the CSX is tailored for deep concealment, however, the CSX isn’t the thinnest micro-compact on the market, measuring just over 1" wide due to the ambidextrous safety and slide stop levers. A reversible magazine release button is included, too, so the CSX will perform admirably, regardless of hand dominance. Smith & Wesson incorporates a few creature comforts throughout the construction of its CSX. M&P-style stippling is found on the interchangeable backstraps and front strap, and EZ-tabs are at the rear of the stainless steel slide to provide added surface area for easier purchase and manipulation. A specialized treatment is applied for a durable and corrosion-resistant finish that gives the stainless slide a matte-black appearance. Further reducing glare, Smith & Wesson incorporates a series of straight-line serrations that run the full length of the slide’s top.

Smith & Wesson INC CSX handgun pistol grip module replacement part addon accessories


The sights on the CSX are dovetailed and can be used for tactical racking, should your support hand be injured or otherwise occupied, and are made of metal making for a three-dot configuration. Combined with the 3.1” stainless steel barrel, the gun is plenty capable of producing great accuracy during defensive drills. Throughout the CSX are burnished edges that makes for smooth holstering. In addition, the muzzle end of the slide is beveled and heavily melted, too. Our testers enjoyed the generous beavertail and trigger guard undercut, considering the shortened frame height and 9 mm chambering. The beveled ejection port is an added bonus, and the gun’s 12-round extended magazine in conjunction with the flush-fitting 10 rounder, is a powerful package for those looking for a more traditionally constructed pistol with a single-action arrangement that’s made to perform in the modern micro-compact market.

left quater view front csx smith and wesson handgun pistol 9 mm


Specifications:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson, Inc.
Model: CSX
Action Type: single-action, semi-automatic, hammer-fired centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Slide: stainless steel, Armornite finish
Frame: aluminum alloy
Barrel: 3.1" stainless steel, Armornite finish
Sights: dovetailed, three-dot
Magazine: 10- and 12-round detachable box
Height: 4.6"
Length: 6.1"
Width: 1.12"
Weight: 19.5 ozs.
MSRP: $609

Latest

Cz P10 Ported Review 1
Cz P10 Ported Review 1

Review: CZ USA P10 Ported

CZ expanded its popular line of P10 handguns with a specially configured model that features integral barrel ports just behind the muzzle to aid in recoil management.

Keeping The Wilderness Quiet: Bergara's BTi30 Suppressor

Bergara joined the growing crowd of suppressor manufacturers in 2026 with its BTi30 design.

New for 2026: Ruger American Rifle Generation II Scout

Ruger adds a Scout rifle option to its Generation II American rifle.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory SA-35 Polished Pistol

Springfield Armory’s homage to the Hi Power now has an even better-looking option.

New for 2026: Franchi Momentum Mule Rifle

Franchi’s do-it-all MULE rifle is designed as a general-purpose carbine.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Spec Series M&P9 and R Handguns

Smith & Wesson expands its Spec series with the Spec Series IV M&P9 M2.0 Metal Compact pistol and the Spec Series R revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.