Smith & Wesson CSX micro-compact pistol: back to classic!
Smith & Wesson's first new product for 2022 is the CSX 9mm semi-automatic micro-compact pistol, a hammer-fired, alloy frame design that's not afraid to go on the road less taken while proudly displaying a solid M&P lineage
Smith & Wesson CSX micro-compact pistol: back to classic!
The Smith & Wesson CSX 9mm Luger semi-automatic pistol is the first new firearm introduced by Smith & Wesson for 2022. Just like most guns introduced in the US in the past decade or so – given the generally permissive local laws concerning concealed carry – the new CSX is a sub-compact (or "micro-compact" handgun, specifically designed for personal protection. And still, the CSX also marks Smith & Wesson's return to more classic days of gunmaking.
While the CSX retains a strong M&P pistols series lineage – quite evident particularly in the design of the slide – it also departs from the polymer frame and striker-fired construction of Smith & Wesson's flagship handgun line that has been a staple of the global markets ever since its first introduction in 200.
The Smith & Wesson CSX is a fully metal, single-action, hammer-fired pistol – something not so often seen nowadays.
The CSX is built around a matte black lightweight aluminum alloy frame, while the slide and the 7,9 cm / 3.1" barrel are manufactured out of stainless steel with a full Armornite finish – Smith & Wesson's own, nitride-based corrosion- and scratch-resistant treatment.
In order to reduce printing and avoid snagging when the pistol is drawn or holstered, the Smith & Wesson CSX is built to be as smooth and streamlined as possible. Unlike the vast majority of modern handguns – including micro-compacts – the CSX does not feature an accessory rail machined on the frame.
The Smith & Wesson CSX features a slip-proof checkering on some contact surfaces, such as the magazine release catch, the front strap of the 18° grip – an optimal angle for natural point of aim – and the interchangeable polymer backstrap, which is patterned after (but not interchangeable with) the tried-and-true interchangeable backstrap system of the M&P and M&P M2.0 series pistols, allowing the CSX to adjust to any hand size. The slide sports front and rear serrations and integrates the EZ Tab system for lighter and easier racking.
The new Smith & Wesson CSX also features a set of ambidextrous controls, such as the extended slide stop release lever and the ambidextrous frame-mounted manual safety. The CSX comes from factory with a magazine release catch configured for right-handed shooters, and issued with a separate left-handed release button, leaving it to the shooter to configure his or her handgun however he or she pleases.
The technical specs of the new Smith & Wesson CSX pistol
The Smith & Wesson CSX feeds through double-stack metal magazines with a synthetic floorplate. Each CSX is issued with a flush-fit 10-rounds magazine and an extended 12-rounds magazine; an additional round can be kept in chamber.
Other features of the Smith & Wesson CSX include a set of three-dot, dovetailed sights; a flat-face trigger with integrated safety; a set of glare reducing serrations on top of the slide; and a 1:10" rifling pitch at the barrel, which will properly stabilize the vast majority of existing commercial 9x19mm ammunition types, including the most popular and effective defensive loads.
The new Smith & Wesson CSX is 155 mm / 6.1" long overall, 2,8 cm / 1.12" wide with controls, and weighs in at approximately 552,8 grams (19.5 oz.) with a 12 rounds magazine: compact, lightweight, thin, overall perfect for 24/7 concealed carry.
The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Smith & Wesson CSX has been set at $609.00 for the United States. No information concerning export availability or pricing has been released just yet; prospective international buyers may want to reach out to their national Smith & Wesson distributor for further information.