Re-Watching all my S&W CSX videos again, now that it’s been a couple of years. From a number of videos I’ve watched, the CSX is very accurate to about 15 yds, then drops from there. I’d have to say that anything past that 15 yards would be a stretch to claim self-defense… but that could be a state to state issue. For its intended use, I love my CSX. No complaints at all. Mine still has the “false reset”, but in shooting, I only hang up when I try to ride the trigger. When I forget about the issue, I shoots perfectly well.
Thanks for watching. My CSX is on my right hip as I'm typing this reply. Now I'm thinking I may need to take it out for some exercise, maybe at my 25 yard and even 50 yard plates.
I must admit that I was a bit surprised that it went home with you, but as I watched your video I understood why. We must’ve gotten a bad batch locally because I handled seven different CSX with the hope that one of them would have a better trigger than my review sample and all of them were exactly the same. I’ll keep trying to find one with a decent trigger. I think that Smith & Wesson did a lot of things right with this little pistol and I look forward to the next generations of it. Thank you very much for the video!
I'm guessing yours was in a very early production run and mine came after Smith addressed whatever caused the issue on yours. Thank you for watching and commenting.
I suspect they’ve made small improvements in the later ones. Based on handing an early one and the reviews I was going to wait for a Custom Shop version, but then I ran into a screaming deal. Mine does not have a false reset click, but kind of a hump in the reset. I do shoot to reset, but actually firing the thing I had no issues whatsoever with trigger reset or anything else. Fits my hand better than the other micro 9’s out there, and I shoot 1911’s quite a bit. The trigger does have a bit of creep, but breaks predictably.
Another very good review! My favorite small plastic pistols are the Hellcat & Shield Plus these days. & Larger then those, the good old Glock 26. I have Sold my Sig P365, and my P365XL….. I just did not care for them long term. Anyway, my Best to you and your viewers. 🤠👍👮🏻♂️🇺🇸⭐️. B9USA Sr.
I tried a couple Hellcats, but could never warm up to them. The Shield Plus works okay for me, but I like the 1911-style manual of arms. And the CSX was a pleasant surprise. As always, thanks for watching and stay safe.
Surprised you sold the 365's. I also have both of them. Loved the P365 right away with its' good trigger and shootability, but didn't like the much grittier & heavier XL's trigger. But polishing the striker and sear made the XL's trigger almost as good as the 365. Now, I also have the Performance center Shield Plus 4" ported barrel and also like it as it shoots like a bigger gun and has an amazing trigger. But I'll take the 365XL as it now shoots close to the Shield Plus BUT also has those amazing night sights which work in all lighting conditions, & not so with the Shields fiber optic sights. The XL is also a bit smaller, but not enough to matter. For daylight shooting, the Shield takes it. For carry & low light shooting, the XL takes it. And the XL doesn't have any hard slide racking with a full magazine, which can really slow your shooting down. Because of these issues as stated above, I believe the XL will not let you down when you really need it the most. That's why I carry the 365's.
I love my CSX from the very second I opened the box... surprisingly didn't find the trigger an issue at all ...about a 1000 rounds through it now..n I love it even more..thanx for liking it too...great video!!🤙🤙
This was probably the best review I’ve seen on the csx. I bought one also, and agree with everything you’ve said, except I haven’t had any issue with purchase on the handle. The look of the grip is a little odd, and I think someone will sell a lot of grip tape on this handle. I’ve got to get more time on mine, I’ve only shot it 5-7yd distance. Amazingly it does not feel like a small gun in hand, and I take L-XL gloves. The trigger safety hasn’t bothered me as it is wide and compresses easily. All in all I really enjoy it.
@@RidersRange I've been very interested in this gun. I think they woulda knocked it out of the park, had they just put a regular trigger and tritium sights on it.
In typical S&W style, they have to leave something off so they can first do a Performance Center model, then a 2.0. Get a lot of folks to buy the first version, then whet their appetite with an "upgrade" so they will buy the next one.
I think they’ve made some improvements. Dry fired an early one that had a notable click and notch in the reset. I shoot to reset and that would have driven me nuts. I was going to wait for a custom shop version, but I ran into a screaming deal…. This example has kind of a hump in the reset, but no click. Actually shooting it was a better experience than you’d think from dryfiring it. Magazine wise, mine are fine. I’d seen other reviews where the magazines had been misassembled with the spring not properly hooked into the follower. Mine is accurate and pleasant to shoot.
Great review and solid points on issues. I like all your recommendations. If they fix them😀 which they should and with more aggressive grip, I like it.
I want one. I have no use for optics on a small pistol. I don’t care about the dingy on the trigger. 4 lbs is far beyond fine, for a pocket pistol. The sight radius is not an issue for me. The magazines thing is strange, but I am sure it will be resolved and may just be your sample of one. Thanks for the video.
michael, I emailed Smith about the mag issue. I just received a reply asking me to send the gun and mags back, even though the gun itself is just fine. Stay tuned.
My take on the CSX is pretty similar to yours. My 10 round (and the 12 round) worked just right from the first rounds fired. 300 through it with no malfunctions. Trigger…well, out of the box mine was pretty stiff-forgot to gauge it before the range (I feel like it was certainly over 6 lbs). After 300 rounds if has a 5 pull avg of 4.6. I can live with that :). I agree with you on the grip-cant wait for Talon to get one out there-and also for magazines to be available. My only critical feedback for S&W would be the safety and beaver tail design. Love the ambi (I’m a 1911 guy and a lefty, so I was immediately drawn to it), but I think the safety is a bit too far back-and I hate to say it, but a tiny bit too small. I really want this gun to have a little bit more beavertail-i got a little snakebit to the web of my hand from the first time out with it. I’ll look forward to see what they do with a Performance Center version-It could use the typical S&W Performance Center treatment-certainly the sights!
I know better than to buy version 1.0 of anything, but as a reviewer, I do have to buy the newest guns sometimes. I like the gun, but 2.0 is probably worth the wait - or the Performance Center version, which I presume will hit the market before 2.0.
Bought this gun about 2 weeks ago. No issue on 10 round mag. Mine loads easy with 10 rounds in mag. No reset problems. No hammer bite but I do not have big hands. I like this gun so far. I agree with you as far as sight radius. Probably harder to shoot groups at longer yardages. But for CCW use, this gun is good enough. At 10 to 15 yards it is reliable and accurate. I like the way it feels in my hand and like the way it looks. I like that you can rack the slide with the safety on. My trigger pull is around 4 1/2 lbs. I agree with you on that trigger safety. What purpose does it serve? Over all I'm glad I bought it.
The fish scale slide serrations are sort of a Smith trademark, so I'm surprised the didn't go that route. But, much like the useless trigger tab "safety", I'm sure the decisions were market analysis or focus group driven. As always, thanks for watching.
I have found that the magazine spring is not attached to the follower, and when you push down the spring wants to bulge out, there is a hole in the follower that the spring fits into and the people making the magazines got lazy and did not do there job, so once you finish their job you will not have any more problems with that magazine again.
It's my understanding that was the issue with early mags, but it's since been corrected. Though I could be wrong. Thanks for watching and adding the info.
I'm a 1011 guy as well. This Lil Smith is very refreshing! I want to use it as a back up and a vest pocket go to the corner store for milk gun. Can't wait to see one in the flesh. Good video.
CSX good trigger is a very big plus. Any single action pistol trigger will be compared to the 1911. CSX sights need attention. 3 white dots doesn't work well for some of us. In particular, my aging eyes don't like the white dot on the front sight. The equal height, equal light needs more contrast, so I fill in the dots with a Marks-A-Lot. If the light is good, black on black works well. Like hearing plate rack times. Shoot the rack with your favorite full size 1911, then run the new pistol. Of course, 5" 1911 is a tough benchmark to measure against with a compact or subcompact (but self-defense isn't necessarily always fair). Good review. Always appreciate your candor. Thanks.
I'm with you on the sights, and coloring in with a Sharpie does make them more usable. As to the trigger, the CSX, like the Kimber, Sig and Springfield micro-pistols, has a pivoting trigger, so it will never be quite like a 1911, no matter what they do to it. I change the plate setup for the league every week, so getting an "apples to apples" time with a 1911 will be pretty difficult. I have run a past league set-up with my Bul Armory Government 9mm and I believe I recorded the times, but the set-up was different. I'll have the range review on the Bul coming out shortly.
you had a subscriber at the point you told truth on these triggers with "safeties". I grew up learning to shoot a pistol on an old Colt Woodsman. My Dad would let me take it out as well as an old 11-48 .410 to shoot on the farm. Every time with the admonition to "keep that safety on". He would check when i came back and if the safety was not on whatever I was carrying I lost my gun privileges. Many an accident has been documented because of this trigger design giving a false sense of safety including the famous gun shop vid where a Police Chief gets his Glock trigger caught on the draw string of his pullover while in a gun shop of all places. The result being that he shot himself in the leg on video. Your videos are factual and to the point. Being "entertained" is, unfortunately, an all too large a component of many you tubers. Keep up the good work. I am looking forward to watching your older material as well as your new stuff.
Love this gun this is my new concealed carry had it for about 2 years now have not had an issue with the 10-round mag other than the spring inside being a little tough at first which I had to break in with a metal rod in order to fit that 10th round in but I do not have an issue with seating the magazine in the gun. Also never noticed the false reset that everyone's crying about on RUclips I have tried to mimic everything they are doing to see if I can make it happen even a slow trigger pull and release and still can't trigger the false reset issue. It really is one of the best compact micro 9 carries money can buy unfortunately got a bad rap on RUclips from gun snobss in the beginning. It's a great gun worth buying.
That’s weird about your magazine. I just bought one and mine go in smooth with 10 and 12 rounds. Also I agree 100% I was not going to buy one based on the reviews out there but fell in love with it when I seen in person and after dry firing and feeling it in hand I had to buy it. I love the trigger I do t feel and false reset. Going to shoot tomorrow. Hope to see more vids on this. I bought a couple holsters online but hope to find night sights soon and extra mags. Hope smith starts selling mags soon and hope all the big companies make night sights soon for it.
Jack, I can only guess that there was a batch of mags that weren't assembled correctly. I have read accounts of problems, as well as those that have been just fine. In any event, that never should have slipped past the QC inspectors. Thanks for watching and I'm confident you will enjoy your CSX. And like you, I am waiting for mags - OEM or aftermarket.
@@RidersRange yeah I totally agree that’s horrible that your mag does that! It’s sad all these new guns cost 500-600 bucks and every time they 1st come out it’s like they rushed it and junk slips thru. I got burnt on P365 (but 3rd one I bought years later is perfect) I liked the look of the GX4 from Taurus but seen too many vids where it shot low and sights moved. Thanks for all you do, love the honest videos you saved me from the GX4 and helped me with this CSX purchase.
Thanks for doing this review, well done and explaining the good and bad. I’m going to wait for the PC, OSP and 10 mag fix. So for now I will rotate through with my other pistols.
I'm guessing it will be a while before they come out with a 2.0, though a PC version with an optics cut may be sooner. I'm sure someone will have a better 10-round mag, and maybe a 13-round with a finger extension in the near future. And I know Talon will come through to solve the grip issue in the very near future. Thanks for watching.
Thanks, but if you check my videos (better yet, subscribe to my channel, then check for all my CSX videos), you'll find that I did a review on the mag issue, complete with measurements of the mags - loaded and unloaded - along with the spring/follower issue and fix.
It appears as if the magazine spring is installed backwards, in relation to the follower, randomly on both the 10 and 12 round magazines. This makes the last round difficult to load, makes it difficult to get the magazine to seat in the gun, and makes the slide hard to rack. It also appears to cause misfires. Turning that spring around fixes all of these issues.
@Mark Slayton, thanks for watching and adding the info. I did a short video on the mag issue after I found that the springs in my mags weren't attached to the follower. The last two mags I bought work fine, so I think Smith's mag contractor has fixed the issue.
@@RidersRange So some springs were installed backwards, and some were not attached to the follower at all! I hope we do not have similar quality control issues with the gun itself.
I'm guessing the mags were made under contract, not by Smith, so I can only presume that the mag QC didn't spill over to the gun. Fingers crossed, as the CSX is my summer daily carry gun.
Honestly you wont miss the texturing in those areas.the front and rear grip areas hold your hand like glue and the side smoothness is less irritating to your thumb .I like it just the way it is.
Funny that your 10 round mag was problematic. My issue was with the 12 round mag. I had the same issues you had with both mags initially. Fully loaded, the mags wouldn’t seat. With 9 and 11 they would seat but wouldn’t fall free when loaded. After shooting, I could get 10 rounds in the mag and it would fall free. The 12 round mag would only take 11 and still wouldn’t fall free. I was getting some mild slide bite. Wasn’t horrible but enough to make me pull the gun when I shot it so I didn’t keep it. I found the recoil to be very manageable, and less than my Shield Plus. It’s a good enough gun if they get the mag issue worked out and maybe help that trigger a bit. Just didn’t fit me.
Glad you found the trigger acceptable! That false reset concerns me, too. Its weight of pull is fine in my book, as long as it breaks reasonably cleanly.
Jeff, as you can probably tell from the video, I was pleasantly surprised by a decent trigger and no false reset that others have reported. Now, let's hope Smith can correct the mag issue.
@@RidersRange Yeah. I’m interested, but I think I’ll see if a performance center version comes along with trijicon, rail, optic cut, refined trigger. Can’t expect it to be an SFX9 at its price point, though.
The trigger pull is fine but the reset is what ruins this gun, there's no forcible reset or tactile click that really lets you know it's properly reset, my only issue with it
Hi, I have been looking for an additional carry weapon. I’m Leaning towards the CSX or a Shield plus. My current Shield 2.0 is very accurate and fun to shoot. I’m guessing price will dictate what direction I go. Thanks for the video.
I think I would like to give this pistol a try. If you look at it as a micro carry, it seems okay, but if you look at it like a mini 2011 (ish), it seems pretty good. I had a p238 and p938 and sold them. I like double stack for carry. I am thinking that version 2 will be the one to buy. Thanks for the videos, I enjoy your work.
Interesting little pistol. I passed on it because the grips are a little short and I didn't want to wait and hope for an extended mag. I'm sure I'd like it though
I agree with the mags. They swell, and the fully loaded 10 won't even fit. I use the 12 as the default on the CSX, and I'd love to exchange my 10 round for a 12 from S&W
Great presentation. I really like mine over all, but the trigger, and 12 rd mag could use improvement. By the time I got mine they fixed the 10 round mag issue.
Us 1911 guys like what we like. I do not want a pistol that I can't get a full 3 finger grip on. If S&W makes your recommended mod's, it might be a candidate for my consideration. Thanks, as always.
Thanks for showing this S&W , not for me as I carry the HK VP9SK so I'm happy with that. But thanks for a great review on a latest edition. Stay Strong 💪🙏🇺🇸👍
I do shoot the VP9SK better, or at least faster, than the CSX, but I'm a 1911 guy and I like manual safeties. Just something about carrying a fully cocked gun with no manual safety like the VP9 that doesn't sit well with me. Yeah, I know, I carried a Glock for 24 years without any concern, though they are only around 80-85% cocked. As always, thanks for watching and commenting.
@@RidersRange My 94 yo Farther and I spent a while looking at my Emasary and Kimber LW and he also enjoyed my P220 Elite, He's an Old S&W revolver fan 38 spc . He and I enjoyed the time together.
The thing about making it optics ready, if you look at the slide portion where the optics would sit, cutting into that would be eating into the ejector claw. It doesn't really have much room above, nor room behind the ejector for optics like the shield plus does. And according to the S&W Rep at SHOT (See Arfcom's video on the S&W/CSX booth) there's just no room for it. Unless someone comes out with an even smaller pistol optic.
Good points on the optic cut. I know micro red dots are all the rage these days on carry pistols and they do have some benefits, but I think they are over rated for the vast majority of defensive situations. Thanks for watching and weighing in.
@@RidersRange Have came to the same conclusion as you on red dots for carry guns. Nice for range toys and target shooting, but not edc. Began carrying the VP9SK recently over the G19. Have been considering this one. Love. The HK VP9SK
You could be right. Since Smith and Nighthawk are the only two manufacturers who make guns for the .30 Super Carry, it wouldn't surprise me if that was in the works - assuming that caliber catches on.
Man this is exactly the type of gun I want to support, but it irks me they didn’t go the last five yards on QC, ergonomics, and just strange decisions. What’s with the “thingy” on the 12 rounder?
Some of the features were apparently the product of a committee. The spacer on the 12-round mag is probably designed to keep the mag from over-traveling the mag release when inserting the mag with the slide open and it fills in the gap between the baseplate and grip. However, I would have thought a better baseplate design would have eliminated that spacer.
I had the same problem I couldn't even load the 10th round and when I was able to load it it wouldn't load into the gun so I took the magazine apart and a little hook that is on the spring is supposed to be locked into the follower wasn't locked in once I did it it worked great with the 10-round
I thought about taking my mag apart, but I also believe that Smith needs to be aware of the issue, so I sent a link to the video to their Customer Service. They got back to me and said they wanted the gun and mags back and were going to send me a shipping label, so I didn't touch the mag. I haven't seen a label yet, so I'm going to try your suggestion and not wait for Smith. I plan to do it on video on the procedure and I'll give you credit for the suggestion. Thanks for watching.
I am more concerned of the grip height....is it shorter than the Shield Plus? I try not to print as I carry. And that 10 round mag effectively ONLY holding 9 rounds is concerning.
JP, I compared the CSX side-by-side to the Shield Plus in my initial review of the CSX. The grip height is about the same between the Shield Plus with the 10-round mag and the CSX with the 12-round mag, but the Shield Plus is noticeably taller with the 13-round mag. Surprisingly, the CSX with the 12-round mag is only a small fraction longer than the CSX 10-round mag, but works so much better and actually lets me get a full grip.
@@RidersRange Good to know. Can not wait to see one in my stores. Hopefully the trigger is just as good as the Plus. 12 round mag did look shorter than the 13 in Plus. The Plus I like but have always been a fan of the hammer fired pistols. I have the P938 but the CSX will replace it. Thank You.
I also love mine, though I got a bad 12 rounder with mine. When I took the mag spring out it was literally bent almost 90 degrees in two places lol, never seen anything like it. It tore the hell out of the follower as it did not mate up with it properly. My 10 rounder is flawless though. It loads easy even on the last round, it seats like it should and even ejects easy when full. The 12 rounder on the other hand is so screwed I cant even get more than 4 rounds in it now, I even stood on my speed loader to try and compress it.
I don't know who makes the mags for the CSX, but their QC seems to be lacking. I have a "watch" on a couple sites for the 12-round mags, but they are "out of stock" everywhere.
I'm guessing the incorrectly assembled 10-round mags were just one batch. There are several reports about the problem, but also many who, like you, haven't had any issues. Thanks for watching and commenting.
The issue with the magazines has to do with how they are assembled at the factory. Please contact them if you have this issue. The man that made this video also made a video about how to fix it
Wow! What a disaster on the 10 round magazine issue….And the stupid loose spacer on the 12 round. Weird. Slick grip, mediocre sights, most reviews hate the trigger, no optics cut. I’ll wait for version 2.
I'm guessing the failure to attach the mag spring to the follower was only a problem in a limited batch of the 10-round mags. Once I attached my spring as it was intended, the 10-round mag worked okay. As to the 12-round spacer, it was the cheap way to fill in the gap. I'm just guessing again, but the engineering for a proper mag baseplate for the longer mag would have cost a few pennies more.
Magazines are kinda dumb...but aftermarket will fix that or smith will. I wouldnt want a red dot on this tiny pistol. Grip is excellent in my opinion...it has plenty of traction where you need it. Problem that I have with trigger is the reset...i wish it was more positive. Im hoping that simply putting in a stronger spring will fix that. Trigger dingus while i agree its pointless doesnt really bother me I just hate having to actually move my finger forward to reset trigger insyead of just relaxing my finger and letting trigger push forward...if that makes sense. Other than that trigger on mine is not bad...hardly any takeup and a crisp break. I actually love this gun. Im sure ill buy version 2 as well...thats what great about being able to buy more than 1 gun...you dont have to hold out in hopes that a better version may come out in future. You buy the gun then trade it in when new one comes out or just buy both and have a spare....otherwise you spend your life waiting and hoping.
I reminds me of the Wilson EDC X9S except for the trigger. I think they might be better than the first week's release or batch. I can't wait until the pro shop does their job or an aftermarket trigger comes out.
I would always prefer to wait for 2.0, or the Performance Center model, but you know how the RUclips audience is if a content creator doesn't get in on the ground floor of a new release.
@@RidersRange I got a Llama 1911 double stack 10 rounder 3.5inch barrel that has a 7lbs trigger. The pistol looks pretty much unshot. Is there something I can do to make it better?
That’s weird. I didn’t have that issue loading the mags. I was able to load ten rounds in no problem in both magazines. I didn’t buy the gun, but if I get my hands on another one, I may try again to see if I can replicate your issue.
My LGS only had the one CSX, so I didn't have anything to compare it to. Did you try to insert a fully loaded 10-round mag into the gun with the slide closed?
The longer I watched this, the less I liked the gun. Especially troubling is the mag bulging. Can't recall ever hearing off that problem on other pistols. Seating yes, but not bulging. I do like the mag configuration better than Shield mags, though.
Klaatu58, I'm guessing it's only a matter of time before an aftermarket mag comes out that solves the issue, or Smith corrects it. Hard to believe this 10-round mag design made it past Quality Control.
I have to ask why optics on such a small handgun I understand a full size but not something so small I am sure I am wrong but I am very new to optics on a handgun lol
afigueroa1969, optics on carry pistols are becoming much more popular within the past year or so. (Even the bargain-basement SCCY and Taurus are making micro pistols equipped with optics.) There are advantages and disadvantages, but it takes more than this comment section to cover all the pros and cons. However, I'll give a brief overview from my perspective. (Check the Sage Dynamics channel for much better info on optics.) Pro: Optics allow target focus, rather than front sight focus, which, in theory, is more natural for defensive shooting and permits somewhat faster shooting, and more accurate shooting at distances. This is more important on small pistols that naturally have a short sight radius, as a longer sight radius better facilitates accurate shooting, particularly at a distance of 15 yards or more. (Your mileage may vary.) Con: If you are used to iron sights, red-dots take quite a bit of training to be able to find the dot quickly under stress. Also, there are two kinds of electronic optics - those that have failed, and those that will fail. Most of the time the failure is a depleted battery, so regularly changing batteries (and possibly re-sighting the optic, depending on battery placement) is a must. And, in my opinion, co-witnessed iron sights are mandatory, but not everyone agrees on that. Finally, optics are more susceptible to debris interfering with the emitter, or distortion on the lens, which can also make it impossible to use the back-up iron sights. However, for concealed carriers, these may not be a big issues. Having said all that, I grew up on iron sights and I'm very comfortable with them up close, as well as at a distance (even up to 50 yards with small pistols), and even for quick multi-target shooting. BUT (there's always a "but"), I have been carrying a Staccato C with a Swampfox Sentinel red dot for a year-and-a-half as my primary daily concealed carry gun. And, I have been testing a Kimber R7 Mako - the smallest pistol I have with an optic. I hope this helps. And thanks for watching and asking the question.
I can only hope. I'm guessing that the trigger "drop safety" tab was added because of market analysis. It seems that so many people these days feel that a gun isn't "safe" without that little tab on the trigger, so Smith just had to add it to appease the masses, even on a gun with a thumb safety. If someone has a better answer, I'd love to know.
Greetings and congratulations for your channel, interesting video, could you give me your personal opinion on the following weapons that I specify below: Glock 26, Glock 43x, Mossberg Mc2sc, Sistems Shadow CR920 and if you had to choose one which one would you choose, a hug for you and your Family from Caracas Venezuela, that you continue wonderfully.
Thank you for watching and greetings from Michigan. I carried a Glock 27 for the final 10 years of my career, but if I had to do it all over again and had to select between the 26 and 27, I would probably opt for the G26. (But I'd rather go with the G48, or better yet, the Sig P365XL with the right modifications.) I did a side-by-side of the 26 and 27 a few months ago. My daughter likes her G43X, but of all the Glock pistols for carry, I prefer the G48 (with a few modifications). I wasn't personally excited about the Mossberg MC1sc or MC2sc, but you can go back to my reviews on them to help formulate your own opinion. The Shadow Systems CR920 looks interesting, but I haven't handled one, so I can't render an opinion, other than it looks like it is what a Glock could have been with a little imagination. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Showtime, check out my follow-up video where I explained the problem how the 10-round mag was improperly assembled assembled at the factory and how it was easily fixed.
Im trying to like this gun but I really dont get it.. We already have the Sig P938 and the Kimber Micro 9 has been around for ever now so I really just dont get it so what am I missing here with the CSX?
@jshannono5771, that's where H&K shines with their VP9 and P30 series. The side panels on this CSX are integral with the "large" back strap, but when the "small" back strap is installed, there is nothing but bare untextured aluminum on both sides of the grip. Talon will come to the rescue.
That magazine is crazy and dangerous for someone possibly needing to save their life. What if there is a miss feed , good luck doing anything under stress. How could something like that leave production. nobody tested that scenario ? Totally not acceptable, and I wanted to like it. Ill stick with my sig even though I am interested in going with a hammer fire gun from a striker fired one.
Len, I agree. I won't carry that gun until I can get another 12-round mag for it (backordered everywhere). The "10-round" is a non-starter. How that made it past QC is beyond me. Thanks for watching.
Is it because its a double stack 9mm is that why this gun is special? I dont get it.. Everyone says the Sig 365 is the first micro double stack 9mm however Kel Tec it loooong ago back in the 90s with the P-11 which to this very day is still lighter than both of those guns so once again I dont get it but Ive been keepin up with this junk for a long time now.
The 365 is a striker-fired pistol (with or without a safety), while the CSX is a single-action only hammer-fired gun. In theory, it should have a better trigger. Plus, the frame is aluminum, not polymer.
I think its because its a metal frame single action high capacity micro 9? I admit I could be missing a few but I dont know of many in the same class...yea the kimber micro 9 is roughly the same size and I love mine...but it holds 5 less rounds....if you dont get it simply dont buy one I guess lol?
@@nonyabiz9487 im not sure...its definitly abit heavier than other polymers of its size. Thats why I like it...its not like its gonna be unbearably heavy...lol its a tiny little thimg and its aluminium not steel. The extra weight makes it feel like a weapon instead of a toy. Just my opinion of course...if u want light as possible there are plenty of options...if u want something with a bit of heft to dampen recoil this is one of yhe few options. Silly to me would be yet another polymer framed micro 9...how many of those do we need for petes sake?
_"It feels different"_ _"I don't like it but I don't hate it"._ The S&W CSX main issue is a harder to pull trigger on A SINGLE ACTION GUN. Maybe why thay problem was the last thing covered in the last video (Part 2). That should have been the 1st thing covered and every gun video talks about gun triggers. Almost annoyingly. Anyway, test this one as the CSX may become a flop.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Only time will tell is the CSX catches on, but I think it is targeted to a rather limited audience. Having said (written) that, I have really come to like the CSX for summer carry.
@@RidersRange I carry a Glock 43X. My hands✋️are size XXL so I am pretty sure the S&W CSX is too small for me. My history of *_concealed carry_* is: - S&W Airweight 642 (38 Special plus P) in Las Vegas - Bersa Tunder 380 in Las Vegas - CZ 100 (9mm) in Las Vegas (terrible long trigger IMO- the only gun I have owned that had a "bad" trigger) - Glock 26 in Las Vegas & Alsaka - Makarov PM (Soviet & Bulgarian) in Las Vegas & Alaska - Glock 42 (.380 ACP) in Alaska - Glock 43 (9mm) in Alaska - Glock 43X (9mm) in Alaska and North Carolina The Glock 43X is my only handgun now. I only have one handgun as I use a (1) shotgun and two (2) AK-47 rifles for self-defense or more precisely *home defense.* The rifles are really just military collectables that if needed can of course be used in a _Mark and Patricia McCloskey_ home 🏡 defense scenario _(they were pardoned by the Missouri Governor btw)._ Anyway, my present CCW/concealed carry gun is still a little small for me but works at hitting targets and is easy to conceal all year. Thus, the smaller CSX is not a fit for me _besides it's good and bad characteristics (I mentioned only one, there are other not so good things about the gun)._ S&W is a very large seller of arms in the USA 🇺🇸. They will be just find if the CSX is a flop. But if S&W makes an improved version of the CSX that addresses its "issues" (let's say a CSX ver.2 or Gen. 2) then I would endorse it 💯 percent for smaller handed ✋️ people. But in reality, there are so many small great carry guns on the market that are proven (SIG P365/P365XL, Glock 43/43X, the S&W Shield their own very successful concealed carry pistol)... That I just cannot say the CSX is *_the one._* EDIT: *_Happy Memorial Day!_*
I agree. It seems that many manufacturers are sending out products that haven't been thoroughly tested. Springfield and Sig have had their share of issues in the past few years.
Daniel, the Shield may have been the best thing going when it was introduced back in 2012, but it is only a single stack - okay, staggered single stack, but not a double stack. When the P365 was introduced in 2017 it topped the Shield by offering more capacity in a smaller package and the P365 quickly became the best selling handgun in America. So, while my claim of the "Gold Standard" may be somewhat subjective, I believe the data supports it.
@@danielbrown558 the grip circumference on the P365 and 365XL was my main complaint. Initially, I put a Hogue HandAll grip sleeve on both guns. I just recently put the Wilson Combat grip module on my 365XL and that is somewhere between the original and the Hogue and feels MUCH better than the original. (Check my review on the Wilson module.) As to the Shield Plus, it's a nice gun, but I like hammer fired guns (I'm a 1911 guy), so the CSX suits me better. But that's just me. Different guns for different folks.
Even the Springfield EMP Ronin is larger than the CSX and last time I checked, it wasn't available with an optics cut. However, I see that Kimber is now offering the Micro 9 with an optic.
There are some general similarities. Springfield has been increasing their product line lately, so maybe they'll add a double-stack version of the 911. Thanks for watching.
It's supposed to be the other way around - small for carry, large for range. Everything about a carry gun is a compromise, but the companies making micro-pistols seem to be trying to out-do each other with small. Thanks for watching.
I own the CSX also. Really enjoyed your review. I am not usually a long range shooter, but I shot this mostly at 25 yards. I was amazed at how well I did. I was able to place my rounds where I wanted them. My worst shot when doing head shot practice for a terrorist holding a hostage I pierced his ear for him. All the others rounds went where I placed them. I did find I prefer the left handed mag release, even tho I am right handed. So that is how I am running mine. Thank you for your video !!! Hope your channel continues to grow. Come on people, don’t just watch, Hit Like & Subscribe !!! Help this man get paid for making these Great Videos !!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Smith & Wesson has a great idea with this guy but they should have made it in a double action for one reason if you are not familiar with a single action gun and you're carrying the gun with the hammer caught it just don't make sense to carry a gun like that with the able to fire once when the safeties dropped they should have made it a double action for the less experience gun owners that are used to pull the trigger and the gun goes off if if the hammer is caught all the time it's a big safety hazard someone will shoot themselves that's what he should make it a double action I prefer to single action because I am used to when I draw a gun with a single action I caught the Hammer as I'm pulling
I'm guessing Smith & Wesson did their market research before designing this gun. It appears to be intended for the folks who like the 1911 platform, or the micro guns like the Kimber Micro 9, Sig P938, Springfield 911, etc., but want a little more capacity. A 1911 is my choice for a carry gun 9 months of the year, so I appreciate the similar manual of arms for the CSX for my summer gun. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Re-Watching all my S&W CSX videos again, now that it’s been a couple of years. From a number of videos I’ve watched, the CSX is very accurate to about 15 yds, then drops from there. I’d have to say that anything past that 15 yards would be a stretch to claim self-defense… but that could be a state to state issue. For its intended use, I love my CSX. No complaints at all. Mine still has the “false reset”, but in shooting, I only hang up when I try to ride the trigger. When I forget about the issue, I shoots perfectly well.
Thanks for watching. My CSX is on my right hip as I'm typing this reply. Now I'm thinking I may need to take it out for some exercise, maybe at my 25 yard and even 50 yard plates.
I must admit that I was a bit surprised that it went home with you, but as I watched your video I understood why. We must’ve gotten a bad batch locally because I handled seven different CSX with the hope that one of them would have a better trigger than my review sample and all of them were exactly the same. I’ll keep trying to find one with a decent trigger. I think that Smith & Wesson did a lot of things right with this little pistol and I look forward to the next generations of it. Thank you very much for the video!
I'm guessing yours was in a very early production run and mine came after Smith addressed whatever caused the issue on yours. Thank you for watching and commenting.
I got a good one a Beechgrove firearms on south side.
I suspect they’ve made small improvements in the later ones. Based on handing an early one and the reviews I was going to wait for a Custom Shop version, but then I ran into a screaming deal.
Mine does not have a false reset click, but kind of a hump in the reset. I do shoot to reset, but actually firing the thing I had no issues whatsoever with trigger reset or anything else.
Fits my hand better than the other micro 9’s out there, and I shoot 1911’s quite a bit.
The trigger does have a bit of creep, but breaks predictably.
Outstanding shooting at 15 yards with that small gun!
That little gun was surprisingly accurate out of the box. Thanks for watching.
Another very good review! My favorite small plastic pistols are the Hellcat & Shield Plus these days. & Larger then those, the good old Glock 26. I have Sold my Sig P365, and my P365XL….. I just did not care for them long term. Anyway, my Best to you and your viewers. 🤠👍👮🏻♂️🇺🇸⭐️. B9USA Sr.
I tried a couple Hellcats, but could never warm up to them. The Shield Plus works okay for me, but I like the 1911-style manual of arms. And the CSX was a pleasant surprise. As always, thanks for watching and stay safe.
Surprised you sold the 365's. I also have both of them. Loved the P365 right away with its' good trigger and shootability, but didn't like the much grittier & heavier XL's trigger. But polishing the striker and sear made the XL's trigger almost as good as the 365. Now, I also have the Performance center Shield Plus 4" ported barrel and also like it as it shoots like a bigger gun and has an amazing trigger. But I'll take the 365XL as it now shoots close to the Shield Plus BUT also has those amazing night sights which work in all lighting conditions, & not so with the Shields fiber optic sights. The XL is also a bit smaller, but not enough to matter. For daylight shooting, the Shield takes it. For carry & low light shooting, the XL takes it. And the XL doesn't have any hard slide racking with a full magazine, which can really slow your shooting down. Because of these issues as stated above, I believe the XL will not let you down when you really need it the most. That's why I carry the 365's.
I hope they keep refining this gun. I just love mine.
I love my CSX from the very second I opened the box... surprisingly didn't find the trigger an issue at all ...about a 1000 rounds through it now..n I love it even more..thanx for liking it too...great video!!🤙🤙
Thank you for watching.
Agreed! Me, too!
this one of the best channels on youtube, very good info in all these videos
Bill, thank you very much for watching and for the generous compliment.
I bought one last weekend, and I can't wait to get it. Have wanted one for two years.
You have the best voice in any gun video I've ever watched.
Thank you for the compliment.
Another excellent video. You are becoming my favorite reviewer, keep up the good work on the 1911s.
Thank you for watching and for the kind compliment.
Yes 25 yards can be done with the CSX. I've found 20 yards to really be the sweet spot. I put Traction grips on mine.
Thank you for watching and adding your thoughts.
This was probably the best review I’ve seen on the csx. I bought one also, and agree with everything you’ve said, except I haven’t had any issue with purchase on the handle. The look of the grip is a little odd, and I think someone will sell a lot of grip tape on this handle. I’ve got to get more time on mine, I’ve only shot it 5-7yd distance. Amazingly it does not feel like a small gun in hand, and I take L-XL gloves. The trigger safety hasn’t bothered me as it is wide and compresses easily. All in all I really enjoy it.
Bob, thank you for watching and for the detailed comment.
I couldn't agree more about the trigger tab. Thank you for the great review.
Sid, thank you for watching and commenting.
@@RidersRange I've been very interested in this gun. I think they woulda knocked it out of the park, had they just put a regular trigger and tritium sights on it.
In typical S&W style, they have to leave something off so they can first do a Performance Center model, then a 2.0. Get a lot of folks to buy the first version, then whet their appetite with an "upgrade" so they will buy the next one.
Huh, I got my CSX yesterday and I can load 10 no problem and I haven't felt the trigger issues either...
I must have git a good one. 👍🏻
Thanks for watching and commenting. It appears that Smith's contractor fixed the mag issue shortly after the initial release.
I think they’ve made some improvements. Dry fired an early one that had a notable click and notch in the reset. I shoot to reset and that would have driven me nuts.
I was going to wait for a custom shop version, but I ran into a screaming deal…. This example has kind of a hump in the reset, but no click. Actually shooting it was a better experience than you’d think from dryfiring it.
Magazine wise, mine are fine. I’d seen other reviews where the magazines had been misassembled with the spring not properly hooked into the follower.
Mine is accurate and pleasant to shoot.
Great review and solid points on issues. I like all your recommendations. If they fix them😀 which they should and with more aggressive grip, I like it.
We'll see what they do with version 2.0, though I bet we won't see it this year.
I just bought one, and I love it! Best concealed carry pistol I've had so far! I give it thumbs up as well!! 👍👍
Thank you for watching and commenting. BTW, my CSX is in a holster on my hip as I type this reply.
Same here. Will not carry another make or model of subcompact pistol again.
I want one. I have no use for optics on a small pistol. I don’t care about the dingy on the trigger. 4 lbs is far beyond fine, for a pocket pistol. The sight radius is not an issue for me. The magazines thing is strange, but I am sure it will be resolved and may just be your sample of one. Thanks for the video.
michael, I emailed Smith about the mag issue. I just received a reply asking me to send the gun and mags back, even though the gun itself is just fine. Stay tuned.
My take on the CSX is pretty similar to yours. My 10 round (and the 12 round) worked just right from the first rounds fired. 300 through it with no malfunctions. Trigger…well, out of the box mine was pretty stiff-forgot to gauge it before the range (I feel like it was certainly over 6 lbs). After 300 rounds if has a 5 pull avg of 4.6. I can live with that :). I agree with you on the grip-cant wait for Talon to get one out there-and also for magazines to be available. My only critical feedback for S&W would be the safety and beaver tail design. Love the ambi (I’m a 1911 guy and a lefty, so I was immediately drawn to it), but I think the safety is a bit too far back-and I hate to say it, but a tiny bit too small. I really want this gun to have a little bit more beavertail-i got a little snakebit to the web of my hand from the first time out with it. I’ll look forward to see what they do with a Performance Center version-It could use the typical S&W Performance Center treatment-certainly the sights!
I agree that the PC update may take care of some of the issues. Thanks for watching.
Seriously looking at this as a subcompact "1911"ish to go with my EDC X9. Definitely wait for the v2 with the Optics ready.
I know better than to buy version 1.0 of anything, but as a reviewer, I do have to buy the newest guns sometimes. I like the gun, but 2.0 is probably worth the wait - or the Performance Center version, which I presume will hit the market before 2.0.
The ten round magazine is definitely a flaw they need to correct.
Thorough objective review as always, appreciated 👍🏼
Angus, thank you for watching. I'm waiting for my return label from Smith. They want the gun and mags back to look at the issue.
Bought this gun about 2 weeks ago. No issue on 10 round mag. Mine loads easy with 10 rounds in mag. No reset problems. No hammer bite but I do not have big hands. I like this gun so far. I agree with you as far as sight radius. Probably harder to shoot groups at longer yardages. But for CCW use, this gun is good enough. At 10 to 15 yards it is reliable and accurate. I like the way it feels in my hand and like the way it looks. I like that you can rack the slide with the safety on. My trigger pull is around 4 1/2 lbs. I agree with you on that trigger safety. What purpose does it serve? Over all I'm glad I bought it.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
I knew you were going to buy this pistol! S&W made a wise choice when they didn’t use the fish scale serrations. Thanks for Sharing! 👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
The fish scale slide serrations are sort of a Smith trademark, so I'm surprised the didn't go that route. But, much like the useless trigger tab "safety", I'm sure the decisions were market analysis or focus group driven. As always, thanks for watching.
I have found that the magazine spring is not attached to the follower, and when you push down the spring wants to bulge out, there is a hole in the follower that the spring fits into and the people making the magazines got lazy and did not do there job, so once you finish their job you will not have any more problems with that magazine again.
It's my understanding that was the issue with early mags, but it's since been corrected. Though I could be wrong. Thanks for watching and adding the info.
Thanks for your honest opinion! Greetings from Carolina PR!
Thanks for watching.
I'm a 1011 guy as well.
This Lil Smith is very refreshing!
I want to use it as a back up and a vest pocket go to the corner store for milk gun.
Can't wait to see one in the flesh.
Good video.
Thank you for watching and commenting.
CSX good trigger is a very big plus. Any single action pistol trigger will be compared to the 1911. CSX sights need attention. 3 white dots doesn't work well for some of us. In particular, my aging eyes don't like the white dot on the front sight. The equal height, equal light needs more contrast, so I fill in the dots with a Marks-A-Lot. If the light is good, black on black works well.
Like hearing plate rack times. Shoot the rack with your favorite full size 1911, then run the new pistol. Of course, 5" 1911 is a tough benchmark to measure against with a compact or subcompact (but self-defense isn't necessarily always fair). Good review. Always appreciate your candor. Thanks.
I'm with you on the sights, and coloring in with a Sharpie does make them more usable. As to the trigger, the CSX, like the Kimber, Sig and Springfield micro-pistols, has a pivoting trigger, so it will never be quite like a 1911, no matter what they do to it.
I change the plate setup for the league every week, so getting an "apples to apples" time with a 1911 will be pretty difficult. I have run a past league set-up with my Bul Armory Government 9mm and I believe I recorded the times, but the set-up was different. I'll have the range review on the Bul coming out shortly.
you had a subscriber at the point you told truth on these triggers with "safeties". I grew up learning to shoot a pistol on an old Colt Woodsman. My Dad would let me take it out as well as an old 11-48 .410 to shoot on the farm. Every time with the admonition to "keep that safety on". He would check when i came back and if the safety was not on whatever I was carrying I lost my gun privileges. Many an accident has been documented because of this trigger design giving a false sense of safety including the famous gun shop vid where a Police Chief gets his Glock trigger caught on the draw string of his pullover while in a gun shop of all places. The result being that he shot himself in the leg on video. Your videos are factual and to the point. Being "entertained" is, unfortunately, an all too large a component of many you tubers. Keep up the good work. I am looking forward to watching your older material as well as your new stuff.
WT Harris, thank you very much for watching and subscribing - and for your kind words.
I took a gun safety course early in my shooting experience, and the instructor told of a similar police officer malfunction!
Love this gun this is my new concealed carry had it for about 2 years now have not had an issue with the 10-round mag other than the spring inside being a little tough at first which I had to break in with a metal rod in order to fit that 10th round in but I do not have an issue with seating the magazine in the gun. Also never noticed the false reset that everyone's crying about on RUclips I have tried to mimic everything they are doing to see if I can make it happen even a slow trigger pull and release and still can't trigger the false reset issue. It really is one of the best compact micro 9 carries money can buy unfortunately got a bad rap on RUclips from gun snobss in the beginning. It's a great gun worth buying.
Thank you for watching and adding your experience with the CSX.
That’s weird about your magazine. I just bought one and mine go in smooth with 10 and 12 rounds. Also I agree 100% I was not going to buy one based on the reviews out there but fell in love with it when I seen in person and after dry firing and feeling it in hand I had to buy it. I love the trigger I do t feel and false reset. Going to shoot tomorrow. Hope to see more vids on this. I bought a couple holsters online but hope to find night sights soon and extra mags. Hope smith starts selling mags soon and hope all the big companies make night sights soon for it.
Jack, I can only guess that there was a batch of mags that weren't assembled correctly. I have read accounts of problems, as well as those that have been just fine. In any event, that never should have slipped past the QC inspectors.
Thanks for watching and I'm confident you will enjoy your CSX. And like you, I am waiting for mags - OEM or aftermarket.
@@RidersRange yeah I totally agree that’s horrible that your mag does that! It’s sad all these new guns cost 500-600 bucks and every time they 1st come out it’s like they rushed it and junk slips thru. I got burnt on P365 (but 3rd one I bought years later is perfect) I liked the look of the GX4 from Taurus but seen too many vids where it shot low and sights moved. Thanks for all you do, love the honest videos you saved me from the GX4 and helped me with this CSX purchase.
Thanks for doing this review, well done and explaining the good and bad. I’m going to wait for the PC, OSP and 10 mag fix.
So for now I will rotate through with my other pistols.
I'm guessing it will be a while before they come out with a 2.0, though a PC version with an optics cut may be sooner. I'm sure someone will have a better 10-round mag, and maybe a 13-round with a finger extension in the near future. And I know Talon will come through to solve the grip issue in the very near future. Thanks for watching.
Great review. Too bad S&W didn't release it optics ready.
I'm hopeful that Smith will release a Performance Center model that will be optics ready.
If you take your magazine apart you might find the spring is not seated properly
Thanks, but if you check my videos (better yet, subscribe to my channel, then check for all my CSX videos), you'll find that I did a review on the mag issue, complete with measurements of the mags - loaded and unloaded - along with the spring/follower issue and fix.
It appears as if the magazine spring is installed backwards, in relation to the follower, randomly on both the 10 and 12 round magazines. This makes the last round difficult to load, makes it difficult to get the magazine to seat in the gun, and makes the slide hard to rack. It also appears to cause misfires. Turning that spring around fixes all of these issues.
@Mark Slayton, thanks for watching and adding the info. I did a short video on the mag issue after I found that the springs in my mags weren't attached to the follower. The last two mags I bought work fine, so I think Smith's mag contractor has fixed the issue.
@@RidersRange So some springs were installed backwards, and some were not attached to the follower at all! I hope we do not have similar quality control issues with the gun itself.
I'm guessing the mags were made under contract, not by Smith, so I can only presume that the mag QC didn't spill over to the gun. Fingers crossed, as the CSX is my summer daily carry gun.
some rubberized talon grips on the smooth areas would indeed be amazing
Talon is waiting for their sample from Smith. They hope to have Talon grips available in the near future. When they are, I hope to do a review.
@@RidersRange they have them now(-:
I don't see the CSX grip package on the Talon website yet.
Honestly you wont miss the texturing in those areas.the front and rear grip areas hold your hand like glue and the side smoothness is less irritating to your thumb .I like it just the way it is.
Funny that your 10 round mag was problematic. My issue was with the 12 round mag. I had the same issues you had with both mags initially. Fully loaded, the mags wouldn’t seat. With 9 and 11 they would seat but wouldn’t fall free when loaded. After shooting, I could get 10 rounds in the mag and it would fall free. The 12 round mag would only take 11 and still wouldn’t fall free. I was getting some mild slide bite. Wasn’t horrible but enough to make me pull the gun when I shot it so I didn’t keep it. I found the recoil to be very manageable, and less than my Shield Plus. It’s a good enough gun if they get the mag issue worked out and maybe help that trigger a bit. Just didn’t fit me.
Thank you for watching and commenting.
Glad you found the trigger acceptable! That false reset concerns me, too. Its weight of pull is fine in my book, as long as it breaks reasonably cleanly.
Jeff, as you can probably tell from the video, I was pleasantly surprised by a decent trigger and no false reset that others have reported. Now, let's hope Smith can correct the mag issue.
@@RidersRange Yeah. I’m interested, but I think I’ll see if a performance center version comes along with trijicon, rail, optic cut, refined trigger. Can’t expect it to be an SFX9 at its price point, though.
👍👍
The trigger pull is fine but the reset is what ruins this gun, there's no forcible reset or tactile click that really lets you know it's properly reset, my only issue with it
Im getting one of these over kimber micro, selling my pos kahr k9 at the gun show at the end of the month
You’ve posted the exact same message about your “pos Kahr” on every CSX video on YT….🤦♂️.
Great presentation, as usual. Thank you!
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Hi, I have been looking for an additional carry weapon. I’m Leaning towards the CSX or a Shield plus. My current Shield 2.0 is very accurate and fun to shoot.
I’m guessing price will dictate what direction I go. Thanks for the video.
Whatever you select, it has to feel right and shoot right for you. Thanks for watching.
I think I would like to give this pistol a try. If you look at it as a micro carry, it seems okay, but if you look at it like a mini 2011 (ish), it seems pretty good. I had a p238 and p938 and sold them. I like double stack for carry. I am thinking that version 2 will be the one to buy. Thanks for the videos, I enjoy your work.
I wonder how long before Springfield, Kimber or Sig comes out with a double-stack version of their micro-pistols.
Interesting little pistol. I passed on it because the grips are a little short and I didn't want to wait and hope for an extended mag. I'm sure I'd like it though
I'm guessing it won't be long for someone to come out with longer mags. As always, thank you for watching and commenting.
I agree with the mags.
They swell, and the fully loaded 10 won't even fit.
I use the 12 as the default on the CSX, and I'd love to exchange my 10 round for a 12 from S&W
Did you try the fix I posted in a follow-up video?
Great presentation. I really like mine over all, but the trigger, and 12 rd mag could use improvement. By the time I got mine they fixed the 10 round mag issue.
Agreed. Thanks for watching.
My 10rd mag works fine. But i just bought mine a week ago,so they must have fixed it. But all in all i love mine great little gun.
Thank you for watching and commenting.
Us 1911 guys like what we like. I do not want a pistol that I can't get a full 3 finger grip on. If S&W makes your recommended mod's, it might be a candidate for my consideration. Thanks, as always.
I'm hoping for a 2.0 in the near future.
Thanks for showing this S&W , not for me as I carry the HK VP9SK so I'm happy with that. But thanks for a great review on a latest edition. Stay Strong 💪🙏🇺🇸👍
I do shoot the VP9SK better, or at least faster, than the CSX, but I'm a 1911 guy and I like manual safeties. Just something about carrying a fully cocked gun with no manual safety like the VP9 that doesn't sit well with me. Yeah, I know, I carried a Glock for 24 years without any concern, though they are only around 80-85% cocked. As always, thanks for watching and commenting.
@@RidersRange My 94 yo Farther and I spent a while looking at my Emasary and Kimber LW and he also enjoyed my P220 Elite, He's an Old S&W revolver fan 38 spc . He and I enjoyed the time together.
That's some of the most valuable time and memories. Thanks for sharing.
The thing about making it optics ready, if you look at the slide portion where the optics would sit, cutting into that would be eating into the ejector claw. It doesn't really have much room above, nor room behind the ejector for optics like the shield plus does. And according to the S&W Rep at SHOT (See Arfcom's video on the S&W/CSX booth) there's just no room for it. Unless someone comes out with an even smaller pistol optic.
Good points on the optic cut. I know micro red dots are all the rage these days on carry pistols and they do have some benefits, but I think they are over rated for the vast majority of defensive situations. Thanks for watching and weighing in.
@@RidersRange Have came to the same conclusion as you on red dots for carry guns. Nice for range toys and target shooting, but not edc. Began carrying the VP9SK recently over the G19. Have been considering this one. Love. The HK VP9SK
Looks like a candidate for the super 30 round for ever more capacity.
You could be right. Since Smith and Nighthawk are the only two manufacturers who make guns for the .30 Super Carry, it wouldn't surprise me if that was in the works - assuming that caliber catches on.
yes needs standard 30 round magazines. 😊
Man this is exactly the type of gun I want to support, but it irks me they didn’t go the last five yards on QC, ergonomics, and just strange decisions. What’s with the “thingy” on the 12 rounder?
Some of the features were apparently the product of a committee. The spacer on the 12-round mag is probably designed to keep the mag from over-traveling the mag release when inserting the mag with the slide open and it fills in the gap between the baseplate and grip. However, I would have thought a better baseplate design would have eliminated that spacer.
I had the same problem I couldn't even load the 10th round and when I was able to load it it wouldn't load into the gun so I took the magazine apart and a little hook that is on the spring is supposed to be locked into the follower wasn't locked in once I did it it worked great with the 10-round
I thought about taking my mag apart, but I also believe that Smith needs to be aware of the issue, so I sent a link to the video to their Customer Service. They got back to me and said they wanted the gun and mags back and were going to send me a shipping label, so I didn't touch the mag. I haven't seen a label yet, so I'm going to try your suggestion and not wait for Smith. I plan to do it on video on the procedure and I'll give you credit for the suggestion. Thanks for watching.
thank you for the second part this was great
Thanks for watching and commenting.
I am more concerned of the grip height....is it shorter than the Shield Plus? I try not to print as I carry. And that 10 round mag effectively ONLY holding 9 rounds is concerning.
JP, I compared the CSX side-by-side to the Shield Plus in my initial review of the CSX. The grip height is about the same between the Shield Plus with the 10-round mag and the CSX with the 12-round mag, but the Shield Plus is noticeably taller with the 13-round mag. Surprisingly, the CSX with the 12-round mag is only a small fraction longer than the CSX 10-round mag, but works so much better and actually lets me get a full grip.
@@RidersRange Good to know. Can not wait to see one in my stores. Hopefully the trigger is just as good as the Plus. 12 round mag did look shorter than the 13 in Plus. The Plus I like but have always been a fan of the hammer fired pistols. I have the P938 but the CSX will replace it. Thank You.
Great little carry gun. You will never go wrong buying a Smith.....Great video. Thanks
It did pleasantly surprise me. Thanks for watching.
I also love mine, though I got a bad 12 rounder with mine. When I took the mag spring out it was literally bent almost 90 degrees in two places lol, never seen anything like it. It tore the hell out of the follower as it did not mate up with it properly. My 10 rounder is flawless though. It loads easy even on the last round, it seats like it should and even ejects easy when full. The 12 rounder on the other hand is so screwed I cant even get more than 4 rounds in it now, I even stood on my speed loader to try and compress it.
I don't know who makes the mags for the CSX, but their QC seems to be lacking. I have a "watch" on a couple sites for the 12-round mags, but they are "out of stock" everywhere.
a great vid thanks for the time you put into doing this
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
I haven’t had any issues with the mags they load up fine and lock in the gun just fine
I'm guessing the incorrectly assembled 10-round mags were just one batch. There are several reports about the problem, but also many who, like you, haven't had any issues. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@RidersRange is it something wd can fix outselves by taking it apart?
@@TheScottyp1 I would say the mags are out of spec for the firearm I would just call S&W and get new mags
@@michaelanthonyanderson4404 i tried they told me to kick rocks
The issue with the magazines has to do with how they are assembled at the factory. Please contact them if you have this issue. The man that made this video also made a video about how to fix it
Thanks for watching and plugging my follow-up video.
Sad on the mag, the msrp of 600.00 is a bit of a turnoff. Nice honest review as we came to expect from Riders Range
As always, thank you for watching.
Add another $150.00 minimum for a certified Gunsmith trigger job.
Wow! What a disaster on the 10 round magazine issue….And the stupid loose spacer on the 12 round. Weird. Slick grip, mediocre sights, most reviews hate the trigger, no optics cut. I’ll wait for version 2.
I'm guessing the failure to attach the mag spring to the follower was only a problem in a limited batch of the 10-round mags. Once I attached my spring as it was intended, the 10-round mag worked okay. As to the 12-round spacer, it was the cheap way to fill in the gap. I'm just guessing again, but the engineering for a proper mag baseplate for the longer mag would have cost a few pennies more.
Magazines are kinda dumb...but aftermarket will fix that or smith will. I wouldnt want a red dot on this tiny pistol. Grip is excellent in my opinion...it has plenty of traction where you need it. Problem that I have with trigger is the reset...i wish it was more positive. Im hoping that simply putting in a stronger spring will fix that. Trigger dingus while i agree its pointless doesnt really bother me I just hate having to actually move my finger forward to reset trigger insyead of just relaxing my finger and letting trigger push forward...if that makes sense. Other than that trigger on mine is not bad...hardly any takeup and a crisp break. I actually love this gun. Im sure ill buy version 2 as well...thats what great about being able to buy more than 1 gun...you dont have to hold out in hopes that a better version may come out in future. You buy the gun then trade it in when new one comes out or just buy both and have a spare....otherwise you spend your life waiting and hoping.
I reminds me of the Wilson EDC X9S except for the trigger. I think they might be better than the first week's release or batch. I can't wait until the pro shop does their job or an aftermarket trigger comes out.
I would always prefer to wait for 2.0, or the Performance Center model, but you know how the RUclips audience is if a content creator doesn't get in on the ground floor of a new release.
@@RidersRange I got a Llama 1911 double stack 10 rounder 3.5inch barrel that has a 7lbs trigger. The pistol looks pretty much unshot. Is there something I can do to make it better?
So it looks like it could work as a back up for a 1911 / 2011 duty pistol like we talked about
I agree. Thanks for watching.
That’s weird. I didn’t have that issue loading the mags. I was able to load ten rounds in no problem in both magazines. I didn’t buy the gun, but if I get my hands on another one, I may try again to see if I can replicate your issue.
My LGS only had the one CSX, so I didn't have anything to compare it to. Did you try to insert a fully loaded 10-round mag into the gun with the slide closed?
@@RidersRange I did it with the slide open.
Did you notice a lot of friction when inserting a full mag into the gun?
@@RidersRange No, I didn't notice that at all. Next time I see one I will try it with the slide closed.
@Affordable Armory, I sent an inquiry to S&W (with a link to the video). It will be interesting to see what they say - IF they bother to answer.
The longer I watched this, the less I liked the gun. Especially troubling is the mag bulging. Can't recall ever hearing off that problem on other pistols. Seating yes, but not bulging. I do like the mag configuration better than Shield mags, though.
Klaatu58, I'm guessing it's only a matter of time before an aftermarket mag comes out that solves the issue, or Smith corrects it. Hard to believe this 10-round mag design made it past Quality Control.
@@RidersRange If it doesn't happen with the 12-round mag and it's not a commonly reported issue, maybe you simply got a 10-round mag lemon.
That's possible. I'm still trying to find more mags for comparison, but backordered everywhere.
So I actually like this gun a lot. The quality of S&W is really good for the little price you pay.
I'm with you. Some have complained about the price, but I agree it's not out of line for what it is. Thanks for watching.
Talon slide grips for 10 bucks makes an amazing difference on all the guns I own
Thanks for watching and adding your thoughts.
I have to ask why optics on such a small handgun I understand a full size but not something so small I am sure I am wrong but I am very new to optics on a handgun lol
afigueroa1969, optics on carry pistols are becoming much more popular within the past year or so. (Even the bargain-basement SCCY and Taurus are making micro pistols equipped with optics.) There are advantages and disadvantages, but it takes more than this comment section to cover all the pros and cons. However, I'll give a brief overview from my perspective. (Check the Sage Dynamics channel for much better info on optics.)
Pro: Optics allow target focus, rather than front sight focus, which, in theory, is more natural for defensive shooting and permits somewhat faster shooting, and more accurate shooting at distances. This is more important on small pistols that naturally have a short sight radius, as a longer sight radius better facilitates accurate shooting, particularly at a distance of 15 yards or more. (Your mileage may vary.)
Con: If you are used to iron sights, red-dots take quite a bit of training to be able to find the dot quickly under stress. Also, there are two kinds of electronic optics - those that have failed, and those that will fail. Most of the time the failure is a depleted battery, so regularly changing batteries (and possibly re-sighting the optic, depending on battery placement) is a must. And, in my opinion, co-witnessed iron sights are mandatory, but not everyone agrees on that. Finally, optics are more susceptible to debris interfering with the emitter, or distortion on the lens, which can also make it impossible to use the back-up iron sights. However, for concealed carriers, these may not be a big issues.
Having said all that, I grew up on iron sights and I'm very comfortable with them up close, as well as at a distance (even up to 50 yards with small pistols), and even for quick multi-target shooting. BUT (there's always a "but"), I have been carrying a Staccato C with a Swampfox Sentinel red dot for a year-and-a-half as my primary daily concealed carry gun. And, I have been testing a Kimber R7 Mako - the smallest pistol I have with an optic.
I hope this helps. And thanks for watching and asking the question.
@@RidersRange great information thanks I have been thinking about a red dot for my 50 year old eyes lol and now it's makes so much more sense thanks
Just curious. Does the manual safety and the slide wings cause any interference?
Not at all. I don't notice those little "cocking wings", even though I shoot with my thumb on top of the safety.
It is possible to load the 10 plus 1 into the csx but you just about have to give yourself arthritis to do it
I contacted S&W and they are asking that I return the pistol and mags to them. I'll follow-up when I get the gun back.
It’s like a sig p938 with a better safety and twice as much ammo
That was my initial thought, so that's why I brought the P938 into the tabletop video, comparing their size and loaded weight. Thanks for watching.
Maybe S&W will offer a different trigger?
I can only hope. I'm guessing that the trigger "drop safety" tab was added because of market analysis. It seems that so many people these days feel that a gun isn't "safe" without that little tab on the trigger, so Smith just had to add it to appease the masses, even on a gun with a thumb safety. If someone has a better answer, I'd love to know.
Greetings and congratulations for your channel, interesting video, could you give me your personal opinion on the following weapons that I specify below: Glock 26, Glock 43x, Mossberg Mc2sc, Sistems Shadow CR920 and if you had to choose one which one would you choose, a hug for you and your Family from Caracas Venezuela, that you continue wonderfully.
Thank you for watching and greetings from Michigan. I carried a Glock 27 for the final 10 years of my career, but if I had to do it all over again and had to select between the 26 and 27, I would probably opt for the G26. (But I'd rather go with the G48, or better yet, the Sig P365XL with the right modifications.) I did a side-by-side of the 26 and 27 a few months ago. My daughter likes her G43X, but of all the Glock pistols for carry, I prefer the G48 (with a few modifications).
I wasn't personally excited about the Mossberg MC1sc or MC2sc, but you can go back to my reviews on them to help formulate your own opinion. The Shadow Systems CR920 looks interesting, but I haven't handled one, so I can't render an opinion, other than it looks like it is what a Glock could have been with a little imagination. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Muchísimas gracias, saludos.@@RidersRange
My 10 round mag takes 10 and it’s not tight.
YOu must have a newer mag. Mine is still real tight.
That's sort of a big deal it advertises 10 round mag but you can't actually get it in the gun?
Showtime, check out my follow-up video where I explained the problem how the 10-round mag was improperly assembled assembled at the factory and how it was easily fixed.
Great video review Sir 👍
Once again, thanks for watching.
Im trying to like this gun but I really dont get it.. We already have the Sig P938 and the Kimber Micro 9 has been around for ever now so I really just dont get it so what am I missing here with the CSX?
Capacity. The 938 and Micro 9 are 6 or 7+1. The CSX is 10+1 or 12+1 in a similar size.
the mag issue is bizarre.
The "10-round" mag was definitely a disappointment. As always, thank you for watching.
I think when they design a pistol they leave room for the aftermarket and future releases.
why not side panels instead of back straps?
@jshannono5771, that's where H&K shines with their VP9 and P30 series. The side panels on this CSX are integral with the "large" back strap, but when the "small" back strap is installed, there is nothing but bare untextured aluminum on both sides of the grip. Talon will come to the rescue.
@jshannon5771, they had to leave room for a version 2.0, as well as a Performance Center model.
That magazine is crazy and dangerous for someone possibly needing to save their life. What if there is a miss feed , good luck doing anything under stress. How could something like that leave production. nobody tested that scenario ? Totally not acceptable, and I wanted to like it. Ill stick with my sig even though I am interested in going with a hammer fire gun from a striker fired one.
Len, I agree. I won't carry that gun until I can get another 12-round mag for it (backordered everywhere). The "10-round" is a non-starter. How that made it past QC is beyond me. Thanks for watching.
Best everyday carry gun i have ever owned
Thanks for watching.
I'll wait till the price drops before I buy it
Give it a few months. The MSRP probably won't change, but the real-world prices should come down.
@@RidersRange PSA got a batch today....$599 free shipping....
@@lazvt8469 they're going for $540
Best review
Best comment. Thanks.
Is it because its a double stack 9mm is that why this gun is special? I dont get it.. Everyone says the Sig 365 is the first micro double stack 9mm however Kel Tec it loooong ago back in the 90s with the P-11 which to this very day is still lighter than both of those guns so once again I dont get it but Ive been keepin up with this junk for a long time now.
The 365 is a striker-fired pistol (with or without a safety), while the CSX is a single-action only hammer-fired gun. In theory, it should have a better trigger. Plus, the frame is aluminum, not polymer.
I think its because its a metal frame single action high capacity micro 9? I admit I could be missing a few but I dont know of many in the same class...yea the kimber micro 9 is roughly the same size and I love mine...but it holds 5 less rounds....if you dont get it simply dont buy one I guess lol?
@@broot1375 its kinda silly.. im tryin to like it but i dont know.. whats the weight of that joker with a loaded mag?
@@nonyabiz9487 im not sure...its definitly abit heavier than other polymers of its size. Thats why I like it...its not like its gonna be unbearably heavy...lol its a tiny little thimg and its aluminium not steel. The extra weight makes it feel like a weapon instead of a toy. Just my opinion of course...if u want light as possible there are plenty of options...if u want something with a bit of heft to dampen recoil this is one of yhe few options. Silly to me would be yet another polymer framed micro 9...how many of those do we need for petes sake?
@@broot1375 ya polymer nightmares is what i call it.. i would try the new gun out for sure. i did like the S&W pro series 9mm that was a nice 1911
_"It feels different"_
_"I don't like it but I don't hate it"._
The S&W CSX main issue is a harder to pull trigger on A SINGLE ACTION GUN.
Maybe why thay problem was the last thing covered in the last video (Part 2). That should have been the 1st thing covered and every gun video talks about gun triggers. Almost annoyingly.
Anyway, test this one as the CSX may become a flop.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Only time will tell is the CSX catches on, but I think it is targeted to a rather limited audience. Having said (written) that, I have really come to like the CSX for summer carry.
@@RidersRange I carry a Glock 43X. My hands✋️are size XXL so I am pretty sure the S&W CSX is too small for me. My history of *_concealed carry_* is:
- S&W Airweight 642 (38 Special plus P) in Las Vegas
- Bersa Tunder 380 in Las Vegas
- CZ 100 (9mm) in Las Vegas (terrible long trigger IMO- the only gun I have owned that had a "bad" trigger)
- Glock 26 in Las Vegas & Alsaka
- Makarov PM (Soviet & Bulgarian) in Las Vegas & Alaska
- Glock 42 (.380 ACP) in Alaska
- Glock 43 (9mm) in Alaska
- Glock 43X (9mm) in Alaska and North Carolina
The Glock 43X is my only handgun now. I only have one handgun as I use a (1) shotgun and two (2) AK-47 rifles for self-defense or more precisely *home defense.* The rifles are really just military collectables that if needed can of course be used in a _Mark and Patricia McCloskey_ home 🏡 defense scenario _(they were pardoned by the Missouri Governor btw)._
Anyway, my present CCW/concealed carry gun is still a little small for me but works at hitting targets and is easy to conceal all year. Thus, the smaller CSX is not a fit for me _besides it's good and bad characteristics (I mentioned only one, there are other not so good things about the gun)._
S&W is a very large seller of arms in the USA 🇺🇸. They will be just find if the CSX is a flop. But if S&W makes an improved version of the CSX that addresses its "issues" (let's say a CSX ver.2 or Gen. 2) then I would endorse it 💯 percent for smaller handed ✋️ people.
But in reality, there are so many small great carry guns on the market that are proven (SIG P365/P365XL, Glock 43/43X, the S&W Shield their own very successful concealed carry pistol)...
That I just cannot say the CSX is *_the one._*
EDIT: *_Happy Memorial Day!_*
Are you in Ann Arbor ?
Not "in", but not far away.
I used to own Hiller’s market in Arborland. I really enjoy your videos. Extremely professional and informative
Ill bet ya MAG Guts is aleady working on a mag extender
I'm sure someone is. Thanks for watching.
I wish they would do one for the 938; then this gun would not be needed!
By the way, my 365’s holster fits the CSX.
My CSX will fit in a P365 Kydex holster, but the locking detent won't engage the trigger guard on the CSX.
not hard to beat a 1911 on capacity!
That's why 2011 pistols are becoming more popular. In the case of the CSX, one gets almost double the capacity of the Micro 9, Sig 938, etc.
Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the CXS come optics ready also?
Not optics ready at this time. I hope the Performance Center version will come out this summer and will be optics ready.
That mag fit is not good. But the firearm is looking good.
Whoever engineered that "10-round" mag missed the mark. But the rest of the package was a pleasant surprise.
@@RidersRange I know that happens but it is S&W they have lots of firearms they made. Should not happen. Just my thoughts. Thanks for your videos.
I agree. It seems that many manufacturers are sending out products that haven't been thoroughly tested. Springfield and Sig have had their share of issues in the past few years.
Thanks RR. Great job. Good info. God bless.
LETS GO BRANDON
Ward, thank you for watching.
The gold standard? Wouldn’t that be the m&p shield
Daniel, the Shield may have been the best thing going when it was introduced back in 2012, but it is only a single stack - okay, staggered single stack, but not a double stack. When the P365 was introduced in 2017 it topped the Shield by offering more capacity in a smaller package and the P365 quickly became the best selling handgun in America. So, while my claim of the "Gold Standard" may be somewhat subjective, I believe the data supports it.
@@RidersRange but the shield plus crushed that I have man hands and the 365 feels like a pool cue in the grip, it’s good for me wife but not for me
I’m not saying it’s a bad pistol but far from the gold standard
@@danielbrown558 the grip circumference on the P365 and 365XL was my main complaint. Initially, I put a Hogue HandAll grip sleeve on both guns. I just recently put the Wilson Combat grip module on my 365XL and that is somewhere between the original and the Hogue and feels MUCH better than the original. (Check my review on the Wilson module.) As to the Shield Plus, it's a nice gun, but I like hammer fired guns (I'm a 1911 guy), so the CSX suits me better. But that's just me. Different guns for different folks.
No optic cut in 2022, I won't even consider it. If you like 1911's just get a Ronin model.
Even the Springfield EMP Ronin is larger than the CSX and last time I checked, it wasn't available with an optics cut. However, I see that Kimber is now offering the Micro 9 with an optic.
This gun reminds me of the Springfield 9mm 911 with higher round capacity. Not good for the $$.
There are some general similarities. Springfield has been increasing their product line lately, so maybe they'll add a double-stack version of the 911. Thanks for watching.
@@RidersRange How was the perceived recoil on this firearm? It is a bit heavier than the 911.
I haven't shot it side-by-side with a compact 1911, so I can't answer that question. However, the recoil wasn't objectionable by any standards.
Thank you, Rider.
The reason for different.sight dovetail sizes is stupidity.
I'm with you on that.
BTW I live in a 10 round state
For a non-free state that limits good guys (not the bad guys) to only 10 rounds you are better off with a compact or ultra-compact 1911.
@@RidersRange Thanks, that's what I'm thinking
Yet another video that proves that small 9mm pistols are really range guns, not carry guns.
It's supposed to be the other way around - small for carry, large for range. Everything about a carry gun is a compromise, but the companies making micro-pistols seem to be trying to out-do each other with small. Thanks for watching.
I own the CSX also. Really enjoyed your review.
I am not usually a long range shooter, but I shot this mostly at 25 yards. I was amazed at how well I did. I was able to place my rounds where I wanted them. My worst shot when doing head shot practice for a terrorist holding a hostage I pierced his ear for him. All the others rounds went where I placed them.
I did find I prefer the left handed mag release, even tho I am right handed. So that is how I am running mine.
Thank you for your video !!!
Hope your channel continues to grow.
Come on people, don’t just watch, Hit Like & Subscribe !!! Help this man get paid for making these Great Videos !!!!!
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Thank you for watching, adding your thoughts, and for your support.
Performance Centre will cater all bits and pieces! price will surprise youwhen in the market!
I'm watching for the PC version of the CSX. Thanks for watching.
I really like what the performance center does *_but_* in all honesty out the gate ALL S&W guns should come _standard_ like performance center gun.
Smith & Wesson has a great idea with this guy but they should have made it in a double action for one reason if you are not familiar with a single action gun and you're carrying the gun with the hammer caught it just don't make sense to carry a gun like that with the able to fire once when the safeties dropped they should have made it a double action for the less experience gun owners that are used to pull the trigger and the gun goes off if if the hammer is caught all the time it's a big safety hazard someone will shoot themselves that's what he should make it a double action I prefer to single action because I am used to when I draw a gun with a single action I caught the Hammer as I'm pulling
I'm guessing Smith & Wesson did their market research before designing this gun. It appears to be intended for the folks who like the 1911 platform, or the micro guns like the Kimber Micro 9, Sig P938, Springfield 911, etc., but want a little more capacity. A 1911 is my choice for a carry gun 9 months of the year, so I appreciate the similar manual of arms for the CSX for my summer gun. Thanks for watching and commenting.