On The Range: Smith & Wesson CSX

by
posted on January 17, 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. **

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

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

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

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

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

Latest

Youth Shooting Sports Growth
Youth Shooting Sports Growth

Growth in Youth Shooting Sports Signals Bright Future for the 2nd Amendment

Judging by the record number joining clubs and teams, mass-media’s disinformation and political rhetoric are losing their luster with today’s youth, who are making time to head to the range.

Go-Bag Essentials: 5 Key Products for Your Escape Kit

These five products will help you remain comfortable and safe should you need to bug out in a hurry due to natural or man-made disasters.

10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About The Smith & Wesson Model 29

Without a doubt, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the 20th century’s most shootable, collectible "superstar" revolvers. Here are a few little-known facts about the gun.

Packable Punch: Discreet Ways to Carry More Firepower

While folding and takedown firearms chambered for full-power rifle cartridges may be niche defensive tools, the dark situations in which they shine brightest aren’t going away anytime soon.

Southpaw Solution: Ruger Introduces Left-Handed American Gen II Ranch Rifles

Traditionally, Ruger has offered a range of left-handed rifle models for the southpaws among us, and now, the company's Gen II American rifles are available in a left-handed variant, starting with the Ranch models.

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.