Smith & Wesson CSX micro-compact pistol: back to classic!

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Smith & Wesson CSX micro-compact pistol: back to classic!

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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.

Smith & Wesson CSX micro-compact pistol: back to classic!

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.

Smith & Wesson CSX micro-compact pistol: back to classic!
Smith & Wesson CSX micro-compact pistol: back to classic!

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.

Smith & Wesson CSX micro-compact pistol: back to classic!
Smith & Wesson CSX micro-compact pistol: back to classic!

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 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.

VIDEO / Smith & Wesson CSX – Overview