Smith & Wesson CSX Full Review: A Good Start

Published on April 7, 2022
Duration: 14:18

Honest Outlaw provides a critical review of the Smith & Wesson CSX, a 2022 micro-9mm pistol. While acknowledging its unique hammer-fired, single-action design and aluminum frame, the review highlights significant issues with trigger reset and a heavy trigger pull, making it less competitive than other micro-compacts like the M&P Shield Plus. The reviewer suggests potential for improvement but currently recommends alternatives.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson CSX is a micro double-stack 9mm pistol with a hammer-fired, single-action design and an aluminum frame. While it offers good mechanical reliability, significant criticisms focus on its heavy trigger pull (7.5 lbs) and problematic trigger reset, making it less competitive than alternatives like the M&P Shield Plus.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the S&W CSX
  2. 00:45Design, Capacity, and Magazines
  3. 01:25Aluminum Frame vs. Polymer
  4. 02:22Sights and Slide Features
  5. 02:40Safety and Operation
  6. 03:25Controls and Ergonomics
  7. 04:37Reliability Testing and Malfunctions
  8. 05:49Trigger Reset Issues Detailed
  9. 08:42Accuracy and Trigger Weight Analysis
  10. 10:11Final Verdict and Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Smith & Wesson CSX?

The Smith & Wesson CSX is a micro double-stack 9mm pistol featuring a hammer-fired, single-action design with an all-aluminum frame. It has a 3-inch barrel, comes with 10-round and 12-round magazines, and includes ambidextrous controls and interchangeable grip inserts.

What are the main criticisms of the Smith & Wesson CSX?

The primary criticisms of the CSX include a heavy trigger pull (around 7.5 lbs) and a problematic trigger reset, which requires a significant release to re-engage. This can lead to 'dead trigger' moments during rapid fire, impacting shootability.

How does the Smith & Wesson CSX compare to the M&P Shield Plus?

The reviewer recommends the M&P Shield Plus over the CSX, primarily due to the Shield Plus's superior trigger performance and reset. While the CSX has a unique aluminum frame, its trigger issues make it less practical for many users compared to the Shield Plus.

What kind of malfunctions did the Smith & Wesson CSX experience?

During testing of 500-700 rounds, the CSX experienced 'trigger freeze' issues and some user-induced malfunctions, particularly related to improper magazine seating. A specific failure to eject (stovepipe) was also observed.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Honest Outlaw

View all →