I have to let the trigger out super slowly to catch the "false reset" and the full reset is maybe a 1mm additional travel. I don't have that fine of control for the false reset to be an issue. This is my favorite carry gun!
Absolutely, I bought one after owning a Shield plus and a GX4... Due to the fact that it was such a better quality firearm, I no longer on the other two.
Thanks for the relatively recent review on this gun. Looks like most reviewers gave up on it since shortly after it was introduced. If it had a decocker or DA/SA version, S&W would own a whole new niche of the micro 9 market.
I agree!!! I love SA/DA triggers I personally shoot SA when possible and train SA/DA and appreciate the option to shoot without having to cock the hammer in a pinch the fraction of a second could be the difference between getting the upper hand on an attacker or not.
I've been waiting for this review from you! If you shoot revolvers and are used to taking your finger all the way off the trigger to allow it to reset, the trigger reset on this guy is nothing. I have had no issues with that on mine. I was just not as impressed with this pistol as I had hoped for... Its good, so good it's boring almost to shoot, but I was expecting to love it, and I just like it. The stippling on the grip is almost too aggressive, I may sand mine down a little. It grabs my shirt when carrying it. I was amazed at how small it is too when I first held one. I'm not gonna sell mine, need to shoot it a lot more.
Yeah, I tend to use a cup grip on everything. Never liked the thumb forward grip- I see a lot of guys hit the slide lock when using that grip. @@BuckeyeBallistics
@@crankygunreviews I don't cup- I just hook my thumbs. I get crap for it all the time, but the people that give me crap can't shoot pistols 100 yards like me so I don't care what they think lol.
This review might just be the best on the CSX to date. It is a great Micro 9mm for what it is as a SAO, hammer fired, metal gun. I agree that the trigger has been made an issue, and in reality it ain’t no issue at all.
the last thing that you will be thinking about in a defensive shooting is to hear a Damn reset, your finger will be moving at speed to keep you alive, and if it's a close-up encounter! forget about using the sights also. Be safe and shoot straight. Resets are just for precision shooting at the range.
count the coils in the mags ..s&w tends to use the same loner spring in the shorter mag ..cure is cut 1-1 1/2 coils off the shorted mag . makes a big difference on closed slide inserting the full mag
Thanks for the review. 👍 I've kinda been on a hammer fired pistol kick lately... I have the FN Reflex, S&W Equalizer, & Walther WMP, all hammer fired.🤷♂️ This is another one I'll be keeping an eye on👍
On another note, I have struggled with accuracy on the Hellcat & Reflex micro 9's. I have discovered for me, and I do have large hands, the thinner the pistol, the worse this becomes. I have found I can correct most issues with a better grip from the support hand. But I also think that when I'm trying to run a bit to fast, I put to much finger on the trigger, and then I pull low left.🤦♂️ For me, I think the grip from your support hand becomes increasingly more important, as the pistols get smaller... I know, not at all intuitive.🤦♂️
I'm good out to 25-30 yards with these micro guns, but after that all bets are off. That said, I did however manage to shoot the Hellcat accurately at 50 yards (video comming soon), and a friend of mine managed to shoot this CSX accurately at 50 yards somehow lol.
@@BuckeyeBallistics The CSX is designed for close self defense and not designed for long range target shooting..why would anyone want for self defense purposes want to shoot at someone 50 yards away..
Just picked one up and haven't gotten to the range yet. I also had a hard time getting the last round in both mags. I think it will break in over time. I did see one video where the end of the spring wasn't in the hole on the follower. I pulled my mags apart to check and they both were in the holes. I noticed that the springs are tapered so each coil retracts into the lower coil as you fill the magazine. Someone stated in another video that manufacturers are making the trigger pulls a little harder on the micro compact guns. They know a lot of people will be carrying them who are inexperienced and they don't want them going off if the person doesn't intentionally want it to go off. Kind of the last second 3 day waiting period built into the gun.
Didn't keep it long enough to find out, only because I have a limited budget for ammo and I constantly have to aquire new guns for the channel. One day I'll be able to afford to keep them all and do longer tests...
It will be interesting to see if S&W introduces a CSX Gen 2 at Shot Show this year (2024). I tend to view guns (especially handguns) as being kind of like newly introduced car models. It seems to always take the manufacturers a year or two to “tweak in” all the desired improvements/upgrades that consumers demand. I’m guessing S&W will ultimately have a great product here, once they get to a Gen 2 or Gen 3. They just need to make sure they don’t do something stupid like Glock by putting ‘finger grooves’ on the grip or substituting blackout rear sights. Maybe make that 12-rd magazine a 13-rd mag as a standard.
Taurus GX4 believe it or not, but I'm leaning towards Hellcat now (shot recently). P365 is a close 2nd. I've been testing a lot of micro 9's this year if you haven't seen the videos...
Hopefully MCARBO or Galloway will make a trigger kit for this gun. I really like it but 6 1/2lb trigger pull is a deal breaker for me. Most of my defense pistols are around 3lbs and some go to 4.5lbs. It requires a lot more practice to go up to 6.5lbs and shoot as well as I do with my current guns
Not trying to be a dink but if you can't shoot a 6.5 lb trigger well you need a lot more practice! Not sure what mine was new I did not check it until about 3000 rounds it was almost flat 5 or just slightly less or more with 10 pulls. Now over 5000 rounds feels great not sure where it is at this point but feels about the same. A 3lb for carry is just way to light but hey you do you.
@@barefootbob1269 I know quite a lot about trigger control and the manufacturing quality checks and assurances that go into production referencing the finished product capabilities and requirements. I graduated gunsmithing school in 1984. I've carried a pistol and shotgun profesionally for many years prior to leaving for my career in Quality Management. I've shot competition all over the midwest as a perk of my previous employment. At that time with S&W model 65 revolvers. During that time we shot against many other teams that were issued semiauto S&W, Glocks, H&K's etc. and more often than not we beat them. I've also shot the Glock sponsered matches for several years and the local battle rifle matches at our local range for many years. Ive also worked in high precision automative production as the Quality Control Manager for the entire American organisation and as traveling Quality Manager to investigate and problem solve other sister companies. SO yes, I have a pretty good idea of what works well, what is safe and what could be improved.
That White plunger means you have a later production gun. The earliest guns had a Black plunger with the profile of a brick, not a nice smooth slope, like on the newer White plungers. Smith wouldn't acknowledge this as a problem... I complained, got no help.The trigger was terrible, and it was duly noted by reviews. Im sure Smith got allot of complaints. Smith quietly fixed the problem that they never owned up to. They had a hit, and they blew it. That said, I carefully fixed the trigger on mine, myself. I like mine. It's small, it's 9mm, and it's accurate. I'd still pick a 9 Shield Plus over it. The CSX made me feel less fond of S&W. They dont back their products when mistakes are made. S&W should send new plunger parts to all customers who bought the guns with the Black plastic plungers...
Same here.Love it. Put a dab of teflon grease on the firing pin block on the bottom of the slide (white or black 1/4 round dot towards rear) and your trigger will feel better.I went a little farther and ramped the block nicer and lightened the spring the holds it. 4.5 lb trigger with one click reset now.
I've had more magazine issues with new guns. Sharp feed lips causing dragging of the feeding round and a FTF. Polish feed lips with a dremel and all is good.
The "extra " piece on the one mag is a problem--what I did is use skateboard tape about a 1/4 inch or so and run it from back edge around to back edge and works great to hold it in place!!!
It is 1911ish... And like 1911's needs to be maintained for maximum effectiveness and reliability. As for trigger reset... It is a self defense pistol, reset shooting is more for competitive shooting, IMHO.
I think they need to do an 'xl' version of this. Grip lengthen to 12 map size standard, maybe a 15 extended mag. Slightly longer barrel. Night sights or fiber optic ones. Address the so called 'false reset', maybe slightly lighter trigger. Bump cost 50 to a hundred so, but still.
@@BuckeyeBallistics Gotcha. Not many micro size though, and I was thinking more of how Sig has their 365 and 365XL. If everyone uses the 12 round mag, might has well lengthen the grip so it won't need that weird spacer. .4 in added to barrel, better sights and get rid of false reset, might be a big seller.
I was actually just having this conversation with a friend. Aside from the higher capacity, the CSX is probably a better shooter and easier to hold on to as well. I've never shot a 938 but have a 238...
@@BuckeyeBallistics I went to my lgs and fondled this. It felt good until I got to the trigger pull, which felt more like a Glock NY 12 lb. pull. It may have been only that specimen but it really put me off.
I want to like this gun, basically a SA aluminum Shield. But the trigger blows. A trigger safety on a SA pistol is stupid. If Smith can fix that, I might pick one up.
...They need to revamp the entire trigger assembly and get rid of that POS plastic firing spring block that the false reset is from...who thinks it's a good idea to put a plastic firing spring block in an otherwise all metal pistol...
Hysterical- manufacturers are working 24/7 to make these incredible double stack micro carry guns. Every review ? "This thing is so tiny you might not like it." LOLOL
@@BuckeyeBallistics Calm down there Bucky. Most reviews complain / point out how small the micro group of guns are. I actually enjoyed your CSX review more than the others. You'll need thicker skin to do this job.
Mine works perfect but the trigger is just awful for a single action pistol. There’s zero reason whatsoever to have such a heavy trigger on something with a manual safety. Everything about this gun is awesome, but the trigger sucks and there’s no optic cut. After a few years now it’s become apparent that nobody is going to make any aftermarket options for it and S&W has no interest in improving anything on it. I finally stopped carrying mine and replaced it. Sad because I really wanted to like this gun but S&W sabotaged it.
Have you shot one? The trigger reset was fixed. It has trigger that is far better than any striker fired gun. Mine breaks at around 5lbs with very little travel. Everyone who has shot mine can't believe how well it shoots and I haven't had a failure in around 1k rounds
@@lens7859 they fixed the reset about 6 months after launch. New firing pin block. It's not a finely tuned 1911 trigger especially a series 70. But after break in it's pretty comparable to a factory series 80 1911
@@lens7859 If the gun shop owner told you Biden was a genius would you believe that ? I have a CSX and love it , shoot one and then make up your own mind...
I have to let the trigger out super slowly to catch the "false reset" and the full reset is maybe a 1mm additional travel. I don't have that fine of control for the false reset to be an issue. This is my favorite carry gun!
Absolutely, I bought one after owning a Shield plus and a GX4... Due to the fact that it was such a better quality firearm, I no longer on the other two.
I'm well pleased with mine. No problems or false reset and it goes bang every time.
I love my CSX! I run my CSX weekly and have had zero issues. I rank it right up there with my 365XL.
Thanks for the relatively recent review on this gun. Looks like most reviewers gave up on it since shortly after it was introduced. If it had a decocker or DA/SA version, S&W would own a whole new niche of the micro 9 market.
I agree!!! I love SA/DA triggers I personally shoot SA when possible and train SA/DA and appreciate the option to shoot without having to cock the hammer in a pinch the fraction of a second could be the difference between getting the upper hand on an attacker or not.
@@JoseCabrera-t7v I think you are supposed to carry it cocked and locked, but that safety can be knocked off. Not like a 1911 with the grip safety.
Those people are idiots. It's an amazing gun!
I've been waiting for this review from you! If you shoot revolvers and are used to taking your finger all the way off the trigger to allow it to reset, the trigger reset on this guy is nothing. I have had no issues with that on mine. I was just not as impressed with this pistol as I had hoped for... Its good, so good it's boring almost to shoot, but I was expecting to love it, and I just like it. The stippling on the grip is almost too aggressive, I may sand mine down a little. It grabs my shirt when carrying it. I was amazed at how small it is too when I first held one. I'm not gonna sell mine, need to shoot it a lot more.
Somehow I developed revolver techniques without shooting them very much at all lol, even my grip.
Yeah, I tend to use a cup grip on everything. Never liked the thumb forward grip- I see a lot of guys hit the slide lock when using that grip. @@BuckeyeBallistics
@@crankygunreviews I don't cup- I just hook my thumbs. I get crap for it all the time, but the people that give me crap can't shoot pistols 100 yards like me so I don't care what they think lol.
This review might just be the best on the CSX to date. It is a great Micro 9mm for what it is as a SAO, hammer fired, metal gun.
I agree that the trigger has been made an issue, and in reality it ain’t no issue at all.
Thank you!
the last thing that you will be thinking about in a defensive shooting is to hear a Damn reset, your finger will be moving at speed to keep you alive, and if it's a close-up encounter! forget about using the sights also. Be safe and shoot straight. Resets are just for precision shooting at the range.
100%
count the coils in the mags ..s&w tends to use the same loner spring in the shorter mag ..cure is cut 1-1 1/2 coils off the shorted mag . makes a big difference on closed slide inserting the full mag
I love my CSX I purchased another 12 rd mag I like the grip better than the 10. Over 1,000 rds no issues
Thanks for the review. 👍
I've kinda been on a hammer fired pistol kick lately... I have the FN Reflex, S&W Equalizer, & Walther WMP, all hammer fired.🤷♂️
This is another one I'll be keeping an eye on👍
On another note, I have struggled with accuracy on the Hellcat & Reflex micro 9's. I have discovered for me, and I do have large hands, the thinner the pistol, the worse this becomes. I have found I can correct most issues with a better grip from the support hand. But I also think that when I'm trying to run a bit to fast, I put to much finger on the trigger, and then I pull low left.🤦♂️ For me, I think the grip from your support hand becomes increasingly more important, as the pistols get smaller... I know, not at all intuitive.🤦♂️
I'm good out to 25-30 yards with these micro guns, but after that all bets are off. That said, I did however manage to shoot the Hellcat accurately at 50 yards (video comming soon), and a friend of mine managed to shoot this CSX accurately at 50 yards somehow lol.
@@BuckeyeBallistics The CSX is designed for close self defense and not designed for long range target shooting..why would anyone want for self defense purposes want to shoot at someone 50 yards away..
@j.a. - I guess you never heard of mass shootings. Your only shot might be 40-50 yards away, like the Indiana mall shooting last year. THATS why...
@@BuckeyeBallisticsthen most shouldn’t carry a micro sized gun of they are prepared for a 50 yard shots
BB. Good video. Thanks for sharing a look at the S&W CSX Micro. Take care.
Good review! Real helpful information! Got U a new subscriber!
On of the best reviews I’ve seen. Very unbiased I have the CSX and over 400 rds no problems runs good and I like shooting it better than the Glock 43x
Just picked one up and haven't gotten to the range yet. I also had a hard time getting the last round in both mags. I think it will break in over time. I did see one video where the end of the spring wasn't in the hole on the follower. I pulled my mags apart to check and they both were in the holes. I noticed that the springs are tapered so each coil retracts into the lower coil as you fill the magazine. Someone stated in another video that manufacturers are making the trigger pulls a little harder on the micro compact guns. They know a lot of people will be carrying them who are inexperienced and they don't want them going off if the person doesn't intentionally want it to go off. Kind of the last second 3 day waiting period built into the gun.
OK so has the trigger gotten any better with time and rounds down range? Mine did!
Didn't keep it long enough to find out, only because I have a limited budget for ammo and I constantly have to aquire new guns for the channel. One day I'll be able to afford to keep them all and do longer tests...
Honest, Articulate & intelligent review. Well done ;)
Thank you
Looks like it would be great for a 2 finger grip. Does the little finger fit under the grip comfortably?
Yes
Make sure the spring is correctly inserted into the follower on the mag. Apparently it's an issue with assembly at S&W.
mini 1911..curved mag base plate will fix hold , did that on my shield , works
I've had this hand gun for a couple years. One of my favorites, also my EDC. I guess too each their own!
I loved everything about it except the heavyish trigger 🤷🏻♂️
I had one malfunction in the first 50 rounds it was a failure to feed I’m at over 750 and no issues, just wish there were more aftermarket support
It will be interesting to see if S&W introduces a CSX Gen 2 at Shot Show this year (2024). I tend to view guns (especially handguns) as being kind of like newly introduced car models. It seems to always take the manufacturers a year or two to “tweak in” all the desired improvements/upgrades that consumers demand. I’m guessing S&W will ultimately have a great product here, once they get to a Gen 2 or Gen 3. They just need to make sure they don’t do something stupid like Glock by putting ‘finger grooves’ on the grip or substituting blackout rear sights. Maybe make that 12-rd magazine a 13-rd mag as a standard.
I vote for a 1911 equivalent trigger...
What is your favorite micro 9mm to carry and shoot so far? I want to try the springfield emp 911 3.1"
Taurus GX4 believe it or not, but I'm leaning towards Hellcat now (shot recently). P365 is a close 2nd. I've been testing a lot of micro 9's this year if you haven't seen the videos...
The Emp 3.1" is an amazing little pistol and easy to shoot
I had a GX4 and a shield plus before buying the CSX. To me it's hands down a better gun. I sold both of those soon after getting it.
I had s&w shield plus, springfield hellcat, glock 48x, sig 365 xl, sig 365 380, the csx is the best.
@radioactive8245 why you prefer CSX to Shield Plus? What CSX does better and what you don't like with Shield Plus?
They sell magazine extensions for both mags at NDZ Performance. Makes it more comfortable grip. Pinky on the handle.
Nice drill @12:10 btw :)
Love mine. Trigger is not awesome but it works for the intended purpose. Shoots very well for its size.
Hopefully MCARBO or Galloway will make a trigger kit for this gun. I really like it but 6 1/2lb trigger pull is a deal breaker for me. Most of my defense pistols are around 3lbs and some go to 4.5lbs. It requires a lot more practice to go up to 6.5lbs and shoot as well as I do with my current guns
Agreed
The trigger will loosen up with rounds fired , mine did..
@@j.a.shepard1312 Same here
Not trying to be a dink but if you can't shoot a 6.5 lb trigger well you need a lot more practice! Not sure what mine was new I did not check it until about 3000 rounds it was almost flat 5 or just slightly less or more with 10 pulls. Now over 5000 rounds feels great not sure where it is at this point but feels about the same. A 3lb for carry is just way to light but hey you do you.
@@barefootbob1269 I know quite a lot about trigger control and the manufacturing quality checks and assurances that go into production referencing the finished product capabilities and requirements. I graduated gunsmithing school in 1984. I've carried a pistol and shotgun profesionally for many years prior to leaving for my career in Quality Management. I've shot competition all over the midwest as a perk of my previous employment. At that time with S&W model 65 revolvers. During that time we shot against many other teams that were issued semiauto S&W, Glocks, H&K's etc. and more often than not we beat them. I've also shot the Glock sponsered matches for several years and the local battle rifle matches at our local range for many years. Ive also worked in high precision automative production as the Quality Control Manager for the entire American organisation and as traveling Quality Manager to investigate and problem solve other sister companies.
SO yes, I have a pretty good idea of what works well, what is safe and what could be improved.
That White plunger means you have a later production gun. The earliest guns had a Black plunger with the profile of a brick, not a nice smooth slope, like on the newer White plungers. Smith wouldn't acknowledge this as a problem... I complained, got no help.The trigger was terrible, and it was duly noted by reviews. Im sure Smith got allot of complaints. Smith quietly fixed the problem that they never owned up to. They had a hit, and they blew it. That said, I carefully fixed the trigger on mine, myself. I like mine. It's small, it's 9mm, and it's accurate. I'd still pick a 9 Shield Plus over it. The CSX made me feel less fond of S&W. They dont back their products when mistakes are made. S&W should send new plunger parts to all customers who bought the guns with the Black plastic plungers...
So glad I purchased this gun
That little thing shoots nice.
The cxs replace my 365 sig because the recoil and metal frame
Same here.Love it. Put a dab of teflon grease on the firing pin block on the bottom of the slide (white or black 1/4 round dot towards rear) and your trigger will feel better.I went a little farther and ramped the block nicer and lightened the spring the holds it. 4.5 lb trigger with one click reset now.
I've had more magazine issues with new guns. Sharp feed lips causing dragging of the feeding round and a FTF.
Polish feed lips with a dremel and all is good.
The "extra " piece on the one mag is a problem--what I did is use skateboard tape about a 1/4 inch or so and run it from back edge around to back edge and works great to hold it in place!!!
What is the white silicone drop back inside the slide?
firing pin safety block
...one of the biggest flaws of the gun...
It is 1911ish... And like 1911's needs to be maintained for maximum effectiveness and reliability. As for trigger reset... It is a self defense pistol, reset shooting is more for competitive shooting, IMHO.
Great point. You stole my thunder.
I think they need to do an 'xl' version of this. Grip lengthen to 12 map size standard, maybe a 15 extended mag. Slightly longer barrel. Night sights or fiber optic ones. Address the so called 'false reset', maybe slightly lighter trigger. Bump cost 50 to a hundred so, but still.
Just get a compact 2011 in 9mm at that point...
@@BuckeyeBallistics Most of those still single stack.
That's why I said 2011, not 1911...
@@BuckeyeBallistics Gotcha. Not many micro size though, and I was thinking more of how Sig has their 365 and 365XL. If everyone uses the 12 round mag, might has well lengthen the grip so it won't need that weird spacer. .4 in added to barrel, better sights and get rid of false reset, might be a big seller.
Yeah I hate the spacers
I love mine it works great, excellent quality.
Dude you need to watch your vid and count how many times you said the word there 😳🤣✌️🍺🇺🇸
This might replace my Sig 938 as a BUG. It looks just slightly bigger, but goes from 7 rounds to 12. I like that. Thanks for the review
I was actually just having this conversation with a friend. Aside from the higher capacity, the CSX is probably a better shooter and easier to hold on to as well. I've never shot a 938 but have a 238...
@@BuckeyeBallistics I went to my lgs and fondled this. It felt good until I got to the trigger pull, which felt more like a Glock NY 12 lb. pull. It may have been only that specimen but it really put me off.
I would have asked to see another one lol
My wife has a 938. I've shot it quite a bit. I don't really notice any difference in the size... But the recoil is significantly better on this gun.
You just complained about stiff mag springs hurting you to load then don't understand why it had trouble feeding the next round. 😂
I really like this but the carry comp has my eyes on it 😅
I want to like this gun, basically a SA aluminum Shield. But the trigger blows. A trigger safety on a SA pistol is stupid. If Smith can fix that, I might pick one up.
...They need to revamp the entire trigger assembly and get rid of that POS plastic firing spring block that the false reset is from...who thinks it's a good idea to put a plastic firing spring block in an otherwise all metal pistol...
👍🏼Cool pistol❤
I personally do not like the 1911 form factor for micro guns. Good review Thanks for posting.
Hysterical- manufacturers are working 24/7 to make these incredible double stack micro carry guns. Every review ? "This thing is so tiny you might not like it." LOLOL
The irony of your comment, complaining about how I do MY job...
@@BuckeyeBallistics Calm down there Bucky. Most reviews complain / point out how small the micro group of guns are.
I actually enjoyed your CSX review more than the others. You'll need thicker skin to do this job.
NDZ mag extensions worth every penny
Mine works perfect but the trigger is just awful for a single action pistol. There’s zero reason whatsoever to have such a heavy trigger on something with a manual safety. Everything about this gun is awesome, but the trigger sucks and there’s no optic cut. After a few years now it’s become apparent that nobody is going to make any aftermarket options for it and S&W has no interest in improving anything on it. I finally stopped carrying mine and replaced it. Sad because I really wanted to like this gun but S&W sabotaged it.
Good review on this gun, thanks!
Federal ammo is weak. No surprise that you will problems running Federal ammo in a 1911 style pistol.
You limp wristed when it didn’t feed because you were trying to feel the recoil.
People and their triggers 😂 dolts
I think this one was a swing and a miss from Smith. The trigger is terrible and the grip panels are ridiculous..
Have you shot one? The trigger reset was fixed. It has trigger that is far better than any striker fired gun. Mine breaks at around 5lbs with very little travel. Everyone who has shot mine can't believe how well it shoots and I haven't had a failure in around 1k rounds
@@jasoncrist3859 no, never shot it. The owner of the gun shop shook his head to me , don’t buy it. This was about a year and a half ago, or more.
@@lens7859 they fixed the reset about 6 months after launch. New firing pin block. It's not a finely tuned 1911 trigger especially a series 70. But after break in it's pretty comparable to a factory series 80 1911
@@lens7859u never shot then shut up 😂
@@lens7859 If the gun shop owner told you Biden was a genius would you believe that ? I have a CSX and love it , shoot one and then make up your own mind...