S&W has more micro compact 9mms than anyone on the market. One often forgotten was the CSX, a single action only, hammer fired micro sized 1911. S&W is giving the CSX another go with the E Series.

S&W CSX E-Series 3.6

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Introducing the E-Series

The original CSX was fine. It was a little different from most micro compacts by its hammer-fired, single-action design, but failed to attract a dedicated audience. The gun had a single action trigger, but it was lousy, heavy, and had a false reset. The CSX wasn’t optics ready, and the polymer grip panels had a habit of falling off the gun.

The CSX, which stands for Chief Special X, didn’t impress, but the E-Series is a revival and dramatic improvement to the CSX design. The E-Series also introduced the larger 3.6 inch model, which is the model we have to test and review. E stands for enhanced and the promised changes include:

Enhanced trigger – Lighter, crisper design that has an improved reset. The trigger pull is linear and is now a flat design.

Optics Ready Slide – Yes, the E-Series joined the rest of us in the modern carry era by allowing you to mount Shield RMSc pattern optics.

Modular Grip Design – The E-Series introduced 15 and 17 round magazines for the CSX and the user has the ability to extend the grip, or add grip spacers to the extended magazines.

A lot has changed with the CSX E-Series and the improvements caught my eye. I love hammer fired guns and it’s nice to see someone embrace a hammer fired design in a modern micro compact format. Let’s see if the CSX holds up.

CSX E-Series Features

1 Optics Ready

2 Ambidextrous Safety

3 10, 12, 15, and 17 Round Magazines

4 Modular Grip

Additional Models

S&W CSX E-Series 3.1in

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S&W E-Series Review

S&W CSX E-Series 3.6

While it’s a little more expensive than your standard micro compact, the gun offers you a lot of value.

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• Shootability B
• Reliability A
• Ergonomics B
• Accuracy A
• Value B

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B+

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Dropping Hammers

The CSX E-Series promises an enhanced trigger and delivers. The trigger delivers that crisp and light feeling you expect from a M1911 style gun. The trigger is flat and incorporates a trigger dingus style safety. The safety isn’t noticeable or annoying.

The trigger pull has a bit of takeup, then a wall, and a crisp break. It’s quite nice and a good improvement over the original CSX. I used the 3.6 inch model with a Cylee CAT0 red dot for my shooting. Installing the red dot does require you to remove the rear sight. I’d prefer the ability to install suppressor height sights as a backup.

However, with the optic and gun I was nailing IPSC sized steel at 50 yards. I aimed dead at the chest and with careful, controlled trigger pulls and a good grip I heard solid dings with every trigger pull. At 25 yards I could lay down a plate rack and hit reduced sized IPSC targets with ease.

At 15 yards I was able to put five rounds into a three inch group from an offhand shooting position. The CSX E-Series scores high in the accuracy department. The only gun I’ve seen outshoot this one lately is the IWI Masada Elite Slim.

Getting a Better Grip

CSX 3.6 includes a grip that’s just long enough to prevent a hanging pinky and to provide a flush fitting grip for the 12 round magazine. The gun comes with a 15 and 17 round magazine and grip extenders that slide over each magazine.

Additionally there is a dedicated grip extension that is attached via the backstrap. This grip extension makes it impossible to use the 12 round magazine, but allows for a longer grip and use with the 15 and 17 round magazine. I like this longer grip extension a lot and kept it on for most of my shooting.

The longer grip allowed for better control and better accuracy. The CSX E-Series was the first gun I was ever able to crack the two second mark on a Bill Drill, but sadly it’s also the last and I haven’t replicated that time yet. (YET!) Recoil isn’t a major issue and the longer grip makes it easy to rock and roll through long strings of fire.

The ambidextrous safety is nice, and easy to flick off and get into action. The slide lock is also ambidextrous, which is a great touch and a welcome design. The gun has a decent beavertail and you’re well protected from hammer or slide bite. It’s a comfy shooting gun.

The aggressive M&P style texture is great, but I wish it coated every part of the frame.

Going Ham

My ammo of choice for test and reviews is Monarch steel case 115 grain el cheapo ammo. That’s all I shot through this thing and it had no problems chewing through a case of that ammo. It’s reliable, and didn’t even stutter after reload drills into beach-like sand. The gun doesn’t mind being dirty and dry either.

Price wise the CSX E Series 3.6 retails for about $599. That’s a little more than a P365, or similar gun, but this metal frame monster is a fair bit different. The inclusion of three magazines and multiple grip options makes it a solid value as far as I’m concerned.

CSX E Series 3.

Accessories for the CSX-E Series

Accessories

1. Holosun EPS Carry

Enclosed Emitter RMSc Footprint Multi Reticle Options CSX E Series 3.

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Suggested resources for you and your CSX E Series.

• User Manual: Check it out Here