The demand for reliable and comfortable concealed-carry pistols has never been bigger. One of the leaders in that space has always been Smith & Wesson. They have an extensive lineup of guns that have served people for decades. Back in 2022, they released a gun that had the potential to be a game-changer. It was the CSX and it developed a strong following. A micro-compact, 9 mm, semi-automatic pistol challenged the status quo. The CSX had a metal frame and a single-action, hammered-fired mechanism, unlike most offerings on the market at the time. In standard S&W fashion, though, they listened to customer feedback and began to tinker with the CSX. The result is the new S&W CSX E-Series.

S&W CSX E-Series – New and Improved

The” E-Series” designation denotes several enhancements to the pistol. Smith & Wesson has refined its design, implemented upgrades, and incorporated additional features into the platform. The first thing we see in the new version is that the CSX-E is optics-ready. This has become an almost “must” in defensive pistols, and S&W has recognized the need. S&W has done more than mill the slide, though. The CSX-E uses a modified RMS-C/507K optic footprint that features their ClearSight cut design. This design strategically diverts gases away from your optic lens when firing. The result is a lack of grime that usually builds up on our optics during shooting sessions.

Another improvement was made in the trigger. While people liked the original CSX, it was known for a less-than-stellar trigger. S&W has updated the trigger and is using the newly enhanced E-series trigger. It has a light, clean break, and an improved reset. The straighter pull to the rear aids in accuracy when firing. I have spent extensive time on the original CSX. I can say with certainty that the new trigger is significantly better.

The Frame Size Has Remained The Same

Overall, the size of the gun has remained constant. The grip frame is identical to the original, but S&W added a few enhancements based on feedback. The front strap of the aluminum alloy frame has additional texturing that wraps around its radius. This helps shooters maintain a solid grip on the gun, even in adverse conditions. It also has a Modular Grip Adapter. The modular grip adapter lets users size the gun’s profile down for concealment or size up for better handling when shooting. It allows you to go from a subcompact-size gun to a compact one. This will enable you to run 12, 15, and even 17-round magazines. The pistol uses the same interchangeable backstrap system for even more customization as the original CSX. 

The S&W CSX E-Series is available in four 9mm configurations. You can choose between a 3.1-inch or 3.6-inch barrel, two models that include 12, 15, and 17-round magazines, and two 10-round compliant variants.

S&W CSX E-Series Range Time

I was fortunate to get some extensive trigger time on the 3.1-inch model. My first impressions were very positive. As I mentioned, I have great experience with the first CSX, and the new model is even better. The most notable performance enhancement is the trigger. I am a trigger snob, and S&W has hit a home run here. The overall travel and break on the trigger were smooth. The reset was short and crisp, which allowed me to get follow-up shots quickly. The improved grip on the frame was noticeable and a solid improvement. In its sub-compact configuration, the gun is small, and any help I can get to manage the recoil is a plus.

The ability to reconfigure that gun from subcompact to compact is an absolutely great feature. Not only does this assist in getting the best for individual shooters, but it also allows me to move back and forth between them. The change is simple and done in less than 30 seconds. Add to that the modular backstraps, and the gun can be fit to just about anyone.

Comfortable To Carry

The gun is relatively light, coming in at just over 19 ounces. This makes it very comfortable to carry. S&W has also done a good job eliminating any obvious sharp edges, which helps even more. The texture on the grip strikes a good balance. It is substantial but not overly abrasive. While this helps the hands, it also saves your clothes. Many times, companies get a little overzealous with the grip texture, and it rubs against your shirt, ultimately chewing it up.

S&W CSX E-Series – A Winner

The S&W CSX E-Series is a very nice pistol. It performed well on the range with no hiccups or issues. It was comfortable to shoot, and I ran every variety of ammo I tried. It never wavered from expensive personal defense ammo to less-than-stellar gun show steel case. S&W has done a good job improving on a good platform. If you want a good EDC pistol, you would be well served to look at the S&W CSX E-Series.

For more information, visit:https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/s-w-csx-e-series-3-1-inch

S&W CSX E-Series 3.1-inch Specs