Smith Wesson CSX E-Series 9mm 3.1 in – Superb Carry Pistol

Description

The Smith Wesson CSX E-Series 9mm 3.1 in is the next evolution of the CSX line, an aluminum-framed hammer-fired 9mm that converts between micro-compact and compact size with a modular grip adapter and ships with three magazines covering 12, 15 and 17 rounds.

Smith Wesson CSX E-Series 9mm 3.1 in One Pistol, Two Sizes

The modular grip adapter is the headline feature. Run the pistol small for maximum concealment with the 12-round magazine, or size the grip up when you want a full firing hold and a 17-round magazine. Both configurations ship in the box, so this is a decision you can revisit rather than one you make at purchase.

The frame is aluminum alloy with a flat black finish, which is unusual in a market where nearly every micro-compact is polymer. Alloy adds a little weight, and that weight settles the pistol in recoil. At 19.7 ounces the CSX is heavier than a polymer competitor of the same size, and most shooters find it easier to control because of it.

The slide is stainless steel with an Armornite finish, as is the 3.1 inch barrel, which uses a 1:10 twist. Height is 4.6 inches and width is 1.12 inches.

E-Series Trigger and Optic Cut

The CSX is hammer fired rather than striker fired, and the E-Series trigger takes advantage of that with a light clean break and a short improved reset. The pull travels straighter to the rear than the original CSX trigger, which is the sort of change that shows up on paper rather than in a spec sheet.

The slide is cut for a modified RMS-C and 507K optic footprint, with what Smith and Wesson calls a ClearSight cut that routes propellant gas away from the optic lens. Anyone who has watched a red dot fog over on a short-barreled pistol will understand why that matters.

White dot iron sights are fitted from the factory, and interchangeable backstraps let you adjust the reach to the trigger independently of the grip module size.

Specifications

• Manufacturer part number: 13897
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Barrel: 3.1 in. stainless steel with Armornite finish, 1:10 twist
• Capacity: 12, 15 and 17 round magazines included
• Frame: aluminum alloy with flat black finish
• Slide: stainless steel with Armornite finish
• Action: hammer fired, single action
• Optics: modified RMS-C and 507K footprint with ClearSight gas cut
• Sights: white dot front and rear
• Grip: modular grip adapter converts micro-compact to compact, interchangeable backstraps
• Weight: 19.7 oz
• Height: 4.6 in.
• Width: 1.12 in.
• Warranty: Smith and Wesson Limited Lifetime Service Policy
• UPC: 022188893922

Why Buyers Choose the Smith Wesson CSX E-Series 9mm 3.1 in

Very few carry pistols let you change frame size after you buy them. Most people discover what they actually want after a few months of carrying, and this one lets you act on that without a second purchase.

An aluminum frame is a real differentiator in this class. It costs you a couple of ounces and buys you noticeably less muzzle flip than an equivalent polymer gun.

Three magazines in the box is generous. Most manufacturers ship two, and spare magazines for a new platform are typically forty dollars each.

The hammer-fired action gives a lighter, cleaner trigger than most striker guns of this size, and it allows a second strike on a hard primer rather than requiring you to clear the round.

Who Should Buy It

The Smith Wesson CSX E-Series 9mm 3.1 in suits concealed carriers who want a metal-framed micro-compact rather than another polymer pistol, shooters who value a good trigger over the last ounce of weight savings, and anyone who wants one gun that can be sized down for summer and up for winter. The manual thumb safety will suit some carriers and not others, so handle one first if you are unsure.

Learn more from Smith and Wesson, or browse the rest of our firearms selection.

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