0
The S&W CSX E-Series: Worth The Upgrade?
The original CSX from Smith & Wesson was released in January 2022, over three years ago. Many of S&W’s releases over the last few years have done very well, but the CSX seemed to fall short.
The micro-compact arena is more competitive than ever, so it was a considerable risk to drop a hammer-fired, lower-capacity pistol. Sure, it’s unique, and many enjoy its aesthetics, but for a gun this size meant for concealed carry, the fact that there were no optics-ready models and you couldn’t mount a weapon light instantly took it out of the running for many people.
The sun is shining on the best new feature; the optics-ready slide. Source
With the recent release of the new CSX E-Series, S&W has addressed the optics-ready or lack thereof complaints and made a few other improvements. But if you already have a CSX, is it worth upgrading to the E-Series?
By the end of the article, you should have a good idea of whether it’s worth the upgrade. Let’s take a closer look at the new CSX E-Series!
New & Improved
So we mentioned the addition of an optics cut just a moment ago, but that isn’t the only improvement that S&W made to the E-Series.
You better make sure you have a handheld light on you if you’re going to carry the original CSX. Source
Another complaint we saw from shooters was the sub-par trigger. Thankfully, S&W listened to the market and improved the trigger. It didn’t just tweak one little aspect, either, as the new trigger has a straighter pull, cleaner break, and an improved reset (from what I’ve read).
More capacity and more accessory options. Source
You’ll also notice a more significant portion of the grip’s surface area now has texturing. With such a small footprint, the more grip texturing the better in my opinion. And taking that a step further, there are now 15-round and 17-round magazines that come with the CSX E-Series, in addition to the 12-round. These higher capacity magazines will upgrade your capacity and give you a much more appreciated, longer grip!
Not everything changed though, as you’ll still find front and rear slide serrations, ambidextrous controls, and interchangeable backstraps. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
Still no accessory rail on either model. Source
Old vs. New
The CSX E-Series is available in two barrel lengths, whereas the original CSX only came with a 3.1-inch barrel.
| Comparison | CSX | CSX E-Series |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 10, 12 Rounds | 12, 15, 17 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3.1 Inches | 3.1 and 3.6 Inches |
| Overall Length | 6.1 Inches | 6.1 and 6.6 Inches |
| Width | 1.12 Inches | 1.12 Inches |
| Height | 4.6 Inches | 4.6 Inches |
| Weight | 19.5 Ounces | 19.7 and 23.5 Ounces |
Worth it?
Not every new variant of an existing model is worth upgrading to. In the case of the CSX E-Series, though, I would say that it is.
Each major part of the pistol saw an upgrade; the slide with the optic cut, the grip with the improved texturing, and of course, the trigger. Those aren’t significant upgrades, too. So if you already have a CSX, I think it would be worth exploring selling it and spending a few extra bucks for the CSX E-Series.
S&W is getting closer with this one! Source
If you don’t have a CSX and are looking for a new concealed carry pistol, unless you’re set on a hammer-fired pistol from S&W, there are many better options out there. If you want to stick with S&W, consider the M&P Shield Plus. If you aren’t stuck on S&W, options like the Glock 43X, Springfield Hellcat Pro, or a model from the Sig P365 line will all provide great features.
At the end of the day, you should research and test as many guns as you can to find what works best for you. If it’s the CSX E-Series, that’s great. If not, that’s great too!
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
