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Smith & Wesson CS9 Review
Price Range:
$450 - $800
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| First Build Date | 1999 |
| Type | Semi-Automatic |
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 8+1 |
| Barrel Length | 3.1 inches |
| Weight | 23.5 ounces (unloaded) |
| Price Range | $600 – $800 |
Overview
The Smith & Wesson CS9 is a compact, semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9mm, designed for personal defense and concealed carry. It was introduced in 1999 as part of the Smith & Wesson’s CS series, with a focus on providing a reliable and ergonomic handgun for everyday carry. The CS9 offers an impressive balance of size, weight, and firepower, featuring a compact frame that makes it ideal for concealed carry without sacrificing shooting comfort.
The CS9 is built with a stainless-steel frame and slide, offering enhanced durability and resistance to corrosion. The grip is made from polymer, providing a comfortable and secure hold. Despite its small size, the CS9 features an 8+1 magazine capacity, which is fairly competitive for a subcompact 9mm pistol. The pistol’s 3.1-inch barrel allows for a compact profile, while still delivering decent accuracy and power at close to medium range.
Strength and Quality
The Smith & Wesson CS9 delivers a premium feel despite its modest price point. The firearm’s fit and finish are of high quality, with no apparent gaps or imperfections. The stainless-steel construction provides added durability while the compact design makes it easy to carry and conceal. The trigger pull is smooth, with a clean break in both double-action and single-action modes, further adding to its usability. Overall, the CS9 offers exceptional value for those seeking a compact, reliable, and easy-to-maintain firearm for personal defense.
Safety Features
The Smith & Wesson CS9 comes equipped with several important safety features:
- Manual Safety: The CS9 is equipped with a thumb safety, allowing the shooter to carry the pistol in a cocked-and-locked position if desired.
- Internal Lock: The pistol has an internal safety lock, preventing unauthorized access to the firearm when engaged.
- Trigger Safety: The trigger features a safety lever that prevents accidental discharge unless the trigger is intentionally pulled.
- Drop Safety: The CS9 has been tested for drop safety, ensuring that it will not discharge if accidentally dropped.
Test Results
Accuracy
In field tests, the CS9 demonstrated solid accuracy at typical defensive distances. At 7 yards, groups averaged 1.5 inches, which is impressive for a subcompact pistol. At 15 yards, the accuracy remained consistent, with groupings around 2 inches. While the CS9 is not a competition-grade pistol, it certainly excels for self-defense and close-range applications.
Durability
The stainless-steel slide and polymer frame provided great resilience during testing. Over several hundred rounds of mixed ammunition (both brass and steel-cased), the CS9 experienced no malfunctions, demonstrating its reliability. The pistol is capable of enduring extended range sessions with proper care, and its design ensures longevity, particularly for daily carry use.
Recoil and Control
The CS9 is well-regarded for its recoil management. Due to its compact size and design, it has slightly more recoil than full-sized pistols, but the recoil is easily manageable. The ergonomic grip combined with its low bore axis helps keep muzzle rise to a minimum, making follow-up shots fast and controlled. Though some shooters might find it slightly snappy, the recoil is typical of compact pistols in this category.
Also Read: Smith & Wesson CSX Review
Merits
- Compact design ideal for concealed carry.
- Durable stainless-steel frame and slide.
- 8+1 magazine capacity for a subcompact 9mm.
- Reliable performance with no significant malfunctions.
- Comfortable polymer grip with good ergonomics.
- Double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger for versatility.
Demerits
- Smaller size can make the recoil feel snappier.
- 8-round magazine may be limiting compared to larger competitors.
- Shorter barrel limits effective range and accuracy at long distances.
- The grip might be too small for shooters with larger hands.
Maintenance
Maintaining the Smith & Wesson CS9 is relatively straightforward. Routine cleaning involves breaking down the pistol (which can be done without tools), cleaning the barrel and slide, and lubricating the necessary moving parts. The polymer frame is low-maintenance, and the stainless-steel slide resists corrosion. Regular cleaning and lubrication will ensure longevity, and replacing the recoil spring after approximately 5,000 rounds is recommended to maintain optimal performance. The firearm should be stored in a cool, dry place to avoid any wear or rust accumulation.
Comparison with Other Guns
| Feature | Smith & Wesson CS9 | Glock 19 | Springfield XD-S Mod.2 | Ruger Security-9 | Sig Sauer P365 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magazine Capacity | 8+1 | 15+1 | 7+1 | 15+1 | 10+1 |
| Barrel Length | 3.1 inches | 4.02 inches | 3.3 inches | 4.0 inches | 3.1 inches |
| Weight | 23.5 ounces | 23.65 ounces | 21.5 ounces | 23.7 ounces | 17.8 ounces |
| Price Range | $600 – $800 | $500 – $600 | $450 – $550 | $350 – $400 | $500 – $600 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Yes, the CS9 is a great option for concealed carry due to its compact size and manageable weight. It can easily be carried inside the waistband or in a pocket holster.
The CS9 features a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system, which offers versatility and allows for a smoother first shot in double-action mode followed by a lighter single-action trigger pull for subsequent shots.
While the CS9 is somewhat limited in terms of customization due to its compact design, you can find aftermarket sights, grips, and holsters. However, it's not as customizable as larger frame pistols like the Glock 19.
The CS9’s recoil is slightly more noticeable compared to larger pistols like the Glock 19 due to its smaller size. However, it is still manageable and provides a comfortable shooting experience for most users.
Smith & Wesson offers a limited lifetime warranty for the CS9, covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty applies to the original purchaser under normal use conditions.
