Vertx makes some of the most comfortable, practical apparel in the “firearms apparel” market. Their garments are typically well designed and made with a variety of practical, armed, end uses in mind. They do a great job at making clothing much easier for those of us who carry concealed.
The Vertx booth at SHOT Show 2022.
This year, Vertx is adding to their lineup with the Defiance Jean for men and the Burrell Stretch Jean for women.
From just a quick initial look, the Vertx jeans look like a regular set of jeans, which means they already accomplished their purpose of helping with keeping a low profile.
These are certainly not the first “tactical jeans” out there, nor are jeans the only low profile pant options available A plethora of tactical jean pant offerings is available, from a variety of manufacturers. Some do the job well, some fall short in accomplishing the goal. Based on what I’ve worn in the past and what I’ve seen with these, I’m optimistic that the Defiance and Burrell designs will fall into the do it well category.
These Vertx jeans are packed with a lot of hidden features and manufactured with high-quality materials. The design combination of hidden features that don’t gall or chafe with superior fabrics helps to make what appears to be a comfortable set of pants — though obviously more long-term wear and some field use would be required to say that with complete confidence.
Vertx Defiance Jean
The Defiance Jean has traditional front and back pockets that are mesh, making them less bulky and breathable. Then there are side pockets that are right behind the front pockets to store your accessories, that will fit a Tourniquet, flashlight, 30 round AR-15 magazine, or anything similar in size.
The back pockets have a hidden pocket that you can tuck your ID or passport in to prevent them from falling out and harder for anyone to take. Then there are 3 hidden pockets along the inside of the waistband and one hidden pocket on the outside for whatever small items you’d need to secure.
They have a gusseted crotch for added durability and articulated knees and the material is Dupont’s cool max, which will help keep things cooler in warmer temperatures.
Burrell Stretch Jean for Women
The Burrell Stretch Jean has all of the same features as the Defiant Jean with the exception of one hidden pocket.
They feel stretchy and light, appear to have solid, unobtrusive stitching and will be available in several color options.
I most definitely will be getting a pair (of the Defiance jeans mind you) to do a full review in the near future when they become available.
Premier Body Armor had a couple of particularly interesting new things to display this year at SHOT Show 2022, two versions of the Stratis Enhanced Plate and the Eclipsys Cooling Panel among them.
Let’s go down the line:
Stratis Level III+ Enhanced plate
This plate weighs in at 2.8 pounds, making them some of the lightest rifle plates available. It is constructed of a proprietary UHMWPE. That’s the very convenient acronym for Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene if you’re not familiar with armor.
These come with a long, 10-year warranty. This is significant because the industry standard is around five years. As for the weight, the lighter the plates, the less strain on your body. This also helps with mobility, which is always a Good Thing.
Stratis Level III+ Enhanced Plate Specs, according to their website:
Special Threat Tested against the following calibers at a distance of 15 meters:
7.62×39 123gr PS Ball (MSC)
7.62×51 147gr FMJ (M80) – up to 2850 ft/s
5.56×45 55gr (M193) up to 3150ft/s *This plate is not rated to stop M855
Features
NIJ 0101.06 Level III Certified
15-year warranty
Lightweight
Ultra-durable cover to protect the plates in the roughest environments
Finished with a Polyurea outer covering for abrasion and moisture resistance
Polyurea finish can slightly vary in appearance. This has no impact on the ballistic capability.
Shape:
Shooters Cut for comfort when shooting//moving
ESAPI Cut extended coverage with great mobility and comfort
The Stratis Level IV Enhanced Plate
This plate weighs in at an incredibly light 4.4 pounds.
If you have had to wear level IV plates in the past, you already know they’re usually in the 7-pound range or heavier. That means a pair of the Premier Body Armor Stratis Level IV plates is nearly the same weight as a single standard Level IV plate.
The Stratis Level IV has a hybrid construction with a Polyethylene core and a tiled composite strike face. These act like individual cells, part of an interconnected system. This helps with making them capable of multiple hits because when struck, only the impacted tiles are shattered. This will also the damage of an accidental drop on a hard surface to just the immediately affected tiles and not the entire plate.
Stratis Level IV Enhanced Plate Specs, from the website
Special Threat Tested against the following calibers at a distance of 15 meters:
7.62×39 123gr PS Ball (MSC)
7.62×51 147gr FMJ (M80) – up to 2850 ft/s
5.56×45 55gr (M193) up to 3150ft/s
5.56x45mm 62 grain steel core (M855)
5.56x45mm M855 A1
7.62x63mm M2 AP (.30-06)
Features
Tested to meet the NIJ 0101.06 Level IV ballistic standard
10-year warranty
Shooter Cut
Armor-Piercing Protection
Ultra-Lightweight
Ultra-durable cover to protect the plates in the roughest environments
Multi-Curve
Multi-Hit Capable
Tech Specs
Size: 10″x12″
Thickness: .8″
Weight: 4.4lbs
Construction: Composite/Polyethylene
Finished with a Polyurea outer covering for abrasion and moisture resistance
Polyurea finish can slightly vary in appearance. This has no impact on the ballistic capability.
Shape: Standard military-style cut for comfort when shooting/moving
PBA says the Stratis multi-curve Level IV Enhances Plates are “…unlike anything on the market.” They advise the plates are “…They are composed of a tiled composite strike face and a polyethylene core, making them not only multi-hit rated but ultralightweight at only 4.4 pounds.”
The Eclipsys panel — Something Very New
This is an adhesive panel that you put on the inside of your level IIIA soft armor to help regulate body temperature.
PBA advises that:
It provides adaptive cooling so the hotter it gets, the more it cools.
It increases heat transport away from the wearer by 200% more than standard body armor
It can be placed onto any manufacturer’s body armor design.
The guys at the booth told me it’s not like a cooling panel on your body. They say it will, however, regulate your body temperature so that you don’t suffer the overheating and undershirt-soaking sweat that you normally get from wearing a soft vest.
As someone who wears such a vest at work every day, this is something I can appreciate — just as anyone who has to wear body armor for an extended period of time would.
Key Features of Eclipsys (from their website)
Passive cooling means no batteries or wires. There is nothing to break.
Perpetual cooling. It works when you need it, for as long as you need it.
Ultrathin at just 0.42 mm thick.
Over a 12-hour shift, the Eclipsys panel provides as much cooling as an 11.8-pound block of ice.
Complements other cooling technologies for maximum cooling performance.
Scroll down for their video about Eclipsys Cooling.
They’re online at premierbodyarmor.com; find ’em on IG @premierbodyarmor or connect on Facebook, /premierbodyarmor/.
Post Malone at SHOT wearing Premier’s Elite Executive Vest with “Eclipsys cooling technology”. The Elite Executive Vest is another offering from PBA. It’s evolved from its predecessor, the Discreet Executive Vest, including what they call “HOVERLIGHT ballistics” and the Eclipsys cooling technology.
Premier Body Armor, Area of Operations Booth 41548
The HRT Tactical RAC PC has been my go-to since I first got one. Now they have a new PC: the LBAC Plate Carrier.
The guys at HRT Tactical invited me over to their booth 70842 (which is inside Battle Arms) in the new Ceasars Forum at SHOT Show 2022. If you’re here, head over to the new building and check out all the companies that showed up to SHOT Show this year.
Chris at HRT Tactical introduced me to their upcoming Load Bearing Adaptable Carrier. As Chris puts it, it’s the RAC on steroids and after he went over all the features, I have to agree.
It’s like the RAC on steroids.
Going from the top to the bottom, the shoulder straps are redesigned. They’re thinner, wider, have an aerated system to help keep it cool, and are now Quick Attach/Detach with rock buckles. The shoulder straps continue all the way down to the back and create a natural airflow channel in the middle.
Onto the backside, there is the multi zipper panel just like on the RAC, so it will accept half and full back panels that are already available. The plate bag can be removed from the shoulder straps for cleaning if needed.
The Cummerbunds have rigid inserts that connect via molle towards the rear and upfront they go into a sleeve to add stability. They too have rock buckles for quick release. So that’s four points of quick detach/attach, which is nice.
The front of the LBAC works with all current Placard systems that HRT Tactical offers. They’re telling me a conditional second-quarter release.
The back has the multi-zipper panel just like on the RAC.
Want to learn more? Watch this video with Chris doing a quick rundown of the new HRT Tactical LBAC plate carrier:
Going to SHOT is a lot like getting lost, and sometimes getting lost reveals the hidden gems. It’s happened several times this show, and one of the bigger surprises to me is that Nightstick is throwing its hat into the realm of pump-action shotgun lights with the Nightstick SFL. SFL stands for Shotgun Forend Light.
Nightstick’s got stiff competition from Streamlight and Surefire but might have some real promise to it. Nightstick plans to manufacture four different models of the light for two different shotguns. Predictably they are tackling the Remington and Mossberg shotguns, the 870, 500, and 590 series specifically.
The SFL Lights and Lasers
The SFL will come with just a light or a light or laser. Nightstick’s chosen a green laser backed by 1,200 lumens of light. That 1,200 lumens are backed by 10,315 candela. It seems to be brighter than most dedicated shotgun lights with similar candela. The bright green laser sits in the middle of the beam and can be easily seen. The laser-equipped SFL models have the option to switch between light and laser simultaneously, laser only, and light only.
The Nightstick SFL brings a bright white light and green laser.
I really like the design and shape of the SLF. It doesn’t have a weird shelf that can punish your hand with recoil every time you pull the trigger. It’s a mix of hard polymer with a softer, more grippy material. You can dig into it for proper recoil mitigation without issue.
The light made it to the roof, heck I can still see the laser.
The control is ambidextrous and takes the form of a big ass button. It provides great feedback and is easy to activate. Holding both buttons for five seconds activates a lockout mode for transport purposes.
Getting Hands-On
Nightstick looks to start shipping the SFL in March. With the supply chain issues we’ve been having, they couldn’t launch any sooner. Nightstick has impressed me in the past, and I hope to get hands-on with an SFL as soon as possible.
Eotech, the class-leading manufacturer of holographic optics, has dived into the world of pistol red dot sights with the EFLX. The Eotech EFLX comes in with not only a killer set of features but also a killer price point. With an MSRP of $389.00, the EFLX mini red dot might be a real game-changer.
This is Eotech’s first mini red dot, and it seems to pack a real punch at a great price point. I hesitate to say Trijicon killer, but it might just be.
Inside the Eotech EFLX
The Eotech EFLX, pronounced E-Flex, packs either a 3 or 6 MOA red dot. It’s super crisp, clear, and very easy to see. I like the 6 MOA red dot variant for a handgun. At SHOT, that dot was super crisp and clear, and I could find it rapidly. The view from the lens is clear without much noticeable tint. The window is large, maybe close to the Leupold DPP size.
A big window, a bright dot, and a clear lens!
The footprint is a Leupold footprint, so it’s plenty compatible with a wide variety of stock pistols and the optic’s cut that has been proven to work. A top-load battery eliminates the need to remove the optic to swap batteries. The CR2032 battery provides 20,000 hours of battery life.
Top loading battery? Yes, please!
The optic packs seven daytime brightness settings with one ultra-bright setting and one-night vision setting for a total of nine settings. The optic weighs a mere 1.4 ounces, and guess what? Take the EFLX swimming if you want. It will survive up to 33 feet underwater. It’s tough, made from aluminum, and downright affordable.
Big buttons make for easy pressin’.
Eotech seemingly has a winner on its hands, and I can’t wait to get one to figure out the ins and outs of it. The Eotech EFLX is supposed to be hitting our shores in the second quarter of 2022.
The HRT Tactical RAC Plate Carrier, which I reviewed has been my go-to ever since I got it. The guys at HRT Tactical invited me over to their booth 70842 (which is inside Battle Arms) in the new Ceasars Forum at SHOT Show 2022. If you’re here, head over to the new building and check out all the companies that showed up to SHOT Show this year.
Chris at HRT Tactical introduced me to their upcoming LBAC Plate Carrier, which stands for Load Bearing Adaptable Carrier. As Chris puts it, it’s the RAC on steroids and after he went over all the features, I have to agree.
It’s like the RAC on steroids.
Going from the top to the bottom, the shoulder straps are redesigned. They’re thinner, wider, have an aerated system to help keep it cool, and are now Quick Attach/Detach with rock buckles. The shoulder straps continue all the way down to the back and create a natural airflow channel in the middle.
Onto the backside, there is the multi zipper panel just like on the RAC, so it will accept half and full back panels that are already available. The plate bag can be removed from the shoulder straps for cleaning if needed.
The Cummerbunds have rigid inserts that connect via molle towards the rear and upfront they go into a sleeve to add stability. They too have rock buckles for quick release. So that’s four points of quick detach/attach, which is nice.
The front of the LBAC works with all current Placard systems that HRT Tactical offers. They’re telling me a conditional second-quarter release.
The back has the multi-zipper panel just like on the RAC.
Want to learn more? Watch this video with Chris doing a quick rundown of the new HRT Tactical LBAC plate carrier:
Magpul recently announced their latest, and one of the most surprising, new products in a while. They teamed up with Maztech Industries for what is sure to be a game-changer for the Army.
The recently announced joint venture between Magpul and Maztech Industries is called the X4 Series. The first part of the system to be announced is the X4-FCS, or Fire Control System. This pairs with an existing LVPO to upgrade the optic display for the shooter giving real-time from different inputs on the rifle to provide data for range, ballistic data, and round count.
For a long while, the Army has not been shy about their need for a Round Counter capability to inform both the shooter and give others an idea of how many rounds they have in their weapon. Not only that, but they also wanted data on how many rounds the weapon has fired for maintenance purposes.
The X4 Series from Magpul and Maztech is in the development stage and has plans for various parts for the rifle. Currently the FCS and round counter, an integrated part for the grip and PMag to keep track of rounds.
The new X4-FCS series does just that. The pairing of Magpul and Maztech Industries developed the X4-FCS, just one in a series of items in their joint X4 line, and is an applique for your existing LPVO, thus creating it into a smart optic.
The full X4 series will have components and inputs from various systems on the rifle itself, but also accessible through secure links.
The X4-FCS (FCS is short for Fire Control System) pairs with an existing LPVO, or for those that don’t know Low Power Variable Optic, for a visual display with loads more information for the shooter. With multiple data inputs shared with onboard input systems, the shooter will see range, ballistic data, round counts. rounds remaining, and other useful information for better situational awareness.
One such input for the S4-FCS is the round counter on the rifle. The round counter is integrated into the PMag and the rifle grip. It brings accurate rounds remaining counts to on rifle and off-rifle displays, both in powered and unpowered options. It will help give instant and accurate round count information that is wireless and securely accessible through technology links.
The systems are said to be in development now and the price tag for the components are expected to be reasonable compared to what would be expected with advanced technology components.
SHOT Show has been interesting this year on the floor, you didn’t know who was going to be here or not. Holosun didn’t disappoint with their booth and products. They came with some new RDS’s and a new line of Weapon Mounted Lights for pistols.
They’re calling it the P.ID or Positive Identification Device.
There are two models, the first is the P.ID, which is a white light only model that puts out 1,000 lumens. The second is the P.ID+ which adds on an optional visible Green laser.
The beam is user programmable to either 500 or 1,000-lumen output. It uses a 18350 Rechargeable battery and a CNC 7075 Aluminum Housing. According to Holosun, it is IP67 Certified Waterproof.
I got to check out the P.ID at the Holosun booth.
Holosun booth at SHOT Show 2022.
It was attached to a Heckler and Koch VP9, which also had on a SCS MOS low profile RDS. First off, the light body on the P.ID is slim, much slimmer than traditional weapon lights that run with two CR123s side by side and is the same length or shorter than those WMLs. That means that it will fit most holsters molded for pistols with weapon lights. The switches are on the sides and are tactile, you can tap it and it will be on constant; if you hold it down it is momentary until you release it. There was also a strobe function, which my friend switched on somehow. I found the buttons to be easily reachable by my index finger.
The P.ID I was looking at seemed to me to be in the 500-lumen range. The beam had a slight blue tint and good-sized hot spot that would work well for close range.
The mount is a single cross bolt and looks to be simple to use. I wasn’t able to get a solid MSRP yet for it but I think it’ll be reasonable, like all of Holosun’s products.
This is another Weapon Mounted Light option for pistols and the more options available, the better.
This is another Weapon Mounted Light option for pistols and the more options available, the better.
Stay tuned for more from Holosun and from SHOT Show 2022!
Holosun reflex sights on display at SHOT Show 2022.
Finally, it’s time for Range Day, arguably the most wonderful time of the year. It’s where primadonna media types like myself get to play with new guns, gear, and optics on the manufacturer dime. Among a great many new guns and calibers, we have the gear. Lots of nice optics, and Holosun showed out with two, sorta three, new optics aimed at the pistol market. Remember how Holosun dumped the number configuration with the AEMS? Well, they’ve done the same with their new optics, the Holosun SCS, and EPS.
The good news for you is I got the skinny on these new optics and what they bring to an already crowded market. The Holosun SCS and EPS both offer very capable handgun-sized red dots that do a lot more than most. They innovate, expand, and push forward what a handgun red dot should be.
The Holosun SCS
For many, the Holosun SCS is the star of the show. It’s a red dot aimed at the full-sized and compact red dot market. It outfits guns like the Glock 19, the Glock 45, Glock 17, IWI Masada, and many more. The first question you likely have is, what’s the footprint?
A little range time with the Holosun SCS showed its potential.
Well, good question and I don’t have the answer you want. The optics will be built around the various footprints currently on the market. For example, the Glock model will attach to MOS guns without the need for a plate. Holosun’s rep told us they have the IWI Masada and HK models ready and will be expanding to CZ, S&W, and more in time.
The Holosun SCS Mounts directly to the Glock MOS series.
The SCS is Holsoun SCS stands for Solar Charging Sight. This little red dot uses nothing but solar power and an internal battery—no need to worry about 2032 or 1632 batteries. The internal battery lasts for 20,000 hours, so in low-light situations, you won’t be outgunned.
The Holosun SCS will charge entirely from the solar panel and only have auto-adjusting brightness. I typically don’t care for auto-adjusting optics because they tend to wash out with weapon lights. However, the Holosun SCS uses multiple sensors that talk to each other and adjust for the presence of a weapon light.
What About The Reticles?
Solid question. Holosun is known for its multi reticle system, and that’s present here. You get the 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle with 2 MOA dot. A very small single button controls the dots and makes it easy to swap if you prefer one over the other. The Holosun SCS will come in either red or green as well.
One of the big benefits of mounting directly to a universal system like the MOS is how low the optic can sit. With the optic positioned super low, you can ditch the suppressor height sights. The Holosun SCS co-witnessed perfectly with stock Glock height sights. Hell, the optics are specifically designed to match the slide design, so the Holosun SCS features the serrations that blend it perfectly with the Glock slide.
Look how those serrations align.
As we’ve come to expect, the reticles are crisp, clear, and easy to see. I dialed into a number of tiny targets and rang their bell over and over with the 32 MOA dot and 2 MOA dot. Let’s not forget the titanium housing that gives you a rugged and strong optic with a low weight.
The system worked perfectly, and I think it could be the next push forward in red dots.
The Holosun EPS
The Holosun SCS wasn’t the only new dot on display. I won’t lie when I say I’m a little bit more excited for the next dot. The new Holosun EPS joins the ranks of red dots and aims to equip your little guns. You know those subcompact guns, like the P365, Glock 43X/48 MOS series, and similar footprints.
The little EPS provides an enclosed optic for the subcompact handgun.
They fall into that Shield RMSc footprint and work perfectly on micro compacts. What they do differently than most other subcompact optics is utilize an enclosed emitter. An enclosed emitter means nothing gets between the emitter and the piece of glass, so the optic’s reliability ratchets up in the rain, snow, and hellish sandstorm you might find yourself in.
Honestly, carrying IWB every day over and overexposes your gun to dirt, lint, and debris. Any of that can slip between the emitter and lens and cause all sorts of chaos. The Holosun EPS provides an enclosed emitter option for your subcompact pistol.
Enclosed optics enhance reliability.
The Holosun SCS might offer the lighter open emitter design, but the EPS is meant to go to hell and back. It’s like the 509T, but much smaller and more compact. Still, you get the solar panel, the dual buttons, and more.
In Use
The Holosun EPS and EPS Carry are technically two different optics. The EPS Carry integrates an additional rear sight for cowitnessing purposes. The dot is a generous 6 MOA dot that appeared crisp and clear at the range. It’s also super easy to see and pick up. That big dot makes it easy to fly on target and start putting lead down quickly and efficiently.
Notice how it hangs over the edge, just ever so slightly.
The big dual buttons allow for quick adjustment. The solar panel offers your battery a backup, and the shake awake keeps things ready for when you need it. Adding a second lens is potentially perilous to your sight picture, but the glass appears clear. Putting lead on target wasn’t a challenge, even out to the most distant targets.
The one weird downside will be the fact the optic slightly overhangs the slide. Not a major deal, but it triggered my own OCD. Still, the reliability an enclosed optic offers is way more valuable than the lie we tell about clean lines and perfect integration.
Shine On
Both the Holosun SCS and EPS offer something new in a crowded and ever-growing market. These handgun-sized red dots are granting shooters a higher level of durability, a new low profile format, and a rock-solid set of features that brings Holosun to the front line of carry optics.
We hope to see both of these optics on the market soon. Watch this space for a full review.
The Smith and Wesson CSX 9mm pistol is officially one of the most talked-about new guns of 2022, albeit slightly less so than the Shield EZ 30 Super Carry. Its design, as you’ll read, is more than a little different from other Smith and Wesson pistols. And for that matter, all other micro-compacts we’ve seen to date.
We first took note of the weapon after the Primer Peak Blog noticed a Reddit post about the new handgun and reported on it. This was prior to the official release of the weapon, which came some days later. The original photo of SW’s new concealed carry photo apparently came from someone working at an S&W retailer, who posted it to social media. Those posts were subsequently taken down, but not before discussion of the CSX was all over Reddit, forums, and other social media channels. Many such conversations referred to the weapon as a “hybrid”; not in the way that a Glock 19X is a hybrid, but rather that it looks to be an alloy of the Shield EZ and 1911 style frames.
We eventually received additional details of the CSX (which btw kinda looks like a Colt Mustang to me) mostly confirming the speculations of “gun people” on the internet, to wit, it is:
Chambered in 9x19mm
Hammer-fired (vs. striker-fired micros like the SIG P365, Hellcat, Shield Plus, Mako, GX4, et al)
Single Action Only (SAO)
Flat face trigger
An all-metal aluminum alloy frame
“The new Smith & Wesson CSX pays homage to metal frame micro compacts of the past but brings the classic style to the 21st century.” Smith & Wesson
Perhaps more importantly — since I love old snubbies — we learned that CSX stands for Chief’s Special X. That won’t make it shoot any better or function any more reliably, and you might not think that’s important information, but this is my article and I think it’s cool so I’m listing it as an important feature.
Named for the old Chief’s Special revolvers.
Here’s a video overview.
Smith & Wesson CSX
The following is part of the various CSX press and social media announcements.
Featuring Smith & Wesson’s classic design characteristics, the aluminum alloy frame has an optimized 18-degree grip angle. Likewise, the textured grip includes a textured front strap and a removable textured polymer back strap. As a result, every shooter can customize the level of concealment and ergonomic fit, dialing in the personal experience.
Promoting enhanced manipulation in adverse conditions, the slide features both forward and rear cocking serrations. In addition, a flared design accentuates the rear serrations, so you can grip it and rip it with ease. Running along the bottom of the slide are ambidextrous slide release and manual safeties for right- and left-handed shooters. Likewise, the CSX ships with two changeable magazine release buttons, for right- and left-hand configuration.
The CSX sends rounds downrange through the 3.1-inch barrel with a one-in-ten twist, via a flat-faced trigger. Moreover, the single-action-only flat-faced trigger provides a crisp, clean and consistent trigger pull.
Smith & Wesson CSX Pistol Specs
Caliber: 9mm Luger Capacity: 10+1, 12+1 Overall Length: 6.1 inches Front Sight: Metal White Dot Rear Sight: Metal White 2-Dot Action: Single Action Grip: Interchangeable Backstraps Barrel Material: Stainless Steel with Armornite Finish Slide Material: Stainless Steel with Armornite Finish Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy Slide Finish: Matte Black Frame Finish: Matte Black Barrel Length: 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) Overall Weight: 19.5 ounces Width: 1.12″ Height: 4.6″ Weight: 19.5 oz MSRP: $609.00
S&W says, “We are proud to finally introduce the SMITH & WESSON® CSX, the most innovative metal pistol we have ever built. The durable micro-compact, all-metal hammer-fired pistol has a staggering 9mm capacity of 10+1 or 12+1, crisp & light single-action trigger, and superior ergonomics.” Alas, there’s no rail or optics cut…at least not in this version.
S&W detailed the new handgun thusly in a blog post:
The first thing that might draw your eye is the single-action external hammer. This provides a crisp and consistent trigger press while the visual and physical control of the hammer offers additional confidence for concealed carry, especially while reholstering.
Below the hammer, you’ll find the ambidextrous safety. The innovative design incorporates external safeties pinned inside the grip and located under the hammer. These steel ambidextrous safeties hinge along the back of the grip for efficient access and positive engagement for different hand sizes and shooting grips.
Once your eye drifts down the back of the pistol past the hammer and safety, you’ll notice the interchangeable backstraps. The CSX pistol comes with two interchangeable backstraps to suit your ideal grip and concealment preferences. The standard backstrap fills the hand for comfort. The smaller backstrap offers not only a reduced size grip for owners with smaller hand sizes but also a lower profile for concealment.
This was the picture that let the Smith and Wesson CSX cat out of the proverbial bag.
The aluminum alloy frame also features a truly ambidextrous steel slide stop, accessible to both right and left-handed users. The low-profile ridge design allows for easy activation into the up position while tactile grooves along the top ridge make for efficient deactivation. For all of the left-handed shooters, the mag release is changeable. Offering options for both right and left-hand access, the CSX pistol ships with two, easy-to-change magazine release buttons. The textured design and slight rise of the aluminum button on the frame make it easy to depress while also helping to reduce the chance of an unintentional release.
We also carried over some of everyone’s favorite features from the newest Smith & Wesson products in our assortment. The CSX pistol offers a highly desired flat-faced trigger with a trigger safety extending across the face of the trigger for a consistent feel. The CSX pistol features appropriately placed serrations on both the front and rear portions of the slide. The serrations on the rear portion of the slide feature a flared design for easier manipulation.
Learn more online at: smith-wesson.com/subcategory/csx
The original post was appropriately entitled Look, it’s not another M&P! and was made by u/RAMRODtheMASTER late in the day on 12/30/21 in the r/guns subreddit. In the text accompanying that post — which as of our initial writing was the only information available — advised the following:
9mm, 10 and 12 round magazines, Single Action Only, Frame appears to be aluminum, Ambi safety and slide stop, Mag release appears to swap, 3 dot sights, M&P style backstraps
Trigger has a short travel but mildly stiff break. Trigger pull overall is not bad. The reset is atrocious though. False reset then real reset. Hope that wears out.
Haven’t shot it but it feels great in the hand as well as solid.
Initial speculation that it uses Shield Plus magazines from another Reddit user was answered with, “Different mags, I tried.”
We now know the CSX takes proprietary magazines in either 10- or 12-round capacity.
NOTE: This is a much larger caliber CSX. Unlike any other firearms anywhere, this CSX actually does possess that often cited term, “knockdown power”. Even more so than WWII era 1911s and anything an ANGLICO would have to deal with. (PC@sdw788359)
Some of our crew will no doubt put hands on the CSX at SHOT Show 2022. We can give you some more feedback then.
As you can see, the grip and backstrap are (not surprisingly) very M&P-esque. Alas, no rails. There will be many who decry the SAO trigger of the S&W CSX, but even the faintest hint of 1911ism will be a strong attraction to some.
JuileG, part of Team Smith & Wesson takes a quick specification overview of the new Smith & Wesson CSX 9mm pistol.
Julie Golob on the Smith & Wesson CSX
by Patti Miller
Smith & Wesson is well known for its large line pistols. They recently announced their newest pistol, the Smith & Wesson CSX pistol, chambered in 9mm. In the video below, Smith & Wesson team shooter Julie G talks through all the specs of the new pistol and why you will probably want one.
JulieG TV Youtube channel went through the new Smith & Wesson CSX pistol and she said she is stoked to share the information. She stressed that because she is a team shooter for Smith & Wesson, this is not a review but essentially an announcement for the pistol.
The new CSX pistol seems to fit the small niche hole between the full-sized Shield pistol and the Shield EZ. The CSX pistol is a nod to the old Chief Special pistol and is a micro-compact aluminum alloy frame pistol chambered in 9mm. The pistol is a striker-fired single-action pistol with lots of little touches that make it a versatile pistol.
The CSX pistol from Smith & Wesson, chambered in 9mm Luger, comes with a 3.1” barrel and the pistol is only 1.12” wide overall, including the controls. The main takeaway for the pistol has no grip safety but has ambidextrous safety. This ambi safety is smaller than the regular Shield but larger than the Shield EZ. Also present on the CSX is an ambidextrous low-profile steel slide stop that is accessible from both sides.
Continuing with her overview of the new Smith & Wesson CSX, Julie talked some more about the frame and grip. The CSX has a magazine release button on the left side of the frame, but they include the right-side button so left-handed shooters can swap it out to fit their needs.
The texture present on the button helps feel the button easy enough, but the button itself is not so big that you will accidentally hit it. Also, in the box from the factory is two interchangeable backstraps, one standard size and one a smaller size. The grip texture Julie says is nice for shooting and not too sharp on the hand. The texture also extends around on the front and back of the grip as well.
Present on the slide are front and rear slide serrations. Julie says they are good-sized, but not crazy. She goes on to say also present on the CSX is the rear slide flair, which is also present on the Shield EZ. She said it is a subtle detail that you can feel, but it doesn’t catch on to things. The slide doesn’t feel too tight, not Shield EZ easy, but is still nice.
Julie G, a part of the shooting team for Smith and Wesson, wants to make it very clear that this video is not a review but an announcement, i.e. a product reveal.
While the CSX is not optic-ready, it does have three-dot night sights. Also present on the slide is a loaded chamber indicator, which Julie loves, and serrations along the top to help reduce the glare to the shooter.
To round out the pistol announcement, Julie talked about the trigger. The trigger features a fully flat face, and the trigger safety extends across the full face giving it a smooth surface. The trigger feels crisp and consistent with not a lot of travel with the pull. Because of the presence of the internal firing pin block, she recommends that you practice maneuvering the thumb safety in your drills, so you are comfortable with the different feel.
The Smith and Wesson CSX pistol is a micro-compact 9mm pistol with a 3.1” long barrel and just over 1.12” overall width, including the controls.
Coming from the factory with two magazines, a 10-round and a 12-round magazine and sleeve, the Smith & Wesson CSX pistol is a versatile option for anyone looking for a micro-compact pistol. The MSRP for the CSX is $609.
