I’ve spent much time in the field testing the Smith and Wesson CSX. While it’s got some great features, I also stumbled upon a handful of issues that many of you might find troubling.
I’ve faced several problems that I think need attention. We’re talking about firing issues, problems with the magazine, an uncomfortable grip, a heavy trigger, a tricky takedown design, and even a false reset on the trigger.
I will break down the Smith and Wesson CSX Problems one by one, offering solutions to make your experience with CSX smoother. Stick around, and let’s get this sorted!
Overview of Smith and Wesson CSX Problems & Fix
| Problems | Solutions |
| Firing Issue | Clean the firing pin to improve trigger response. |
| Magazine Issue | Redesign follower and spring to fit 12 rounds properly. |
| Problem with the Grip | Apply textured covering for a better grip. |
| Heavy Trigger Problem | Lubricate and examine the disconnector and striker channel. |
| Takedown Design | Increase the length of the disassembly pin. |
| False Reset on Trigger | Contact Smith & Wesson for a product adjustment. |
Top 6 Smith and Wesson CSX Problems & Solutions
1. Firing Issue
Alright, let’s dive right in. The first thing I noticed when I was out in the field was a bit of inconsistency in the firing.
There were moments when the trigger just didn’t seem responsive. I’d pull it, and nothing. No bang, no recoil, just a dud.
Now, that’s not something anyone wants, especially when reliability is key.
Solution
After spending some time troubleshooting, I found that cleaning the firing pin and ensuring that it was free of any gunk or debris significantly improved the trigger response.
So here’s the plan: disassemble the firearm, take out the firing pin, give it a thorough clean, and then put it all back together.
Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when doing this. And hey, use proper safety precautions, alright? After doing this, I noticed an instant improvement; it was like night and day.
2. Magazine Issue
So let’s talk about the magazine issue. Now, when you buy a gun advertised as a 12-round capacity, you expect it to actually hold 12 rounds, right? Well, I had a real head-scratcher with this one.
When I tried to insert the fully-loaded 12-round magazine into the grip, it just wouldn’t seat. And don’t even get me started on trying to release it; it was like pulling teeth.
After a closer look, the magazine’s spring seemed to be the culprit, making the magazine tube deform and swell up. Not a good look, Smith and Wesson.
Solution
Alright, here’s the fix. You have to redesign the magazine, specifically focusing on how the follower clips onto the spring.
Start by clipping the follower into the top coil of the magazine spring. Once that’s done, insert this assembly into the magazine tube.
Then, just attach the base plate to finish the reassembly. It’s not rocket science, but it does require a bit of patience. I’ve tested this, and it works like a charm.
The magazine fits, it releases smoothly, and I got the full 12 rounds without a hitch.
3. Problem with the Grip
Next up, let’s talk about the grip. Now, when I’m out in the field, the last thing I want to worry about is an uncomfortable grip, affecting my accuracy. Yet, that’s exactly what I got with the CSX.
The issue mainly stems from the portion of the grip made entirely of aluminum. Despite the interchangeable backstrap, the grip felt unpleasant and made my shots imprecise.
Solution
So, how did I tackle this problem? Well, the fix is straightforward: improve the texture on the grip’s surface.
You’ll need to cover the entire grip with a texture designed for better grip. I got mine for around $20, and trust me, it made a world of difference.
Once I applied the texture, the grip felt much more comfortable, and my firing also became much more precise. It’s a small investment for a big payoff.
4. Heavy Trigger Problem
Alright, let’s shift gears and talk about the trigger. Theoretically, a heavier trigger can act as a safety feature, but the CSX takes it too far. When I was testing the firearm, the trigger pull felt unnecessarily heavy.
It’s clocking in at 7 to 8 lbs on a gun that weighs just about 19.5 ounces. That’s a bit over the top, especially considering the CSX already comes with manual safety and trigger safety features.
The heavy trigger pull definitely made quick and accurate firing a challenge.
Solution
So, how do you tackle this? First off, remove the slide and test the trigger bar function without it. Make sure it’s not getting stuck anywhere.
After that, focus on re-lubricating and examining the disconnector. It might also be a good idea to closely examine the striker channel.
Complete disassembly and a little bit of lubrication did the trick for me. The trigger felt way better, making firing quickly and accurately easier. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
5. Problem with the Takedown Design
So, another issue that caught my eye was the takedown design. Now, the whole point of a takedown is that it should be easy and quick, right? But with the CSX, it felt more like a chore than anything else.
The disassembly pin was just too short, making it hard to grip and pull out. I found myself fumbling around more than I’d like to admit.
It’s not exactly the problem you want to discover when looking for a reliable and efficient firearm.
Solution
Well, here’s a straightforward fix: just increase the length of the disassembly pin. Yep, it’s that simple. Having a longer pin makes it much easier to grip, pull out, and put back in.
I tested this change, and let me tell you, it made the takedown process so much smoother.
It’s a minor adjustment but a meaningful one. A longer disassembly pin might not seem like a big deal, but trust me, it makes all the difference in the world.
6. False Reset on Trigger
Okay, so let’s dive into this false reset issue on the trigger. When I was out in the field, firing off some rapid shots, the CSX wasn’t behaving as it should.
The trigger wouldn’t reset properly, causing me to pull back on an unprimed trigger more times than I’d like.
The spring tension isn’t enough to reset your finger back into the proper position. In a real-world scenario, this could be pretty risky.
Your trigger should be reliable, especially when relying on quick and accurate shooting.
Solution
So, what’s the workaround here? To be honest, this one’s not a DIY fix. I’d recommend contacting Smith & Wesson directly.
They need to address this as part of their quality assurance. We can only hope that enough feedback will lead to a more reliable product.
I had to send mine back for an adjustment, and it’s clear that the company needs to prioritize this issue. It’s a fundamental flaw that should be at their fix-it list.
Final Verdict
In the time I’ve spent rigorously testing the Smith & Wesson CSX, there’s been a fair share of highs and lows. Look, it’s got some great features, no doubt.
But it also has areas that demand immediate attention, from firing inconsistencies and magazine issues to grip comfort and trigger concerns. Thankfully, many of these are fixable, and I’ve personally tested solutions that made a real difference in performance.
Still, there’s that false reset issue that you might have to send back to the manufacturer for fixing. Overall, the CSX is a mixed bag.
If you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease—or get Smith & Wesson to do it—the CSX can be a solid firearm.
FAQ’s
What does Smith and Wesson CSX stand for?
The “CS” in CSX refers to Smith & Wesson’s historic “Chief’s Special” line of revolvers.
Why is CSX single action?
The CSX is single action to allow for a smaller design.
Is the Smith and Wesson CSX double action?
No, the CSX is single-action only.
Is the S&W CSX single action only?
Yes, the S&W CSX is single-action only.
