SMITH & WESSON CHIEF SPECIAL CS9
Posted May 19, 2023
Smith & Wesson has long been at the vanguard of quality firearms, with their iconic Chief Special CS9 9mm pistol serving as the perfect example of their longstanding commitment to excellence. For over a century now, Smith & Wesson has been producing firearms of exceptional craftsmanship that offer both a reliable and dependable shooting experience. Since the unveiling of their Chief Special back in 1955, S&W's prowess has only grown, extending past the realm of the steel and into the realm of the polymer.
The CS9 offers all the classic style and performance you'd expect from a Smith & Wesson, along with a few modern improvements. Not only is it made from a lightweight polymer construction, but it is also outfitted with S&W's signature “Palmi-Stripe” checkered grip, which provides improved control and a comfortable fit. In addition to this, it also comes equipped with adjustable three-dot sights for improved accuracy.
When it comes to the performance of the CS9, it is both reliable and accurate. When it comes to reliability, it is rated by both the S&W defense lab and the US Military for a service life of up to 10,000 rounds. This means that you can depend on the CS9 to perform its best, every time you pull the trigger. When it comes to accuracy, the CS9 comes outfitted with adjustable three dot sights, which provides consistent accuracy and shot placement. As far as accuracy goes, the CS9 is capable of producing 1.57 inch or less groupings at 25 yards.
When it comes to the design of the CS9, it's sleek and simple. Not only does it feature a black, matte finish, but Smith & Wesson have also included laser etchings on the slide, providing a unique look. This laser etching extends to the included three-dot sights, as well, with the front sight sporting a red, fiber optic insert for improved target acquisition.
The recoil of the CS9 is also relatively low, due to the combination of its high quality construction and excellent fire power. In terms of handling the pistol, it is fairly comfortable due to the signature “Palmi-Stripe” checkered grip, which provides improved control and a comfortable fit. This feature is also adjustable, with the addition of an included grip extension nestled deep inside the palm swell of the pistol, which offers further customizable options for shooters.
In terms of capacity, the CS9 holds up to 15+1 rounds, which can be increased to 17+1 with the addition of an extended magazine. This gives the CS9 an excellent amount of firepower and allows it to serve as a self-defense pistol for a variety of situations.
When it comes to safety features, the CS9 offers several options. Not only does it come equipped with a frame mounted safety, it also offers an additional ‘Thumb Safety System’ for an extra layer of safety when firing. The ‘Thumb Safety System’ is essentially a small panel that covers the top of the slide, disengaging the safety system when the shooter raises their thumb to press the panel.
When it comes to pricing, the Chief Special CS9 comes with an MSRP of $545.00. While this might seem like a lot for a budget or entry level pistol, considering its features and performance, the CS9 is actually an exceptional value and offers a lot for the money.
Overall, Smith & Wesson's Chief Special CS9 is a great gun for shooters who are looking for a reliable, dependable, and accurate 9mm pistol that has been designed with both safety and performance in mind. With its lightweight polymer construction and adjustable three-dot sights, as well as its traditional ‘Palmi-Stripe’ checkered grip and ‘Thumb Safety System’, the CS9 provides a comfortable shooting experience and provides peace of mind for those concerned with personal safety. The CS9 is also capable of producing 1.57 inch or less groupings at 25 yards, making it suitable for both self-defense and competitive shooting. Finally, its price is also quite reasonable, offering an excellent value for the money. As such, the Smith & Wesson Chief Special CS9 is a great option for any shooter looking for an all-around reliable and accurate polymer pistol from one of the world's most iconic firearms manufacturers.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to conceal
- Reliable performance when firing
- Available with factory extended magazine for an increased capacity of 13 rounds
- Quality materials and construction
- Smooth actions and comfortable trigger pull
- Affordable with factory stainless steel and alloy models
Cons:
- Low magazine capacity of 7 to 10 rounds
- No manual safety, only a firing pin block
- The recoil spring guide rod is plastic
- Not all models come with a hardened barrel
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson Chief Special CS9 is a compact pistol designed primarily for concealed-carry and home-defense. It is a good option for experienced shooters who want a reliable gun with minimal recoil. However, this pistol may not be the best choice for beginners who have yet to build up the necessary muscle memory and familiarity with handguns. Those inexperienced users would likely benefit more from a larger, easier-to-handle gun.
Comparisons
| Smith & Wesson Chief Special CS9 | Similar Product 1 | Similar Product 2 | Similar Product 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Degree Natural Grip Angle | 18 Degree Natural Grip Angle | 18 Degree Natural Grip Angle | 18 Degree Natural Grip Angle |
| Double-Action | Double-Action | Double-Action | Double-Action |
| Single-Stack Magazine | Ultra-Slim Single Stack Magazine | Reversible Single Stack Magazine | Extended Single Stack Magazine |
| 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger |
| Stainless Steel Barrel | 4" Stainless Steel Bull Barrel | 4" Stainless Steel Barrel | 4" Stainless Steel Barrel |
| 7 Round Capacity | 7 Round Capacity | 8 Round Capacity | 10 Round Capacity |
| Interchangeable Back Strap | No | Yes | Yes |
Features / Specs
-Smith & Wesson Chief Special CS9
-Semi-automatic, 9mm caliber handgun
-Stainless steel construction
-3.2 inch barrel
-6, 7 and 8 round magazines available
-Double-action only trigger
-Fixed sights
-Overall length of 6.1 inches
-Weight of 24 ounces
Popular Accessories
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- Holster – Whether you’re looking for an inside-the-waistband, outside-the-waistband, or shoulder holster, there are plenty of holster options for the Smith & Wesson Chief Special CS9.
- Magazine Pouch – A magazine pouch allows for quick and easy reloading, making it a smart choice for your Smith & Wesson Chief Special CS9.
- Sights – Adjustable sights are available for the Smith & Wesson Chief Special CS9 that provide improved accuracy and visibility.
- Lights and/or Lasers – Professional shooters often use lights and/or lasers to help them get on target quickly, day or night.
- Grips – Rubber, wood, and synthetic grips are available for the Smith & Wesson Chief Special CS9 which can improve handling and comfort.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson Chief Special CS9 is a reliable and reliable 9mm semiautomatic pistol that provides good accuracy in an accurate and reliable package. This lightweight and affordable handgun is attractive to those in search of a concealed carry option, and also to those looking for a home defense tool. The CS9 is impressively accurate and tests have shown that it can hold tight groups even at longer distances. The overall accuracy is good and the trigger is crisp and smooth. This is a great weapon for self-defense, as well as target shooting.
