Hey everyone, this is Shooting Illustrated bringing you another episode of “I Carry.” In today’s feature, we’re taking a look at the new Smith & Wesson CSX-E 9 mm pistol and some related gear. Let’s take a closer look at this kit:
Firearm: Smith & Wesson CSX E-Series (MSRP: $699)
Smith & Wesson revamped its CSX pistol line in 2025 with the CSX E-series, adding an RMSc-footprint optics cut to the top of the slide in addition to a version with a slightly longer barrel to the already-excellent micro-9 mm single-action pistol. Magazine choices include a 10-round magazine for restrictive areas, the standard flush-fit 12-round magazine and extended 15- and even 17-round variants.
The E-series CSX maintains the same dimensions as the original, at least with the 3.1-inch-barrel version we have today: 6.1 inches overall length, 4.6 inches in height with the flush-fit magazine and 1.1 inches wide, while the weight is 19.7 ounces. Sizewise, it’s between the SIG P365 and the Springfield Armory Hellcat, and has identical dimensions to its Smith & Wesson sibling, the Shield Plus. It’s smack dab in the middle of the field of micro-9 mm double-stack handguns, so carrying the CSX should prove easy.
Shooting the CSX, though, is where the difference in the operating systems becomes apparent. The single-action trigger of the CSX is smoother and crisper than most striker-fired triggers, but it’s not unduly light, where you might be concerned about safety. There’s an ambidextrous thumb safety as well as a blade safety in the trigger, so there are plenty of safeguards against inadvertent activation. With the single-action trigger, the manual safety should be engaged whenever the sights are off target, just like with any 1911-style handgun, of course.
In the end, the CSX E-series builds on the groundwork of the original CSX, and improves on it. Want a powered electro-optic? That’s now possible, thanks to the optics cut. Carrying inside-the-waistband and want a little extra velocity? There’s a version with a half-inch more barrel length. Ammo capacity is your thing? Load up the slightly extended 15-round magazine and keep a 17-rounder for a backup, and you’ve got plenty of ammo on-board. The E-series brings more options, and that’s always a good thing.
Holster: Galco Stow-N-Go (MSRP: $49)
We’ve opted for Galco’s utilitarian Stow-N-Go holster to carry the CSX E-series in today’s kit. The Stow-N-Go is constructed from black steerhide, with a metal-reinforced mouth to keep the holster open on reholstering and has a simple polymer belt clip to carry the rig. The simple construction allows the Stow-N-Go to be carried either appendix or traditional inside-the-waistband style while still keeping your firearm secure.
The simple polymer belt clip allows for quick attachment or removal from the belt, making the Stow-N-Go a great option for a “grab-and-go” rig, one you might toss on to run a quick errand or just to have around the house. It’s affordable, fits a variety of different semi-automatics and revolvers and is available for both left- and right-handed shooters.
Accessory: Streamlight Pocket Mate light (MSRP: $39.99)
The last component in our utilitarian kit is something we don’t often think about, right up until we need it: a small handheld light. Streamlight’s Pocket Mate light fills this niche in spades, offering two power settings, a USB-rechargeable battery and a handy clip to add to a keyring or zipper pull. On high setting, 325 lumens of light are available for a run time of 20 minutes, while on low setting, 45 lumens of light are available for 1 hour of run time.
While these numbers might not be as eye-searingly impressive as the latest super-tactical light, the Pocket Mate has two very important things going for it: First, it’s quite small and easy to carry—so you’re more likely to have it on you. Second, the price: MSRP is less than $40, and the off-the-shelf price is nearly half that – I’ve seen it for between $20 and $25 on a half-dozen websites that sell tools and such. For $20? Grab one in each color and be the coolest person in your “secret santa” group this holiday season… Or keep a couple extra – two is one and all that…
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