Alien Gear Holster Blog

New Smith and Wesson CSX Makes The Micro 1911 Much Better

The CSX is a new spin on the micro 1911, which might make the format a little more relevant. Here's what you need to know…

S&W CSX: Double-Stack, Single Action

The micro 1911 is nothing new; Colt originated the concept with the Mustang back in 1983, although that gun was chambered in .380 ACP and was never a strong seller. The format had a resurgence with guns like the Sig Sauer P238 and Kimber Micro, which were then scaled up for the 9mm cartridge.

Springfield Armory, followed suit with the 911 series of pistols, offered in .380 and 9mm.

The S&W CSX is a micro 1911 in 9mm, but has the additional party piece of a double-stack magazine.

The standard capacity is 10+1 with the flush-fit magazine, and the gun also comes with a 12+1 extended magazine.

For those who are looking for a new handgun, be it your first gun or your thirty-first, but are looking for something other than a Glock or M&P, you have only to look as far as your local gun counter to see some other names entering the conversation. Should you go for a name with all the bells and whistles by getting a Walther PDP Compact? Or how about that interesting new gun with the little red trigger safety called the Canik TP9 SF Elite? You see the price tag and think “Hey, I could get that one and have some money left over for practice ammo.”

The Walther PDP is a relative newcomer to the market, but it

As a police officer, I have been using a light mounted to my handgun for over a decade. The first weapon light itself dates back to 1902 but there were problems keeping the filament from breaking due to recoil. The next advancement came during a banner year in the firearms industry: 1911. That’s when George Seely filed a patent for a weapon-mounted light with rubber and springs to cushion the bulb.

Mounting a light source to a firearm became something manufacturers and the military tried unsuccessfully but many line level officers and soldiers found themselves rigging lights to their firearms. As a podcast host, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing numerous law enforcement officers from all over the world about tactics and gear. I’ve even interviewed an ATF Agent who has been involved in many tactical operations including Ruby Ridge who described using the old school cop method, tape the light to the barrel.

Concealed carry is concealed carry regardless of the season, but adding more layers can make getting the gun out more complicated.

Most of the time, clothing doesn't make a lot of difference when it comes to concealed carry so long as you're able to actually conceal the gun. That's a matter of positioning and having a little bit of room to the garment to drape over the gun.

However, the additional layers and heavy jackets that people wear in fall and winter can make a big difference in terms of concealed carry. If you can't get the gun out of your concealed carry holster, it defeats the purpose of carrying it.

So let's talk about some tips, tricks and strategies to concealed carry in winter and still be able to effectively clear cover and get a gun

With more folks being interested in hunting in recent years, they are exploring different types of hunting.  Most big game hunters new and old will be grabbing their rifles as they head into the woods, mountains or the back 40.  Archery also has a robust number of hunters picking up their compound or traditional bows as they head into the field.  There are even a small number of hunters who choose to head out to harvest game with a handgun.

(Image via Smith & Wesson)

Depending on what game someone is after or where and how they choose to hunt, it may indicate the need for different cartridges. Just as it is

Since almost all firearms are made for right-handed shooters, hand dominance and eye dominance for anyone who is not right-handed can make things difficult. You may find yourself asking “Wait, what's the difference, and what do I do about it?!” 

For many people exploring the idea of concealed carrying for the first time, the first step is to determine how to do so legally. This may seem a daunting task, as gun laws and the laws pertaining to carrying a concealed weapon vary from state to state.

Anyone who has spent even a modest amount of time in the modern firearms community will be familiar with “Pew-Pew Therapy.” Trips to the range nowadays need to count, but do you take the time to make them count?

What’s the best caliber for concealed carry according to police officers? This may be the second most common question I have received after “Have you ever had to shoot anyone?”. This is probably one of the most hotly debated questions and ranks up there with the great ongoing “Glock vs 1911” debate. While it may seem like a complicated topic, as a retired police officer I can say that my advice is always the same and it is always simple; choose the gun that you will actually carry.