
Smith & Wesson · Pistol
Smith & Wesson CS45 (Chief's Special)
Short recoil (semi-automatic) · .45 ACP · introduced 1999
Also known as Chief's Special CS45
About the Smith & Wesson CS45 (Chief's Special)
The Smith & Wesson CS45 (Chief's Special) is a subcompact semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1999. The pistol features a aluminum alloy frame and a stainless steel slide, providing a durable platform designed for years of reliable service in both duty and civilian applications. With a magazine capacity of 6 rounds, this pistol offers ample firepower for defensive applications. The traditional DA/SA trigger system offers a heavier first pull for safety followed by a lighter single-action pull for subsequent shots, a design philosophy favored by many law enforcement agencies during the era. The 3.0-inch barrel keeps the package compact for concealed carry while still providing adequate velocity from the .45 ACP cartridge for effective terminal performance at defensive distances. At 678g (23.9 oz) unloaded, this lightweight pistol is well-suited for daily concealed carry without causing fatigue over extended periods of wear.
Smith & Wesson has been manufacturing firearms in Springfield, Massachusetts since 1852, making them one of the oldest and most respected names in the American firearms industry, with their revolvers and pistols serving in virtually every major conflict and law enforcement agency worldwide.
Smith & Wesson CS45 (Chief's Special) specifications
General
- Type
- Pistol
- Action
- Short recoil (semi-automatic)
- Firing mechanism
- Double action single action
- Trigger
- Double action
- Trigger pull
- 2.0 kg (4.5 lb)
- Calibres
- .45 ACP
- Magazine capacity
- 6 rounds
- Magazine
- Detachable box magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 76.2 mm (3.0 in)
- Overall length
- 158.75 mm (6.2 in)
- Height
- 117 mm (4.6 in)
- Width
- 30 mm (1.2 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 0.68 kg (1.49 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling twist
- 1:16 in (406 mm)
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 6
Materials
- Barrel
- Stainless steel
- Receiver / frame
- Aluminum alloy
- Slide
- Stainless steel
- Finish
- stainless
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 260 m/s (853 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 477 J (352 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 25 m
History
- Introduced
- 1999
- Discontinued
- 2008
- Production status
- Discontinued
- Country of origin
- US
Features
- Compact design
- Single stack magazine
- All metal construction
- Accessory rail
- Ambidextrous slide stop
- Textured grip
- Loaded chamber indicator
- Reversible magazine release
Safety
- Ambidextrous safety
Largest caliber in the Chief's Special lineup. The CS45/40 features a 3.25-inch barrel while the CS9 has a 3-inch barrel.
Similar models
S&W Model 1
Single action · .22 Short

S&W Model 1 1/2
Single action · .32 Short Rimfire

S&W Model 3 Russian
Single action · .44 Russian

S&W No.3 Russian
Single action · .44 Russian

S&W Schofield
Single action revolver · .45 Schofield
Smith & Wesson 2213 Sportsman
Blowback (semi-automatic) · .22 Long Rifle
Smith & Wesson 2214 Sportsman
Blowback (semi-automatic) · .22 Long Rifle
Smith & Wesson 22A
Blowback (semi-automatic) · .22 Long Rifle