Canik TP9 Elite Subcompact – review

 

Got to take a closer look at the Canik TP9 Elite Sub-compact few days back. These guns have hit our shores quite recently, one of the first imports here. Canik has been known to make good quality weapons. The Canik TP9 has an impressive line up, but the gun being reviewed is the sub-compact 9 mm. Before the detailed review let me please say that this handgun gets full marks as far as looks are concerned.

Specs:

• Caliber: 9 x 19 mm
• Mag capacity: 12, and 15 (comes with two mags, in Pakistan)
• Pistol length: 6.7″
• Barrel length: 3.6″
• Pistol height: 4.6″
• Width: 1.45″
• Pistol weight: 700 grams (approx)
• Front Sight: Fixed
• Rear Sight: Fixed
• Safety: Safe action trigger, no frame safety

Features:

• 2 Interchangeable back straps
• Under barrel accessory rails
• Nitride coated barrel
• Slide Cerakoated
• Reversible mag release
• Round in chamber indication
• Ambidextrous slide release
• Internals mostly nickel coated for smooth movement
• Trigger pull 3.5 lbs approx
• Short trigger reset
• Red dot sight mount recess
• Included in the box: User manual, tool box, cleaning rod/brush, Concealed carry holster (changeable to IWB/OWB)

 

Just looking at the features one is over whelmed. So many things in one package is not ordinary stuff. This gun has been designed in detail and after quite deliberation.

 

Grip and Hold. The grip has texturing on front, rear and sides. This gives a good solid grip. See the ambidextrous slide release, it does increase the pistol width a tad bit but is a useful option. The mag release is interchangeable for left or right hand operation. It has serrations on front as well as rear of the slide which makes racking the slide quite convenient. Take down in very easy, quite similar to Glock but has a convenient and comfortable notches just ahead of the slide release. Under barrel rails are a small but good for a tiny flashlight. Over all the pistol exudes quality. The Cerakoted slide gives a beautiful look.

 

 

Canik TP9 Elite sub-compact has a safe action trigger. The pull is 3.5 to 3.7 lbs. I have found the take down quite easy because of the comfortable and easy to handle notch. The quality of finish is excellent.

 

 

The recoil spring (double) helps manage recoil.

 

 

Here is the internal view of the frame. The nickel plated parts mean more smooth movement.

 

 

The Canik TP is a striker fired pistol. It uses a three dot fixed sight system. Sight picture is very clear with good finish.

 

 

See the texturing on the front grip. Even the magazine base-plate is textured. It goes to show the details in pistol design.

 

 

The back-strap is also textured. It comes with two back-straps which can be changed by removing the pin.

 

 

See the removable recess for attaching a red dot sight. A little ahead is the loaded chamber indicator which protrudes when a round is in the chamber.

 

 

 

Here is a view of the barrel which has Nitride coating on it. See the Glockish design dual recoil spring.

 

 

 

Canik TP9 Elite Sub-compact is a good option for concealed carry because of its small size, though slightly thick. It is a well designed pistol, with lots of options. In US it is being sold with three mags, two 12 and one 15 round. In Pakistan so far it has come with two 12 round mags. The finish is excellent quality, it is light weight and aesthetically pleasant to look at. The hold and grip is also good. There’s option for attaching a mini flash light in the under the barrel provided rails. A red dot can also be installed on the slide. Ambidextrous slide release and changeable mag release means it can be used by left and right handed shooters. The trigger pull is 3.5 to 3.7 lbs which is good. Being a striker fired pistol it comes with safe action trigger but without external safety of any sort. The pistol however is drop safe. There’s loaded round indicator which protrudes, and can also be felt in the dark. Sight picture is good and the three dot sights are fine. The whole package includes, cleaning apparatus, manual, tool kit, magazines and changeable back-straps. The icing on the cake is a holster which can be converted in to IWB or OWB by changing the clips. The holster can be tightened with a screw for fit adjustment. Internals are nickel coated for a smooth finish and operation and the barrel is nitride coated. I have seen relief cuts in the slide to make it a little lighter.

Final Words. I think this is a very well designed pistol with a lot of features and accessories. Very good choice for concealed carry. I would never hesitate to make this my primary SD weapon. It is retailing at $450 in the US market. But here in Pakistan it is presently selling at Rs 180k. These are Peshawar prices. I think with more imports the price will come down. I think it should sell for around Rs 125k to 150k.