The Canik line of pistols has expanded significantly in recent years. (Photo: Samantha Mursan/Guns.com)
Posted on 11/27/2021 11:11:50 AM PST by Bratch
It can be hard to stand out in the crowd of modern “Wonder Nine” pistols. The market is saturated with polymer-framed 9mm handguns. But while all the major gun manufacturers were throwing elbows to claw out some space for their own big-name brands, Canik swept onto the scene with a surprisingly affordable – and shootable – line of pistols.
In 2012, the Turkish company partnered with Century Arms to get their TP-series guns into the American market. The original TP9 borrowed generously from the Walther P99, but that has ballooned into a host of designs that range from souped-up competition pistols, like the Canik TP9SFX, discreet concealed carry pieces, like the TP9 Elite SC, and full-sized duty pistols, like the TP9 Elite Combat.
Originally, the platform boasted a double-action/single-action trigger with a slide-integrated decocking button, again borrowed from the Walther P99. That annoying feature carried over into the single-action-only TP9SA, which was still a great range gun with an above-average trigger out of the box. Canik has since updated its offerings to remove the unnecessary decocker, and many of the guns now boast an optics cut on the slide instead.
If the first budget trigger you ever use is on one of the newer Caniks, you’re setting yourself up for future disappointment. Some of the original TP9s were gritty, but the guns now have deceptively nice triggers for the price point. They also include replaceable backstraps so you can customize the grip to your liking.
The aftermarket scene has also grown over the years. But it is somewhat unlikely you will really need them if you are just looking for a good shooter right from the factory. Canik even boasts that as of 2019 all the new TP9 Elite Combat pistols now ship standard with performance upgrades by Salient Arms International. Canik’s TP9DA also still provides a double-action/single-action trigger if that is what floats your boat.
Canik’s real claim to fame was its price, and the guns can still be had well below the cost of many handguns with flashier names on the slides. On top of the value, Canik also did a lot right to deliver a series of pistols that have earned a reputation for reliability.
Magazine capacity isn’t shabby either. The TP9SFX boasts a nice 20-round magazine for competitions, while the Elite SC will generally come with a 12- and 15-round magazine. If that’s not enough, we would also add that the guns have a nice overall look to them that kicks the “cool factor” up a notch.
I know it’s just my opinion….but I think it’s ugly.
Why are all the gun makers trying to make their stuff look like it’s from a video game? Sure you can put a light on that rail…but then it won’t go into the holster.
I guess I am old.
A HiPoint will do the job for any home defense pistol. Bit bulky for CC but functions efficiently, good accuracy, made in USA. Their pistol caliber carbines are nice too.
LOL. Functions efficiently? Compared to what, FP-45? Have you ever seen any video reviews of one? Youtube is a great place to start. Accuracy, nah. It’s a 150 dollar gun with a junk barrel. Made in the US: using patriotism to sell garbage is a disgrace. I’m actually ashamed that it’s a US company.
I’d rather have a sharp stick than a POS Hi-point. Anyone who relies on this garbage for defense has their priorities all wrong. Throw it in the river and save for something decent.
Really, why would I pay someone who wants me and mine dead and erased from history.
Plenty of fine firearms produced by non-muslims.
Fires and reloads every time. No jams in my test with the 9mm. Took one to the range and performed as well as any same length barrel I ever shot. Bulky yes, but also built tough. Cheap, tough, reliable, all that’s needed for home defense.
But, different strokes. If some lady shoots it honorably that's all that matters.
For a bit more money get a Glock, or for a bit less get a Taurus.
Sure man. Actual Hi-point product.
Canik TP9 Elite is a fantastic handgun. The trigger is one of the best you can get in a gun under $1000.00. Match grade trigger from Salient Arms is also fantastic. Right now, this is the best you can get sub $1000.00. Erdogan aside, it will make a nice addition next to my commie AK.
Glocks are fine, dated but fine; Taurus suck though.
;>)
I’m glad I glommed onto CZ back when they were the budget pistols built like tanks.
Id spend my money on a crack whore before I’d buy anything made by a Turk.
Another older design that earned the "built like tanks" reputation was the Ruger P85. When Ruger was looking to compete for the military contract, they torture tested several of their own handguns. In one test, Ruger plugged the barrel of a P85 with a steel rod, leaving just enough room to chamber a live round - and then fired the handgun. IIRC, the only damage to the gun was the extractor getting blown off. [FWIW, I'm not sure how a 'modern' striker-fired handgun would handle that - there's a photo or two on the internet, of a guy with a striker assembly sticking out of his eye, after an over-pressure event of some sort.] In another test, Ruger cut completely through one side of the slide at the ejection port, and then fired 500 or a thousand rounds through the gun, with no problems. Ruger obviously didn't win any military contracts for the P85, but they probably wouldn't have had any issues with broken slides like the company that eventually did...
Fact is Hi-point is and makes garbage pistols. I can’t believe anyone in their right mind would advise someone to purchase their trash.
Have some standards guys. All that is missing on the Hi-point is some sights on the side of the upper receiver and you’d be all set shooting it sideways.
Thanks for the info, I’m willing to take your word for all of it. Maybe next time I’m at the big indoor range about 100 miles from my house I’ll rent a Canik to see what it’s about.
Unlike some of the folks posting here, I don't believe that I've advised anyone to buy anything. As for the rest of your comments, please reread my Post #18...
;>)
It’s on my list. Probably getting or building a 10mm first though. I just build an AR9 that I’m having way too much fun with right now.
My newest home defense blaster...
Did you know that the company that makes Hi-Point contracted to make those magazines, on your rifle?
I looked up a review, the feedramp geometry is apparently quite messed up.
They surely are. Two gunsmiths tried to fix them, two failed. They might make good tent poles for a pup tent.
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