“Performance on a budget” describes the subject of many of TTAG’s most popular gun reviews. I’ve had some cheapies through my hands thinking there are probably quite a few gems out there that truly outperform their price brackets, and while most have been fun to shoot, they’ve basically all had one or more drawbacks (or outright fatal flaws). They’re often fine as a beater “truck gun” or for plinking, etc., but really not up to snuff in the role as the only pistol one owns or for use as a competition or self-defense gun. Canik’s TP9SA wants to be the exception to the rule; the inexpensive pistol that can hold its own with the big boys across the board. I put a lot of rounds through this one, only to find that . . .
Yeah, it just might be that exception. Or at least one of them. An MSRP of ~$399 and sale prices as low as $299 certainly strike the budget chord. Sure, the TP9SA has a quirk that seems to have caused sufficient mental freak-outs among a few of the big names in YouTube gun reviews, but in my opinion it isn’t more than that — a quirk. Declaring it a total deal breaker is a bit hyperbolic, but, as they say, I’ll report — it’s in the “Technical” section below — and you can decide.
http://youtu.be/WpTp4Njp6rg
In The Box
Right off the bat Canik tries to hit you with value by packing the plastic pistol case chock full of accessories. Organized in form-fitting foam, you’ll find the TP9SA inside a SERPA-style retention holster with two different belt attachment backing options nestled in the lid above. A bore cleaning brush and a slotted rod for cleaning patches are also found in the lid. Down there with the pistol is a GLOCK-like magazine loading tool, a larger backstrap replacement, a chamber flag, and a magazine. A second magazine is inserted in the pistol. Add the usual owner’s manual, warranty card, and a gun lock and you’re looking at a heck of a lot of kit.
To my surprise and satisfaction, the two 18-round magazines are made by Mec-Gar. This is good news, as Mec-Gar manufactures excellent mags. In fact, they make some, most, or all of the OEM ones for SIG, CZ, Beretta, Ruger, and many other top-tier companies’ pistols. Cheap magazines have proven to be the singular cause of unreliable function in countless firearms, but the TP9 is on solid footing.
On the flip side, the included holster is a really cheap toy that’s just about as bad as you’d expect of something tossed in for free. Low quality plastic with fairly poor finishing (rough edges, etc), and a knock-off SERPA-style-but-worse index finger retention release button that almost forces one’s index finger to slap into the trigger guard on the draw stroke. With the gun’s fairly light, short trigger pull this is definitely less than ideal.
For the purposes of the review, I did like having a holster for it. This thing is fine for plinking and okay to use as long as you’re very careful about that locking mechanism, and the belt attachment options that are adjustable for cant are a nice touch. If I wanted to actually use the included holster for range time or competition, I’d disable the lock, which could be done very easily through a handful of different methods. Most likely, though, I’d scrap it for nearly anything else on the market.
Technical
Canik’s TP9SA is nearly identical to its TP9 that has been out for years, but the TP9 is actually a DA/SA, striker-fired gun. This format is pretty darn rare, with the Walther P99 likely being the most notable pistol using that action. In fact, the TP9 is considered a P99 clone. The TP9SA, as you may have guessed from the model designation, is a true single action firearm. The only function that pulling the trigger serves is to release the striker. It doesn’t cock it or even partially cock it, which is why the trigger pull can be so short and crisp.
Due to the fact that the TP9SA is effectively a variant of the TP9, it retains the TP9’s decocker button. This, then, is that “quirk” that has popped to the top of the list for people like The Yankee Marshall. Because it has proven to be the subject of some controversy, I’m going to dwell on it longer than I otherwise would.
On a TP9 used for self defense purposes, the decocker makes plenty of sense. Chamber a round, decock the pistol so the first shot requires a longer, heavier trigger pull, then holster it or put it in that bedside safe.
The decocker on the TP9 can also be used for disassembly in lieu of pulling the trigger, which is the only way to decock the striker on the majority of striker-fired guns a la GLOCK. This, then, is the only valid function of the big decocker button — seen on top of the slide in front of the rear sight in the photo above — on the TP9SA, as depressing it doesn’t leave you with a longer, heavier trigger pull but, rather, a completely dead trigger that can only be made ready again by racking the slide. Actually, just to be specific, retracting the slide about a centimeter (basically a press check) will reset the striker.
The owner’s manual mentions that the decocker renders the trigger dead, and it states that the correct and safe way to disassemble the pistol is through the use of the decocker, not via pulling the trigger. My EDC is a Beretta Nano, and it offers the same functionality through a button on the side of the frame:
Before we jump on the “Who needs that crap?!” bandwagon, I think it’s important to recognize a few things. Yes, we have all accepted violating the #1 safety rule in order to field strip our GLOCKs and similar pistols, and there’s absolutely nothing difficult about ensuring that the gun is clear beforehand. But…and it’s a Kardashian-sized but(t)…negligent discharges do happen as a direct result of requiring a trigger pull for disassembly.
Sootch00 did it. A friend of mine did it in the middle of a defensive pistol course. Lawsuits have been won against firearm manufacturers for less. It’s fair to say that requiring a trigger pull in order to field strip a gun for regular maintenance is less than ideal. At a minimum, offering a safe, alternative method of disassembly reduces the manufacturer’s civil liability.
The argument is that the TP9SA’s decocker is a deal breaker because it renders the pistol useless unless the slide is racked. Certainly we shouldn’t carry a useless gun, so hey, no argument from me there. However, I don’t see that decocker as some sort of overwhelmingly tempting red button with a gravitational pull such that one’s willpower simply cannot prevent one from depressing it when one shouldn’t.
Despite some other reviewers’ opinions to the contrary, I think “don’t use it except for field stripping” is a perfectly valid assertion. After all, we accept the existence of all sorts of other controls that should not be depressed or otherwise activated during either carry or firing, such as the magazine release, takedown lever, safety, trigger, slide lock, etc. Don’t push the brake pedal when you want to go. Don’t push the gas pedal when you want to stop. Don’t decock the gun when you need it to fire a chambered round.
Yeah, it could happen accidently. It takes between 7 and 10 lbs of pressure to decock the TP9SA depending on where on the button you’re pressing (10 on the pads on either side, 7 right in the center). I understand the desire to limit ol’ Murphy, but, again, every pistol has buttons and levers that will break its function should they be manipulated at the wrong time. I’m left unconcerned and just not buying all of the reasons why this decocker theoretically sucks.
Except — and I promise this is the end of the decocker discussion! — for the cheap or lazy aspect. If you design a gun from the ground up with a decocker solely for the purpose of trigger-pull-free takedown, it’s going to look like the decocker on the Nano. If you modify an existing DA/SA gun into SAO and you want to use the same castings for the slide instead of going through the large expense of manufacturing an entirely different slide, you do what Canik did with the TP9SA and just keep it all the same as the TP9. The giant, easily-accessible decocker is inane and unnecessary in this case. But it doesn’t relegate the gun to the trash bin.
Oh! — promise already broken — let’s also not act like every firearm is purchased, intended, and used for self defense. Plenty of us feel like manual safeties have no place on a carry gun, so if this decocker falls into the same category for some folks and therefore puts the TP9SA entirely out of contention for defensive use, then that’s a valid decision. But as the TP9SA can be a budget choice for target shooting, plinking, competition, and any other non-life-and-death use as well, we might do well to avoid tunnel vision.
As seen on quite a few striker-fired pistols, the TP9SA informs the shooter of cocked/not-cocked status via a witness hole in the slide plate. The back of the striker sports a red dot and protrudes from the plate when cocked.
Sights are steel and of a standard 3-dot format. The rear sight is easily adjustable for windage by loosening two set screws, allowing it to slide relatively easily in its dovetail. The front sight is supposed to be removable with via a torx screw, and two replacement sights of varying heights are included with the TP9SA along with a torx wrench, but my front sight is pinned in place. A bit awkward as well as a bit unfortunate, because this pistol prints high for me.
The frame is improved over the TP9’s with a larger trigger guard and better texture and shape. Texturing on the grip frame is pretty decent. The ergos are good as well, with a backstrap shape that fits the hand comfortably and a grip angle that’s fairly natural. A small backstrap comes installed on the TP9SA, with a larger one included in the box. Pushing out a roll pin at the base of the backstrap allows it to click downwards and off the frame. The “window” around the roll pin allows it to be used as an attachment point for a lanyard clip.
An accessory rail adorns the front dust cover, but it can’t be referred to as a MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail as the grooves are awkwardly shallow. In fact, when I tried to mount a LaserMax UNI-MAX for one of the accuracy testing groups, it wouldn’t fit. The cross bolt on many Picatinny-compatible accessories is going to be too tall for this rail. Measuring with a caliper, the grooves are 0.0725″ deep, while the MIL-STD for a Picatinny rail is 0.118″.
Field stripping is easy. Just decock the striker by pulling the trigger (anyone still reading?), pull down on the takedown levers, and slide the slide off the front of the frame. Recoil spring and barrel come out as usual.
Trigger
The TP9SA’s money maker is its trigger pull. It’s a fairly close runner-up to the HK VP9 and the Walther PPQ for trigger pull and reset quality. Short, crisp, and positive in both directions. Just a millimeter or so of creep followed by a very clean break. Puts a GLOCK trigger to shame. Pull weight is consistent at about 4.5 lbs.
The trigger has a GLOCK-like safety blade on it, which I’d say is really its only fault. In most cases they just don’t feel good on the trigger finger. This one’s far from the worst I’ve come across, but it isn’t the best, either.
Accuracy
As mentioned, this TP9SA prints a bit high for me — about three inches. More of a target-style sight alignment than a combat-style one. “Pumpkin-on-a-post” rather than point of impact on top of or behind the front dot. That’s a matter of training and becoming used to a given firearm (and can be adjusted with sight replacement or modification), but mechanical accuracy is harder to fix.
Thankfully, the Canik gets a passing grade. Not exemplary by any means, but more than sufficient for pistol sorts of activities. The following targets were shot from a sandbag rest at 25 feet, and I aligned the sights with the bottom-most ring sitting on top of the front sight post in order to hit near the bull:
On The Range
On the range is where the TP9SA outperforms its price category. It feels good in the hand, points fairly naturally, and is quick and easy to shoot. There’s a bit more muzzle flip for me than with a GLOCK, but it’s still soft-shooting and extremely controllable. The reach to the trigger is just right and that clean, crisp break with a positive reset allows it to be run rapidly and accurately.
I took the Canik out of the box at the indoor range, ran two mags through it to see where it was printing and to get a feel for it, then I did the accuracy testing above. After that, straight into an IPSC-style stage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=235ZdAcJmE8
With fewer than 60 total rounds through the gun — half of which were slow-fired from a sandbag — it served me well right out of the gate. I haven’t had time to do these weekday “fun shoots” at the range here for over a year, so I was definitely rusty. It may feel just a bit nose-heavy in its balance but, nevertheless, that’s a TP9SA in 3rd place for Minor Limited:
Reliability has been unfaltering. I’m borrowing this gun and it came into my hands used and dirty. Naturally, it’s not my gun so I left it used and dirty and proceeded to make it used-er and dirtier.
The desert tan Cerakote — it honestly looks more like normal paint to me rather than actual Cerakote, but Century Arms, the U.S. Importer, does state that it’s Cerakote — has worn through in some places. But this gun has a lot of rounds through it. How many, I’m not actually sure, but the wear and dirtiness indicate a solid round count in addition to the few hundred rounds I’ve put through it thus far.
That beveled magwell, beat up as it is, makes for reliably rapid reloads and the large magazine release button, which can be swapped to either side of the frame, is easy to operate, dropping empty mags free. Despite my extremely high opinion of Mec-Gar, I should note that getting 18 rounds into these “18-round” magazines is effectively impossible. They hold 17.
Again, despite the lack of cleaning or lubrication the TP9SA kept chugging along, feeding, firing, and ejecting everything with consistency and authority. Not so much as a hint of a thought of a hiccup. I think it’s fair to say that it’s a reliable gun, which is in keeping with my own experience obviously as well as with all of the 3rd party reports I’ve seen or heard. Likely one of the reasons it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
The decocker button was a total non-issue while using the gun. In and out of the holster many dozens of times over the course of putting around 400 rounds downrange, and it was never in the way. I understand why it’s weird, but in practice it’s just not at risk of accidental activation or snagging on a holster or anything else of that nature.
Conclusions
From where I’m sitting, this is the current budget winner for a serviceable 9mm pistol. It’s quick and accurate enough to use in competition and reliable enough to use for self defense. Personally, I find triggers like the TP9SA’s to be too short and light for most self-defense use, at least on a pistol with no safety, but that’s a matter of preference. Same, then, with the large decocker for disassembly. It really doesn’t bother me at all, but clearly some folks consider it a self defense dealbreaker.
The TP9SA fits very well in the hand and it shoots softly. Mag changes are fast and easy and that light, crisp trigger makes it an excellent target, range, or even competition gun. At a fairly normal online retail price of ~$340 shipped — even if the holster and mag loader are only really worth their “freebie” price — it’s a heck of a lot of pistol for the money.
Specifications: Canik TP9SA
Caliber: 9×19
Capacity: 18+1 (on paper. 17+1 in actuality)
Barrel Length: 4.47″
Overall Length: 7.5″
Height: ~5.69″ (as measured, with magazine inserted)
Width: ~1.26″ (as measured)
Weight: 1.8 lbs
MSRP: $399 (less on Brownells)
Ratings (Out of Five Stars):
Accuracy: * * *
Combat accurate. A GLOCK will put up tighter groups for me.
Ergonomics: * * * *
Really good. Better than average for sure. Not quite at a 5-star rating like the VP9, PPQ, most CZs for me, etc.
Reliability: * * * * *
Solid. I can’t say if it’s as long-term durable as a GLOCK, but it’s definitely reliable.
Trigger: * * * *
Really good for a striker-fired gun. Well above average. The PPQ holds the 5-star spot for me, though.
Customize This: * * *
Nice to have a larger backstrap, but then customization options start to come up short. The Pic rail isn’t really a Pic rail, the front sight didn’t actually swap out like it’s supposed to (I hear Walther P99 sights fit on the TP9 series but can’t verify) and, while holster makers have responded to the TP9SA in a larger way than I would have expected, it can still be comparatively difficult to find holsters and other accessories.
Overall: * * * *
Factor in 5 stars for value and strong aesthetics in addition to the ratings above, and I think the TP9SA is a solid, 4-star pistol.
If you like to “Israeli carry”, then this is the gun for you. I’ll be impressed when the TP9SF makes it to our shores next year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGTA00JS-F0
I honestly think fixing the accessory rail to make it M1913-compliant is a bigger deal than getting rid of the decocker.
I have heard that Century has been trying to get the new DA/DA version imported. Lookes like the tp9sa and works like the original TP 9. Caniks web site shows it comes in a few more colors as well as in 9mm and 40.
I have the original tp9 and it has been a rock solid gun. I would love to compare the orginal TP9, new tp9 version and the tp9sf.
Israel is God’s choosen land,I love jesus,and must say I love the canik…maybe you love Australia better since you probably like glocks….what I am getting at if it shoots good and is reliable it’s fine with me….kinda like Toyota and hondas…lol
Um… Glocks have nothing to do with “Australia”. Canik is Turkish; not Israeli. You did spell “Jesus” correctly, though.
You may be or think you are mr. gun guru, and I’m sure you have a lot of savy…. Don’t say much for your manners though… A-W…. The Israili pistol and the Canik pistols do have something in common…like who originated the gun just as much like our original maker… As for the Glock, who gives a S%@$… With all the outsourcing, it also could have been Canik 55? just as the Charter Arms, Tri-Star, Beretta Cougar (Stoeger) etc. Get it Jerk…. The T-Series, C-Series, P-Series are all made to represent a specific gun with their hame on it… Now go fold up and love yourself…
Canik pistol is Turkish made. Not Israeli.
I’m Israeli-American, and I carry chambered, though I understand those who choose not to, based on their personal preferences, social interactions, etc.. Fun fact: in order for an Israeli to qualify for duty, all Israeli military and police units must meet a standard of 1.2 seconds for placing the first round on target at eight meters with a handgun, starting un-chambered. I doubt that most chambered carrying U.S. gun owners can ever match that!
Spetsnaz one handed draw / rack (into battery), check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5H2GYOhKtM
Wishing I had picked one up for 249.99 the other day, but the price really scared me off. It won’t next time.
Where did you find it so cheap?
If I remember correctly, it was AIM Surplus. Sign up for their e-blasts, but if you end up broke, don’t blame me. 😀
I won’t, and the wife won’t either. She’ll just blame me again…
I cant find it on the CA roster. Awesome….
Not going to either. No manual safety and no mag disconnect, both required features, separate and apart from the microstamping issue.
Will LEO be able to get it?
Yes LEO are exempt from the roster. Subjects of kalifornia are otherwise S.O.L.
I’ll cruise around calguns
“No manual safety and no mag disconnect, both required features”….Required by who?
What the hell is wrong with this pistol? Over a thousand rounds of cheap steel with no failures. Collect Sigs and Walthers and not all match this reliability.
Do you have any Smith and Wesson pistols?
Thank you so much for the review, Jeremy S.!!! I’ve been waiting for the review on these for quite a while (from you guys). An M&P 9/SD9 , Kahr C9, CZ75, Canik TP9(SA), EAA Witness &/ Sar B6, Bersa BP9, Diamondback DB9, Springfield xD?, Ruger SR9, etc ‘budget’ 9mm comparo would be great. Maybe sub $450 street price?
Nice to see some sanity in a review of this gun. Not that you’re the only one. BUT STILL, haha. I don’t see a problem with the decocker at all. :p
Made in what country?
Turkey
So basically since they cloned thetWalther P99, they’ve now clone (sort of) the PPQ. Sounds like I’m going to have to check it out
The rail slot depth is an issue I haven’t seen brought up anywhere else, and is very good to know.
I’m still kinda side-eye on the decocker though.
Really just luck that I usually mount a laser on any pistol w/ a rail so I can do one accuracy group with it, which allows me to better test the true mechanical accuracy potential of the pistol rather than how well I’m capable of aligning sights. But the majority of rail-mounted accessories that have a cross bolt for clamping them to the rail aren’t going to work on this gun… so definitely good to know and I’m glad I stumbled upon it! Once it happened it became obvious just visually that the grooves in the rail are shallower (actually, technically, it’s the bars that aren’t high enough rather than grooves that aren’t deep enough) than standard Pic rail, but I wouldn’t have believed my eyes otherwise haha
As for the decocker, I’m obviously in the tiny minority of reviewers that really just isn’t bothered by it at all, but as far as I’m concerned you can use it for disassembly if you choose to and otherwise can simply ignore its existence. It ain’t gonna cause you any sort of issue whatsoever. It’s out of the way and it’s flush with the slide and it’s just a non-entity if you don’t specifically choose to press it. Especially on the standard, black-finished gun since it blends in aesthetically as well.
True mechanical accuracy can’t be checked by anything that attaches to the frame. This has been an issue with testing accuracy of semi-auto pistols and has resulted in poor manufacturing decisions, in order to get better reviews.
Reviewers often test mechanical accuracy with the frame clamped in a rest and the trigger pulled remotely by a mechanism. This should remove any human error an show the true accuracy potential in theory. But the problem is that the accuracy in most semi-auto pistols is dependent on the lockup between barrel and slide, and the sights are on the slide. Any play in the slide to frame fit can unfairly indicate a decrease in accuracy. So some manufacturers have made slide to frame fit so precise that the pistols lose reliability, in an effort to get better reviews. A slide can be absolutely sloppy on the frame, but if the lockup between the barrel and slide is right, it can be very accurate.
Your mentioning the laser made me think of something – a good laser mounted on the SLIDE might be a really good idea for accuracy testing, but harder to accomplish.
What’s the 3 most important things on a self defense weapon? Reliability, reliability…..well, you get the picture. Such reliability on a budget is just a plus.
I have a sigma ve? that just keeps doing its thing. Less than 300 bucks and it works.
I got a used SW9VE from an LGS for ~$200, and once you fix the trigger, it’s really not a bad gun. I use it for a beater transition gun for carbine classes, since it’s reliable and I don’t care if it gets dirty. (I also use it for testing 9mm reloads!) Only complaint is that the mags are kinda pricey.
Trigger didn’t need fixing on mine. My sons, yeah. But if the cops take it, who cares. It goes into evidence after a dgu and I could care less if I get it back.
It would break my heart to lose one of my pricier guns.
I just ordered one for $340. I was able to handle one at the LGS and liked it, reminded me of my VP9 a bit. Certainly can’t go wrong for the price.
I watched a review with, among others, Ayoob. I believe he said something along the lines of: the sights are likely set up to accurately fire 124gr nato ammo because the gun is made in Turkey. Not sure if it explains printing high or not, just relaying what i heard in the video.
It shot high with everything. If it were mine I’d probably attempt to punch out the front sight and install the taller one that came w/ the gun. Or maybe just file down the rear sight. Or just deal with it, as it isn’t a big issue and it took all of like 5 minutes to adapt to the POI (as proven by the solid accuracy score in that IPSC-style stage, which I shot like 30 minutes after firing the gun for the first time). I don’t think it’s just this one example, either, as Tim from MAC and a couple others mentioned their samples shot high for them as well. Normally I don’t actually read or watch other reviews before writing my own, btw, so as not to be biased by the opinions of others, but in this case I was pretty late to the TP9SA party so had seen other reviews months before I knew I was going to be borrowing one…
I would love it if someone would do a torture-test on this gun. If this thing holds up well under considerable stress and abuse, then I don’t think I’m hyperbolizing much when I say it could be a game-changer. Budget-minded folks would have a gun that’s rock-solid and reliable, and other budget gun makers would have to step up or step aside.
1,000 rounds w/out cleaning? http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/canik-tp9-sa-budget-9mm-torture-test/
Maybe I’ll contact Century Arms and see if they’ll hook me up with 1k rounds of HotShot ammo also haha. I’d be more than happy to put all of it through this TP9SA in a single outing. This pistol probably has somewhere around 1k rounds through it already with, afaik, zero malfunctions and minimal or no cleaning. I’d certainly enjoy shooting it more and continuing to clean it zero 😉
If this gun can come close to what the bigger companies’ guns can withstand, it’s nothing but good for us as consumers. I really hope this gun sells like crazy and forces the Glocks (which is what I own) and the Sigs and their ilk to compete on price.
Canik/tristar/sar/etc/stoeger/etc/etc/etc is actually a rather huge company that is very old anf makes tons and tons of firearms for a variety of end users, including some large militaries.. They have been making a push for U.S. market share, and are able to offer good quality at a good price point to get their name out. And it should bode well for them, and even if you’re not a fan, it’s more competition for brands you do like, which is always a good thing.
MAC just released his torture test today. He will be doing another one when he gets the new model, that doesn’t have the decocker, in the coming weeks.
I mounted a TLR4 to the PIC rail of my TP9SA with no problem at all. Tucks up nice and tight to the trigger guard with the switch ears along either side for minimum OAL. That said, it’s the only rail accessory I tried to fit.
Picked up a Bianchi universal military holster to accommodate the mounted TLR4, and I’m very satisfied with the whole package. One of the best triggers in my gun safe. Decocker is a NON-issue.
It isn’t a Pic rail 😉
But yeah, not all rail-mounted accessories use a bolt that goes through the groove in the rail in order to clamp the two sides together. And some that do have a bolt use a skinny one and/or one that’s recessed into the accessory instead of more exposed and running deeper into a rail groove. At any rate, because the grooves are substantially shallower than Mil Spec people are going to find a whole ton of accessories that simply will not mount onto the TP9SA. Plenty will, but I’d be willing to say that most will not.
The TLR series use an intermediate (from five or six user selectable) block that interfaces with the rail notches, which also allow for more fore and aft positioning options. So at least there is a choice that will fit. The TLR 4 has both a red laser and weapon light.
I was also able to get 18 rds into one of my mags. Bought six more spares but haven’t tried loading them yet. It may just be a matter of breaking them in or some dremel tool work on the follower. Will have to disassemble them and make some measurements.
A side note, the SA slide is different from the standard TP9, so they did go through the trouble of a new casting. I think it was the liability concern that drove the retention of the decocker, and cost drove the decision not to redesign it to something like the Beretta Nano.
Again, I have no beefs at all with this pistol, except maybe lack of parts availability. Mine did not come with extra sight blades.
Apparently the decocker was a requirement for sales to the Turkish military.
So I bought one of these from AIM on a whim. A few gripes (some self-inflicted):
– The little red dot thingy which indicates a cocked striker fell off somewhere at the range. It’s gone now.
-They still don’t make the promised (by Centurty, some months ago) 10 round mags, so I had to take a Dremel to a couple of mags from my Berretta M9. The body of the mags are identical, but the Canik needs the cut-out for the catch to be 0.5″ higher.
– In the process of measuring to modify the mags, I had to remove the mag catch. In the process of reinstalling it, I bent the mag catch spring, such that it did not assert sufficient pressure to hold in the mag. This only became apparent when the shock of firing would eject the mag. Firing was still possible with a modified “teacup” grip – not ideal, obviously.
– In attempting to fix the spring issue, I managed to lose the bloody thing in my messy office – totally my fault, but the design is such that re-inserting it is a battle royal (and since the mag catch is allegedly reversible, this shouldn’t require gunsmithing skills).
-Nobody will can/will sell me a replacement spring – I’ve contacted Century, AIM and Canik – the first 2 have promised that parts will become available for puchase “soon”. Canik has not responded at all.
It makes a very attractive paperweight, and that trigger is still very sweet when dry-firing.
Good to know Anon…I’ll stick with a cheap(inexpensive) Taurus for now. It not like I don’t have a huge choice. BTW I noticed a horrible review upon doing the google thing…but it does look good for the $.
I had the same opinion as you on the Canik and nothing wrong with the Taurus. But I bought the TP9V2 and it is one heck of a gun. IMHO best gun for the buck and can compete in the $500-800 dollar class respectfully and most likely winning more than losing to the big boy class an that’s coming a Sig shooter since the 80’s. I liked it so much I have ordered 3 TP9SF yesterday. IMHO best gun for the money..
I’ve had mine for 6 months and put several thousand rounds through it. I’ve shot Stand1 and Delta Precision 147 grn, Freedom Munitions JHP and Geco RN 124 grn and Freedom and LAX 115 grn reloads. The 124 grn ammo grouped the best at 25 yards, 115 grn next, with 147 grn with the worst groupings. It’s my go to pistol for 3gun and steel.
FYI, buying extra mags from CAI is a pain, you have sign a waiver of liability, have them issue you an account number before you can buy mags.
Natchez Shooting Supply has TP9 SA mags for $24.99
FYI the TP9SA uses CZ75 sights.
As luck would have it Truglo just made their TFX Line for the CZ75.
The decocker can be easily disabled, so it’s kind of moot. I’m liking mine so far, my Apex M&P is getting a tad bit jealous.
I’m definitely buying the TP9SF when it gets imported.
Are you talking front sight only? The rear sight doesn’t look compatible, could be just the pictures off MidwayUSA are wrong. It’s the length of the dovetail throws me off.
I was surprised as well. Believe it was confirmed on the Canik Owner group on facebook. A member is ordering TFX so there should be an update soon.
Maybe the Pre-B front sight could be compatible? The current CZ 75 B series front sight certainly isn’t compatible, though. It mounts up in an entirely different way via a front-rear dovetail and a side-side roll pin. The TP9SA’s sight appears to be held in place by a vertical pin that goes up/down through the sight and slide. No dovetail.
Okay Jeremy, I’ve gotta ask, on your fourth run you had a “CARBINE”. Did you do your run with your 9mm AR?
You know entirely too much. I think it was the Kel-Tec CMR-30 and it was not exactly a smooth run haha… it jammed once or twice and on the close targets I forgot to compensate for the fact that the red dot is a couple inches over the bore so head shots were in the neck and I believe I murdered a couple of innocent hostage targets. A complete failure of a first run w/ that carbine haha. The next visit was the week after and it was much smoother https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttI04E1P-lE
Hey, I run the same course occasionally. It’s good to see another gent from this neck of the woods. I’ve run the course in the past with a .22lr S&W M&P AR loaded with 12 or so rounds and then transitioned to my sidearm when it locked back. Fun stuff. They’re nice folks down there and the Thursday/Friday runs can be a good decompressor after a long week.
Just bought an Arcus Hi-power clone. I will be writing a review for TTAG soon, was holding out for a reader review but It is too great a pistol not to share my experience with it. I have overlooked the tp9sa a lot because I have been eyeing the Canik cz75 clone!
Why O why do people care about decockers on guns!!! I remember back when safeties were physical blocks on the trigger. Stop whining like a little kid about decockers people. All guns are dangerous devices, act accordingly. If you are stupid enough and careless enough to discharge a weapon and not have it aimed in a safe direction then you deserve the bad Karma. These are great guns and at a great price.
left this post earlier but it looks like its missing. anyways:
Chalk it up to poor trigger technique on my part, but in dry firing my new TP9SA i picked up this morning, i found that if i ride high on the trigger, the safety will often not disengage
Since this is a range toy i don’t mind at all, but i could see it being an issue in a defensive situation where you might finger the trigger imperfectly and wonder why it doesn’t budge.
Basically all of these trigger safety tricks are designed to prevent the trigger from pulling if pulled on the sides or too high up on the trigger. Same with ones that don’t have the little blades but rotate in part or whole like the M&P one or Arsenal Strike One trigger. Anyhoo… in a defensive situation you’ll probably pull it with 600 lbs of force anyway and break the safety clean off haha
The 9v2 address the “issue” it’s DA/SA
http://www.slickguns.com/product/new-canik-tp-9v2-sa-9mm-w-2-18-rnd-mags-hard-case-and-accessories-33999
I agree with your asessment regarding all the bs re the decoker. Yes It probably be better off somwhere else but it aint .it should not be a deal breaker imo. Treat it like a Glock, done easy. Btw I felt the trigger on one at Gander Mtn and it really is nice. Drawbacks….for me anyways extra parts and customer service. Too many unknowns at this time anyway. Less CAI is handling warranty items idk.
So I took the time to see if all of my factory magazines would load to 18 rd capacity and all 7 did. The last round took determination, but the two that cam with the pistol as well as five I ordered from J&G loaded to full 18 rounds.
Late to the TP9SA party here, got one at an LGS near me. Not having had a chance to get to the range with it, my initial impressions on build quality and such are overall positive. The trigger is amazing for a striker gun, let alone one for $412 out the door (tax+FFL fee included). The ergonomics are excellent. I opted to install the larger backstrap, where I did encounter one small glicth: the drift punch they include in the baggie with the instruction card to swap backstraps broke on me. The skinnier portion of the pin snapped off while I was hammering out the pin to change backstraps.
As for some of the online reviewers stated dislike of the decocker on an SA only handgun, citing the potential for unintentionally decocking the gun, and having tested the switch, I’d say they’re being a little overcautious. I’ve tried it out repeatedly, and based on it’s position and the pressure needed to actuate it, I can’t envision a scenario where you could actuate it outside of a deliberate and intentional press of the switch. James Yeager rents TP9SAs at his training facility to students, with no instructions regarding them at all, and has noted zero instances where the students have unintentionally activated the decocker.
Also, the TP9V2 is in retail channels now: same improved trigger and ergos of the TP9SA vs TP9, now in DA/SA. I’m thinking I may just get one in a bit.
Just so everyone knows if for some reason you don’t care for the “decocker feature” its quite simple to render it inactive without a permeate or cosmetic modification to the gun.
1 remove the slide.
2 remove the striker
3 tip the slide over and the decocker will come out be careful to not lose the two springs, (you will need two peace’s of wire just over half the length of the spring that fit inside the spring that’s not flexible I used stainless steel pins) Insert the pins in the springs and reassemble.
Done… it will take you longer to find a pin that you like. I have heard of guys using a nail that’s cut off I went with something that wouldn’t rust. If you want to go Hi Cap with it get a berretta 30 round mag and do a slight mod to it.. BINGO shoot all day long!
Happy shooting!
i had no problem getting all 18 rounds in my mags. dont be a sissy!
Mine holds 18+1 just fine.
Yea, I had an ND like that with my XD 40. Right into my mattress. It scared the living shit out of me. No exit hole, so it’s still somewhere in there. I always make sure it’s pointed in a safe direction, but I’d rather not have to pull the trigger to field strip it.
So if they would have just called the “decocker” button a “takedown” button, nobody would have raised a fuss. At least, that’s what it sounds like. I’ve been eying the black version of this pistol on AIM for a while now. We already have a home defense gun, so I just want something I can take to the range and get some practice with. Also, it’s superficial as hell, but I really, really like the look of this pistol over almost everything else in the price range.
I like the idea of the decocker on this pistol. If some individual were so inlcined, they could load the gun, chamber it and decock it then set in a drawer or on a night stand. Hear something unusual, pull the slide back a fraction of an inch and voila gun is ready to go. Maybe a good go between for those who want a safety
Amazing gun, $5 off 20 round magazine at http://www.tacticalsuppliesnola.com use promo “tactical” figured I would pass it on.
I’ve also read scathing reviews of this gun on the sole basis of the decocker. For me it is a non-issue. I’ve put thousands of rounds down mine and never once hit it on accident. I honestly like that I don’t have to pull the trigger to disassemble mine. I’ve owned Glocks for 15 years now, and I really like them, but to be honest I still have a mental cringe (the physical one disappeared 12 years ago) every time I strip one. Doesn’t matter how many times I check the chamber (usually three times before I clean), still has an effect on me. This is a solid gun for $349 (about the average). Thanks for doing an honest review.
Hey Jeremy, i just came back from first range session with this bad boy and I agree with your findings for the most part (didn’t find any spare front posts or breech flag)What I found is something you didn’t mention in your review and probably matters for self defense/combat scenario and maybe competition shooting- Canik TP9SA releases slide and chambers a round on mag slammed in…I think it’s pretty cool feature and not common enough to not mention it.Cheers.
Good write up on the Canik. My first love is a Sig but I had to try out a Canik TP9V2 and I love her. The DA is nothing to write home to mama but the SA is S~W~E~E~T~. I like being able to decock the gun and I also like being able to stage the gun from DA to SA. I found the gun to be accurate, reliable and a gun fun to shoot. I have read and watched YT of guys saying this gun is big to EDC but I don’t see that. I have no problem concealing the V2 but heck I come from a generation when Smith 686 was issues and have to conceal when off duty. IMHO best gun for the buck and can compete with the $500-800 class respectfully. I like it so much I ordered 3 TP9SF yesterday. My V2 holds 18 in the magazine with NO problem.
Turkish junk. Get a Glock a Ruger or even a Croatian XD at least they are not made by kaffirs in a lean to next to a camel pen.
You don’t like it? DON’T BUY ONE!
“made by kaffirs” ??? You, sir are an uneducated BIGOT!
First, great review, and lots of interesting comments. Thanks for all of that.
I took my new Desert Tan TP9SA out to the range for the first time today. First shot, Blazer Brass 115Grain, right dead center in the middle of the target. That’s never happened to me before, ever. I put 200 rounds through it today. This is an amazing gun. The quality is off the charts. The accuracy is off the charts. The price is amazing.
The first 9mm I ever shot was a Glock 19. That became my benchmark from which to measure other 9mm semi autos. All I can say is this, I liked this Canik TP9SA more than the Glock 19. The trigger is much nicer to me. The whole de-cocker thing is a non event. You have to really push it down firmly to engage it. In my mind, there’s simply no way to de-cock it by mistake. That’s just this guy’s opinion. Even if you do, it takes a slight ( I’m talking tiny) pull of the slide to make it hot again.
I was way late to the party, but after watching many Youtube reviews, I couldn’t resist it. For me it will be primarily a range gun. It’s too big to carry, and oh, I don’t carry anyway. 🙂 Not yet. I would never step into someone else’s party and dis any gun. We all have our likes and dislikes, and that’s really all that matters. That’s my 2 cents worth.
This gun and service have proved to be junk at it’s finest. 35 years of buying guns from all over the board and this one takes the cake with just one day after a couple hundred rounds has quit. Looked for some help from Distributor and Century Arms lived up to their awful reputation of NO SERVICE!! Reading further most of the good was paid for by Canik or Century to boost sales of junk!
Well, I do have to laugh sometimes at these reviews particularly when people get down to dissecting a firearm particularly for self defense use when they have probably never had to use a firearm in self defense. I have been around firearms for over 40 years and have never had to use one in self defense and if I did whatever I had at the moment would have to do regardless of trigger pull and a host of irrelevant factors. Furthermore, self defense is a matter of the will to do what needs to be done more that the type of firearm you have at the time or all the practice you have or don’t have. If you don’t believe that watch a crazed Vietnam veteran shoot a law enforcement officer who obviously didn’t have the will to do what needed to be done and got himself killed in the process. Search Vietnam Veteran kills police officer and you can see the You Tube video.
Also, people talk about holsters but the truth of the matter is this is not the wild west and seldom are you confronted in a manner, if at all, where getting your firearm out of a holster which takes next to no time is a matter of a wild west fast draw. Some folks just like to build the drama but if you spoke to most people in a self defense situation particularly in the home they had to go retrieve a firearm which took a lot longer than pulling one out of a holster. These reviewers need to give us a break.
I currently make 43,000 a year with a job a just got.
Hi how Is the recoil compared to Glock 17 and Walther ppq.Is it easy to rack?
Recoil from a gun like this is negligible in almost all respects. The grip is so large that you have great “purchase.” 9mm ammo in 115 gr. or (my preference) 124 gr. produces very little kick, especially if you are shooting in competition, under a timer, or whatever causes your pulse rate to rise. This is totally different from a pocket gun with regard to recoil – IMO, once you hit 25 oz. or more weight in an unloaded 9mm gun, forget about recoil. This gun should be fun to shoot; “mouse” guns are not fun to shoot. Obviously, they serve mostly different purposes.
Straight out of the box…..18 shots,,full load…25 feet…18 shots in a 3 inch group. Give me another pistol that will do that. for $350.00???????? I dare you.
For me the decocker/no manual safety/no mag disconnect make no reason for me not to buy a gun like this. I’ve carried a Ruger Blackhawk .357 w/7 1/4″ barrel (a few times), and a M1911 Remington Rand accurized by myself for over 50+ years. I qualified as a Lifetime Expert (USN) at Subic Bay PI but, as things would happen, the record was lost in transit to the Ship’s personnel office (or they lost it). I’m also a qualified Range Master. I’ve fired all types of handguns over the years (SA/SA-DA),but the old tried and true M1911 remains my choice. Yes, I know the M1911 is a dinosaur and it hasn’t most of the new “bells and whistles” as the new ones do, and it’s heavy as a cast iron frying pan. BUT, I’ve NEVER had a failure to eject/failure to feed/failure to fire since I’ve owned it. I challenge ANY of the new guns to match this or even come close). Even though it only has a 7+1 round capacity, I’m from the old school. If you can’t hit what your aiming at in a close situation with 8 rounds, you might as well throw the gun at them. PS – I can slap in a new mag super fast. BUT I would buy the CANIK for a secondary weapon (glove box/shop/end table/etc
0.
Supporting a firearm made in an Islamic country is not in the free worlds best interest. I would gladly spend twice the dollar amount if needed to avoid making Turkey one dollar richer, they were put in as part of NATO when they were somewhat civilized, that time has passed.
Support Terrorist buy a gun made in Turkey.
Yeah, Go on head, buy a Canik and SUPPORT TERRORISM! You buy one them things you might as well just fly them planes into the towers yourself. I find out ANY of my friends and family buys one of those MUSLIM boomers ill have them arrested for treason agains the united states, the best country in the world. IF U BUY A CANIK U SUPPORT TERRORISM!
Support terrorism?
Name a German, or for that matter, European maker in the late 1930’s who’s firearms products were never used by the Wehrmacht or SS in a concentration camp?
If you are performing ethnic cleansing during WWII, it’s likely your weapons were there. In particular, the maker who now holds the contract to supply our Armed Forces.
I wish things were less complicated in life, makers sell guns and Colt killed innocent people at My Lai, too. A war crime is a war crime.
If you only own firearms that are 100% guaranteed Made in the USA – not Turkish 1911’s literally rollmarked with the American Brand then shipped here for the minor legalistic tuning to make them American – then you at least walk the talk. Most don’t, typing away on Chinese electronics while joking about how people who think the election was stolen are stupid.
I do agree, this election some DID actually vote for the current President, be glad it is a secret ballot as we approach total confiscation of firearms in HR 127 which will require an expensive annual license and make it legal to remove guns. Might be the reason why people are delving back into their own posting history to remove off the cuff and unthinking comments.
ever wonder why canik is pushing big discounts,just read in caniks factory news that they have recalled all of their series pt pistols.this is a factory demand,another words you cant take it to you local gun dealer for the upgrade or repairs.it appears they are seeing alot of complaintsjust like they had with the sig pistols.got this from the factory so its not b.s
Seeing a lot of haters here, and I definitely do understand their complaints. But I’ll tell you what, everything I’ve heard from people who’ve owned and shot these guns (even mulitples of them) has been excellent.
I’ve finally decided to “pull the trigger” on a TP9SF One Series and I’ll probably just grab an extra mag. Very excited to try her out!
I’ve owned my Canik TP9SA for about six years now . Haven’t counted the rounds fired ,but not one problem yet with various brands and weights of ammo . Next thing . I really don’t understand all the fuss about the decocker . Leave a round in the chamber and press the decocker which takes a fairly definite press , and the trigger is thus rendered dead . The gun is then safe to carry IWB or OWB . If you need to fire in a hurry , a mere centimeter (or quarter-inch) retraction of the slide re-cocks the hammer and it’s ready to fire . I’d much rather own my TP9SA than the new TP9SF which has no safety and no decocker . Would you really prefer carrying a cartridge in the chamber in the TP9SF ? If not , then the necessary FULL retraction of the slide is not nearly as easy as the fractional retraction with the TP9SA . Regarding the reviewer , I really wonder how long he’s owned and used the TP9SA to say
” The giant easily accessible decocker is inane and unnecessary”.
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