It can be difficult to determine which pistol is better in a world of striker-fired guns that are as commonplace as dirt.
The majority of products on the market are good and perform well, so for me it comes down to the details and value.
Canik has recently released some fantastic pistols, but I wanted to check out their slightly older TP9 ES to see if they still maintained the quality and attention to details I love about other Canik guns.
I wanted to know whether sub-compacts are still relevant in an age of micro-compacts.ย Does there really need to be little chunkers such as the TP9 Elite SC in a world full of micro-compacts?
Follow along as I take you through the specs, features and noteworthy features and then head over to the range.
Canik TP9SC Elite: Our Tests
I tested the Canik TP9 Elite SC with 115-grain and 124-grain FMJ as well as Speer Gold Dot +P hollow points at distances ranging from 7 to 18 yards.ย I used both FMJ and Speer Gold Dot+P hollow points in 124-grain as well as 115-grain.
I tested both the standard iron sights and a Holosun Red Dot.
Since I have been around guns for most of my adult life, I have a wealth of experience with firearms, including competitions, hunting, certified instruction, and concealed carry, so that’s what I look for when testing guns.
Background
Canik’s TP9 handguns were introduced in 2012, and they showed that cheap doesn’t necessarily mean bad.
The designers made the wise decision to replicate theย Walther PPQย pistols.ย They were able to start with a design that was proven and also lends itself to excellent triggers.
Canik’s first attempt at targeting the concealed carry market was the TP9 Elite SC in 2019. The TP9 Elite SC is a result of the growing popularity and acceptance for theย TP9 Series.
Who is it for?
These guns are designed for people who want anย easy to conceal gunย at a reasonable price, without having the sacrifice features or pay for upgrades.
This gun is a great choice for those who are looking for accuracy, reliability and a good trigger. It also has the ability to mount optics.
Ergonomics: Fit and Feel
This is what I’m going to say —ย this gun is a bit thick.ย It is wider than the modernย micro-compactsย at 1.45 inches, but that is not necessarily a bad .
The Elite SC, being a shortened version TP9 retains a lot of its feel.
It feels “big” because of the larger bore axis. However, it points well and is comfortable to wear during live fire.ย It is easier to rack and grab the slide, even though it is bigger.
There is a checkering on the front and back straps. It’s not aggressive, but it’s also not smooth.
Even with medium-sized hands, I was able to engulf a few smaller micro compacts.ย The Elite SC grip has a larger circumference, which allows for more gripping power. Thisย can help control the gun.
When the magazine is not in the gun I can only use two fingers.ย The included 12-round mag already comes with a pinky-extension to solve this problem.ย Also included is a flush baseplate.
A 15-round included magazine gives the gun a more full-sized feel. However, a small piece is missing from the backside.ย This gun is compatible with full-sized TP9 magazine.
The slide has a footprint compatible with Trijicon RMRcc, Shield RMS/RMSc and Trijicon RMRcc.
Controls
The slide release is long enough for me.ย It is easy to use with my medium-sized hands.ย It only takes a slight break in my grip to get to the mag release.
The magazine release can easily be swapped out for shooters who are left-handed.
Trigger
is a phenomenal.ย The trigger has a moderate amount of travel, before snapping crisply between 3.5-4 lbs. It also boasts aย stunningly quick reset.
What is the Canik TP9 Elite SC’s Shooting Capability?
This gun is beyond my expectations —ย She’s a shooter.
With iron sights, I was consistently able to put together some solid groups at seven yards.ย I compared the Elite SC to myย Gen 5 Glock 26, and my Walther SC PPQ.ย The accuracy of the gun was really highlighted once I mounted theย Holosun.ย I was able hold a 12-round magย within the X-ring when at 18 yards.ย After that,ย was sold to me.
The red dot solved the problem of a shorter sight radius.
The size of the weapon was also a factor.ย The larger grip on the Elite SC enabled me to fire this gun better than the Canik Mete.
The extra grip surface allowed me to stabilize the gun during both accuracy and speed shooting.ย It has a muzzle-flip due to its 3.6-inch barrel.ย It was easy to handle and I didn’t find it objectionable.
Quick trigger reset allowed for easy placement of follow-up shots.ย The controls and gun are both easy to use when performing fast reloads.
The reliability was excellent.ย I hadย no malfunctions in 500 rounds.ย It was able to eat 115- and 124g FMJ ammo, and it also worked perfectly with Speer Gold Dot 124g +P hollow point ammunition.
What Makes the Canik TP9 ELITE SC Different?
Theย detailย and theย value, as I predicted previously, set this gun apart from other guns.
You can get a high-quality firearm forย 350-400. It has a great trigger and many other features.ย It is no wonder it was included in ourย list of the 5 Best Affordable Handguns.
You don’t have to pay extra for optics ready versions, or fill out forms to receive mounting plates. Heck, you even get an IWB/OWB holster included with your gun!
Canik TP9 Elite SC Upgrades & Accessories
Final Verdict
The Canik TP9 Elite SC does have a wider-boy design, but you will sacrifice some concealability.
You get, however, a gun which is, according to me, aย superior shooterย compared to its slimmer Mete-MC9 siblings.ย You may also be able find it cheaper than the MC9 if you do some shopping around.
Not everyone can afford $500 for a P365 or Glock 26.ย Sometimes a $50-$100 difference is all that separates a buyer from a competitor.
Canik understands this and has made sure that you get the most out of your TP9 Elite SC concealed carry weapon.
Have you used the TP9 Elite SC before?ย Comment below and let us know what you think!ย See our article about the Arex Delta Gen 2 M!
Latest Updates
April 30th, 2024:ย We have added supplemental information on the Canik Elite SC TP9 SC test and video footage of the Canik during the shooting section.
