[FIREARM REVIEW] Canik TP9 Elite SC

When Canik handguns entered the American market, shooters were shocked at how much they offered at such a low price. I’ve had several people tell me that I had to check out a Canik pistol. They claimed the Canik handguns had everything the more expensive pistols offered but at a fraction of the price. Not to be one to fall for the latest and greatest trend in the gun world, I resisted the Canik models. That was, until I experienced the Canik TP SFx. 

Once I got my hands of the full-size Canik TP9 SFx competition pistol, I became a believer. The fit and finish was solid, the trigger was light and smooth and the shooting action was excellent. The amount of accessories they had in the case was incredibly substantial. They included a holster, optic mounting plates, backstraps, cleaning supplies and a lot more. To top it off, the MSRP for the Canik TP9 SFx was $549. Let’s just say the entire package that Canik offered was impressive.

VIDEO REVIEW

Just recently, Canik released their first sub-compact TP9 handgun called the Canik TP9 Elite SC. This is Canik’s smallest pistol in it’s vas TP9 line of handguns. The TP9 Elite SC has all the features that Canik fans love but in a smaller package. Much like the TP9 SFx the TP9 Elite sub-compact has a tungsten (grayish) slide finish. It has a 3.6” barrel with 12 and 15 round magazines. The upper tungsten slide has forward serrations, a loaded chamber bar on top, a striker-fire indicator and metal sights. The blackened serrated rear sight is adjustable and the front is a sizeable white dot. 

Keeping with the concealed carry trends for today’s shooters, the Canik TP9 Elite SC is optic ready. The slide is cut to fit the shooter’s favorite red dot optic that many guys now use for the CCW handgun. The pistol is also ambidextrous. The slide stop is on both sides of the pistol and the magazine release is reversible for left-handed shooters. Lights and lasers can be attached to the two-slot picatinny rail on the dust cover. The grip has a gritty texture that is not overly aggressive. It also includes a larger backstrap in the case. The mid-size backstrap that came installed fit my average size hands just fine. 

The Canik TP9 Elite SC offers a kydex holster in the case. The holster is both an inside and outside the waistband depending on what side the belt clips are installed. For those who own other Canik TP9 handguns, rest assured the holster will fit those handguns as well. I found for everyday carry, the holster included would work just fine but for my personal taste, a custom kydex holster for the TP9 Elite SC would be best. 

RANGE REVIEW

The Trigger is most impressive. It felt kind of similar to the full-size Canik TP9 SFx but not as light. It’s a bit different because it has a red trigger bar safety that looks pretty cool. I measured the trigger weight at 5.25 pounds. The reset is short as well. When live firing, the light trigger was noticeable as I felt confident placing shots on target from a variety of distances. I think shooters will fall in love with the TP9 Elite SC trigger when they dry-fire it at their local gun store.     

Being a sub-compact handgun, the Canik TP9 Elite SC weighs just 30 ounces loaded with 12 rounds and a fraction more with a round in the chamber. The TP9 Elite sc compares well with the FNS 9c and the Walther PPQsc which were both featured in the linked table review. Looking under the hood, the TP9 Elite uses a dual recoil spring and a match grade nitride coated 3.6” barrel. 

Specs for TP9 Elite sc

Caliber: 9mm

Color: Tungsten Slide, Black Frame

Capacity: 12/15 round magazines

Barrel: 3.6” match grade

Overall Length: 6.70”

Overall Height: 4.6”

Width: 1.4”

Weight: 24.78 ozs unloaded, 30 ozs 12 rds loaded (my scale)

The MSRP for the Canik TP9 Elite SC is $429. The average online price is between $350 – $380. Considering this pistol is an optic ready “Elite” Canik model along with the components that are offered in the case, the average selling price is an incredible bargain. When compared with other handguns in the same double-stack subcompact class, the Canik TP9 Elite SC stands out from the crowd. 

I took the subcompact Canik TP9 to the range with high expectations. With a decent amount of Canik experience, especially with the full-size TP9 SFx pistol, I felt the subcompact Elite pistol offered everything needed to be a sweet shooter. It took a mag or two until I completely settled into this handgun. It had a natural point of aim and the trigger felt great. As my confidence grew with the next couple mags, I shot quicker and more accurate with the pistol. I even backed up to 20 yards and hit my targets with ease. It passed my “infamous” limp wrist test that viewers have enjoyed so much. I will let the video attached speak for itself to demonstrate how well this Canik TP9 Elite SC performed.

Check out the attached video reviews and let us know your thoughts on the new Canik TP9 Elite SC. Are you interested in this handgun or is there another subcompact pistol you want to check out?