Selecting the right semi-automatic pistol can require a lot of research and forethought. Here at CAA Gear Up, we understand the factors that go into choosing the right firearm for your lifestyle. Find out how well the Canik TP9SFx 9mm semi-automatic stacks up right here.
What Is the Canik TP9SFx?
The Canik TP9SFx represents an example of a competition model of Canik’s TP9 line. The TP9SFx features a long slide and uses the striker-fired system already established by the TP9 line.
Made in Turkey, Canik advertises the TP9SFx as competition-ready right out of the box, and most models have a low price. The pistol comes from a company that works on aerospace projects, importing their firearms through Century Arms.
Is Canik a Reliable Brand?
Many gun owners in the U.S. may feel unfamiliar with Canik, but the company started importing firearms to the U.S. ten years ago. The company has a good reputation overseas, despite some initial reservations with U.S. consumers.
These concerns developed due to issues with the initial models offered by Canik in the U.S. market. Early pistols came with Single Action Only (SAO) and a decocker. Decocking could disable the gun in some situations, leading to issues.
However, Canik has made adjustments to its firearms over the years. The current TP9SFx model, for example, is a single action striker and has no decocker, improving opinions about the brand’s reliability.
About Luger Semi-Auto Pistols
Canik based their semi-auto pistols directly on the Walther P99 series. Other companies, such as Smith and Wesson, also worked with Walther to create designs based on the P99. However, currently, these other options have been discontinued in the U.S.
Currently, Canik offers options for buyers interested in Walther-esque firearms. Their line includes both single-action trigger and double-action trigger weapons. The company also has a reputation for selling its products at low-budget prices.
Canik models may start as low as $299 and go up to around $950. The TP9SFx rests near the middle of the price line-up for Canik weapons.
Canik TP9SFx Review
Let’s start the review by focusing on the basics of the TP9SFx. This firearm comes with a 5.2-inch barrel and an overall length of 8.29 inches. The gun has an 18-round magazine capacity. You can use a flush-fit magazine with the TP9SFx, but it ships with Canik magazines that come with plus two extensions.
Weight & Feel
Stock options for the TP9SFx weigh in at 1.89 pounds, though the weight may vary if you add tactical sights and switch out the interchangeable backstraps. The gun comes with a large variety of aftermarket sights, which means the weight of your weapon could change.
However, the overall feel of the weapon can leave something to be desired. While the TP9SFx provides you with many features, it has a cheap feel due to the materials used in construction.
Additionally, left-handers may feel uncomfortable with the slide release. A reversible ambidextrous cocking lever may help with this issue, but most left-handers cannot access the slide with a trigger finger with an out-of-the-box model.
Grip & Finish
The TP9SFx has a large grip, very similar to the Glock 34 Gen R. The gun offers additional sizes for the backstrap, but you’ll still feel more comfortable if you’re looking for a bigger gun. The round magazine does match the gun’s profile, making it comfortable to grip if you have a broader hand.
However, most of the grip comes from the backstrap of the TP9SFx. The gun has index points for your finger, but they feel recessed, which makes it challenging to use them in some situations. The gun also has a marginal undercut, which may cause discomfort for shooters who go through a lot of rounds.
The grip uses a square pattern as part of the texture. This aggressive pattern can make the gun feel like it’s biting into your hand. The front strap also includes textured squares, but some of the rows lack enough of a profile to provide an effective place to grip.
The TP9SFx’s side grips do not continue the square pattern. Instead, the gun has a rippling texture that offers little traction. You may have no issues with the grip, but some individuals who have slick hands may want to add an aftermarket grip to make it easier to hold onto the weapon.
The gun has a Tungsten Grey Cerakote finish on the match-grade barrel that makes it look nice from a distance. You can see the rear and forward slide serrations, which help the gun’s aesthetics while providing minimal grip, especially for the front serrations.
Sights
The TP9SFx uses Warren Tactical sights with a green fiber-optic front sight and a U-notch at the rear. The rear sight is blacked out and slicked to help limit glare. Note that the rear sight rests on the optics mount cover plate, so you’ll lose it if you put a slide-mounted optic on your weapon.
However, the gun works well with slide-mounted optics. You have access to four different mounting plates with the TP9SFx. You can access red-dot interface plates to easily add red dot sights to the gun’s polymer frame. You can also add a removable red-dot cover to customize the TP9SFx further.
Trigger
The trigger represents one of the primary selling points of the TP9SFx. The trigger has a bit of a spongy feel when you start a trigger pull, but that’s normal for striker-fired weapons. The TP9SFx offers no creep, snaps crisply, and finishes with only a little overtravel.
You can prepare for the trigger to reset a little forward of the wall, so anticipate a little take-up each time you squeeze the trigger. However, the TP9SFx Striker Fire Pistol gets high grades for the trigger. The trigger guard also gives you ample space to shoot while wearing gloves.
Note that the TP9SFx does not have external safeties, save for the trigger safety. The gun does have a firing pin block, however. You can easily reach the release for the magazine when holding the TP9SFx. Canik made the magazine release oversized, making it easy to reach even if you have small hands.
Accessories
The TP9SFx has a healthy aftermarket for accessories. You may decide to personalize a TP9SFx with a recoil management system that can help reduce muzzle rise, further smoothing out the gun’s feel when firing, which may interest individuals interested in competitive shooting.
You may also adjust the width of the trigger with aftermarket additions. Adjusting the trigger can reduce over travel. Some gun owners dislike the standard magazine catch on the TP9SFx and the Magwell, which has no bevel and may not handle well with interference.
An updated magazine loader may help you feel more comfortable when inserting a magazine into the TP9SFx. Other options for accessories include a:
- Reversible magazine catch
- Belt attachments
- Extra sizes of magazine catch extension
- Paddle attachment
- Mil-std-1913 Picatinny Rail
- Ambidextrous slide stop
Many of these accessories come with a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, which can help you feel comfortable about personalizing your TP9SFx.
How Does the Canik TP9SFx Compare To Other Handguns?
Comparing the TP9SFx directly to other weapons can help you make a decision about the kind of pistol you want.
Canik TP9SFx vs. Walther PDP
The TP9SFx comes in at a slightly larger size than the Walther PDP. Both guns have similar trigger mechanisms, and they have mags that are the same size. However, the TP9SFx is generally cheaper by around $100. Some gun owners find it easier to find parts for the Walther, but these two weapons come very close in terms of performance.
Canik TP9SFx vs. Glock 17 M.O.S
The Glock 17 MOS is another 9mm to compare with the TP9SFX. When it comes to magazine capacity, the two guns are fairly similar. The Canik comes with an 18 round magazine and the Glock 17 comes with a 17 round mag, however, you can buy extended magazines for the Glock.
When it comes to barrel length, the TP9SFX is about a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch longer, making it a bit more difficult to conceal. The TP9SFX is also made entirely from steel so it’s a considerably more heavy gun than the Glock 17 MOS. These two factors will be important if you are considering concealed carry.
In reality, both weapons are a great choice, it really just depends on which you prefer holding and firing.
Canik TP9SFx Final Thoughts
You can get a lot of bang for your buck with a TP9SFx. As a striker-fired handgun, it comes with a solid trigger and options for magazines. You may have an easier time gripping the gun if you have a larger hand, but the grips can work for many shooters.
As a catch, some people find that the gun looks a little cheap, and other gun owners have concerns about earlier models produced by Canik. You can check out this firearm by visiting a dealer with a Federal Firearms License (FFL). An FFL dealer can let you check out this weapon while following all legal regulations.
A dealer may also provide you with options for personalizing your TP9SFx. You may want to consider a polymer holster, loaded chamber indicator, or magazines that offer you adjustable length options. CCA Gear Up handles a number of accessories for the TP9SFx.
We can provide you with the gear you want to convert a TP9SFx into a semi-automatic rifle easily. You can further boost the performance of your TP9SFx with one of our pistol conversion kits. Find out more about your options to get the most out of your TP9SFx by calling us at (754) 205-9385.
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