About Canik
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over Canik today. The company has become well-known in the American firearms market among a variety of shooters. Many employ Canik firearms as they are generally affordable and feature-packed products which cater to the needs of many shooters. We are going to delve into the background of the company while covering things such as their product offerings and other considerations. Without further ado, let’s talk about Canik.
Who is Canik?
Canik is a Turkish entity draws its name from a large mountain near their base of operations. Historically, the name Canik denotes “a place of protection,” an apt title for a firearm manufacturer. Prior to becoming involved in the production of firearms, Canik was a company exclusively involved in the Turkish aerospace defense industry. Notably, Canik conducted aerospace defense work for over 20 years and fostered partnerships with entities such as Lockheed Martin. Boeing, and Airbus. This experience allowed for the company to enter the firearms market in 2009 and introduce their initial TP series of handguns.
These initial pistols represented the company’s first foray into the realm of firearm production and utilized high quality polymer frames which combine durability and lightweight handling. The pistols began to make a name for themselves after being adopted by Turkish law enforcement entities and became the basis for future Canik designs. In 2012 Canik pistols entered the American market via the company’s partnership with Century Arms, making them accessible to a wide range of shooters. By 2018, the company had made a name for itself in the United States, even earning the 2018 Editors Choice for Versatile/Value Pistol from Ballistic Magazine.
Where are Canik Firearms Made?
Canik firearms are produced in the company’s facility in Turkey. As mentioned above, the company had previous roots in the aerospace defense industry. This means that Canik had access to high-end precision manufacturing equipment and knowledge prior to their entry into the firearms market in 2009. After production is finished in Turkey, the pistols are imported by Century Arms, a well-known importer and manufacturer of goods based in Vermont. This company was already well-known for importing a wide range of firearms such as AK and milsurp type firearms, making them a great fit for Canik. In short, Canik firearms are produced in Turkey and imported into the United States by Century Arms.
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What Types of Firearms Does Canik Make?
At this point in time, Canik produces a wide variety of handguns. Currently, the company does not produce rifles or shotguns, meaning that pistols are their sole focus when it comes to firearms. The pistols manufactured by Canik are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and configurations. Canik handguns are most commonly found in forms optimized for concealed carry, duty, home defense, and competition use cases. This allows the company to cater to shooters of various types and a diverse range of potential use cases. In short, while Canik only produces handguns at this time, the produce a wide range of options which cater to the needs of many shooters at affordable prices.
Canik Rival Series
The Rival series of pistols from Canik represent handguns which are purpose-built for competition use. These handguns are available in the form of the SFx Rival and the SFx Rival-S models. The primary difference between these two Rival variants is the fact that the SFx-S utilizes a steel frame while the SFx uses a polymer frame. As competition-oriented handguns, the Rival series of pistols features optics ready slides, magwells, and flat-faced triggers. Further cementing the competition-oriented status of these pistols, the Rival SFx features size and weight specifications which clear it for use in IDPA, IPSC, and USPSA matches without restrictions.
Canik Mete Series
The Mete series of handguns from Canik represents the company’s unofficial update to their established TP9 series. Introduced in 2021, handguns in this class are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and come equipped with optics cut slides. These pistols notably are cut for micro red dots such as Shield RMSc, Holosun-K, and Trijicon RMR-CC footprint optics. Optics can be mounted directly to the slide such as the RMR-CC or may utilize plates for use with RMSc footprint sights. In addition to being optics ready, these pistols also feature recontoured frames and every METE pistol comes with ambidextrous slide releases.
The Mete line of handguns encompasses many shapes and sizes, allowing for shooter of all types to find a pistol which fits their hand the best. Additionally, this line of products features models specifically made for duty, concealed carry, and even suppressed shooting as threaded barrel models are available. Notably, the SFT, SFX, and SFX Pro Mete pistols include magwells which assist in reloading. This product line is also available in the form of Loadout Packages which include extras such as a flashlight, two holsters, additional magazines, and a cleaning kit to name a few.
Canik TP9 Series
The TP9 series of handguns represents the original, flagship design which helped put Canik on the map and develop into the firearm manufacturer that we know today. This handgun serves as the basis for the other pistols developed and offered by Canik and is still offered today to those who appreciate the original design. Notably, this design is what was adopted by Turkish law enforcement agencies and other entities such as the Turkish Air Force. Canik offers the TP9 in a variety of configurations and sizes, catering to those after either a full-size or compact handgun. In a departure from the usual striker-fired offerings, the company also offers a double action/single action (DA/SA) version of the TP9 pistol. The design of the TP9 draws inspiration from the well-known Walther P99 handgun and retains familiar features such as the cocking indicator at the rear of the slide.
Canik Signature Series
The Signature series from Canik represents the company’s offerings which feature unique aesthetics and colorways. Pistols in this series can include designs from the company’s Mete and TP9 line of handguns. These pistols are available in unique themes such as the Miami offerings, the Whiteout style pistol, and the Apocalypse themed Mete SF pistol. All pistols in this line will feature special engraving on the slide denoting the fact that these handguns are from the Signature series. For those looking for a distinct and unique Canik pistol, the Signature series has you covered.
Canik Creations
The pistols offered in the Canik Creations product line are similar to those offered in the aforementioned Signature series as they depart from established aesthetic norms. While the Signature series line encompasses many models of handgun, the Creations line focuses on the TP9SF model of handgun. These pistols are available in a variety of unique colorways and patterns such as Woodland Bronze and Reptile Green. Products in this category feature unique camo-style finishes which are a result of Canik’s partnership with Cerakote. In short, if you are looking for a unique looking TP9SF, the Canik Creations line may be worth a look.
Canik TTI Combat
The Canik TTI Combat pistol represents the company’s newest product offering. This pistol came about due to a collaboration between Taran Tactical Innovations and Canik and essentially serves as a high-end custom competition handgun. The pistol ships with two 18 round magazines, one of which featuring a flush fitting TTI base pad while the other feature a +3 extension. Additional features include an optics ready slide cut for Trijicon RMR/Mecanik optics, serrated ambidextrous slide release, and three back strap options. Notably, this pistol also features the first compensator offered from the factory by Canik in addition to a diamond cut flat trigger which breaks at 90 degrees. The pistol also includes many extras which are unique to the TTI Combat Pistol package. Such items include a unique challenge coin, tool kit, cleaning kit, custom holster, travel case, optic plate interfaces, custom punch, and magazine speed loader.
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Consistent Canik Features
While there are multiple Canik models, there are some features which are consistent across models and product lines. At this point in time, all Canik pistols are chambered in
9mm, one of the most popular pistol cartridges on the market. Nearly all Canik firearms will utilize the same striker-fired mechanism with the exception of the DA/SA version of the TP9. This is to say that an overwhelming majority of these firearms utilize a modified version of the proven Walther P99 striker mechanism.
Additionally, all Canik handguns feature the distinct red cocking indicator located at the rear of the slide. This mechanism makes it easy for one to determine whether or not their pistol is cocked without even touching the firearm. Of course, one should not solely rely on this feature and should still practice safe gun handling and practices. With the exception of some compact models, all Canik firearms utilize the same pattern of magazine. This is to say that Mete, Rival, and TP9 series handguns utilize common magazines. The subcompact magazines will obviously not work with larger handguns but these smaller guns can accept magazines from their larger counterparts. Canik pistols also come with a holster and in a hard case.
Other Offerings
Beyond their handguns, Canik also offers a variety of accessories and products which support their pistols. Among these products are a wide variety of magazines in multiple capacity options. Like the handguns offered by Canik, these magazines accommodate
9mm ammunition. Shooters will be able to browse magazines for compact, sub-compact, and full-size handguns, with and without magazine extensions. These magazine extensions serve to either extend the capacity of a magazine or provide additional surface area to establish a full firing grip. In some cases, these extensions accomplish both of these tasks.
Conclusion
All in all, Canik pistols represent a good blend between quality and features. The products offered by the company allow an end user to acquire a viable service handgun, concealed carry pistol, or competition pistol without breaking the bank. With desirable features such as ambidextrous controls, optics ready slides, and many extras, Canik pistols offer a lot of value to shooters. While we here at True Shot Ammo do not carry firearms, we do carry a great deal of
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purchase ammo of a different type, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
