Canik TP9 Elite SC Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent trigger
- Accurate
- Great value with included accessories
Cons
- Wider than most micro-compacts
- Taller bore axis
The Bottom Line
Throughout testing, the TP9 Elite SC proved to be accurate, relatively easy to shoot, and 100% reliable.
Canik TP9 Elite SC
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-Auto
- Width: 1.45 in
- Height: 4.6 in
- Weight: 1.55 lbs
- Barrel Length: 3.6 in
- Overall Length: 6.7 in
- Magazine Capacity: 12+1 or 15+1
Features
- Micro red-dot optics-ready slide
- Picatinny accessory rail
- Concealed carry holster with reversible clips for IWB or OWB
- Blackout rear and phosphorous front white dot sight
- Reversible magazine release
- Match grade nitride coated barrel
- Interchangeable back strap in 2 sizes (small and large)
In a world where striker-fired pistols are as common as dirt, it can be tough to figure out if one is actually better than the others.
Most of the offerings on the market work well and perform similarly, so it really comes down to two things for me — the details and the value.
Canik has been putting out some absolutely fantastic pistols lately, but I decided to get my hands on their slightly older TP9 Elite SC to see if it still had the same value and attention to detail I’ve come to love in other Canik guns.
I also wanted to know if sub-compact guns are still relevant in a world full of micro-compacts. Is there really room for little chunkers like TP9 Elite SC?
So follow along as I walk you through the specs and notable features, and then head to the range.
Table of Contents
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How We Tested the Canik TP9 SC Elite
For this review, I put 500 rounds through the Canik TP9 Elite SC at various distances, starting at 7 yards and going out to 18 yards. I tested it with both 115-grain and 124-grain FMJ as well as 124-grain Speer Gold Dot +P hollow points.
I tested the gun with both its standard iron sights as well as a Holosun red dot.
Being around guns most of my life has given me two decades of firearms experience, including hunting, competition, certified instructing, and plenty of time concealed carrying, so I know what to look for while testing guns.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Background
Canik introduced their TP9 series of handguns in 2012 and, by doing so, showed the world that cheap didn’t mean bad.
They wisely chose to closely replicate the Walther P99 and PPQ pistols. This meant they were starting with a proven design that also lent itself to having excellent triggers.
With the popularity and acceptance of the TP9 series growing, Canik made its first attempt to target the concealed carry market in 2019 by releasing the TP9 Elite SC.
Who Is It For?
These guns are built for those who want a relatively easy-to-conceal gun at a great price without having to sacrifice features or shell out for upgrades.
People looking for things like accuracy, reliability, a good trigger, and optics mounting capability while staying under the $500 mark will be well-served by this gun.
Ergonomics: Fit & Feel
I am going to get it out of the way — yes, this gun is kind of thick. At 1.45 inches wide, it is noticeably wider than modern 1-inch micro-compacts, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Seeing as the Elite SC is just a shortened version of the larger TP9, it retains much of the same feel.
With a taller bore axis, it feels a bit “big,” but the gun points naturally and wears it well during live fire. The upside is that while the slide is larger, it is easy to grab and rack.
Front and backstrap checkering are present; nothing too aggressive here, but not too smooth either.
9mm Ammo in Stock
Even with medium hands, I can engulf some smaller micro compacts. The larger circumference of the Elite SC grip allows more purchase, which helps control the gun (more on that later).
With no mag in the gun, I get a two-finger grip. However, the included 12-round magazine already has a pinky extension to remedy this problem. A flush baseplate is also included.
An included 15-round magazine gives it more of a full-sized grip feel, with a little chunk missing off the backside. Full-sized TP9 magazines are compatible with this gun.
The slide is optics-ready and utilizes the Trijicon RMRcc and Shield RMS/RMSc footprint.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Controls
I absolutely love how long the slide release is. With my medium hands, it is super easy to hit yet unintrusive. I only have slightly break my grip to reach the textured mag release, which is easy to actuate.
The slide release is ambidextrous, and the magazine release can be easily swapped for left-handed shooters.
Trigger
Most notably, users will find that the trigger is phenomenal. It has a medium amount of travel before breaking crisply at 3.5-4 pounds and boasts a stunningly short reset.
How Does the Canik TP9 Elite SC Shoot?
This gun exceeded my expectations here — she is a shooter.
I tested the gun on both the excellent stock iron sights and with a Holosun EPS Carry MRS.
With iron sights, I was able to consistently put up some solid groups at 7 yards. To see how the Elite SC fared against some similar guns, I pitted it against my Glock 26 Gen 5 and my Walther PPQ SC.
Once I mounted the Holosun, it really showcased the accuracy I could get out of a gun this size. I was able to hold an entire 12-round mag inside the X-ring at 18 yards. After that, I was sold.
Having an excellent trigger surely helped with accuracy, and the red dot eliminated the shorter sight radius issue.
But another contributing factor was definitely the size of the gun. I genuinely believe the larger grip of the Elite SC allowed me to shoot this gun better than the Canik Mete MC9 I tried.
Having more grip surface helped me stabilize the firearm both during accuracy and speed shooting. Being a 3.6-inch barreled gun, it has some muzzle flip. Despite this, I found it relatively easy to control and not objectionable at all.
The quick trigger reset made follow-up shots easy to place. Overall, the controls and gun are easy to manipulate when doing fast reloads.
Reliability was excellent. I suffered zero malfunctions through 500 rounds. It ate various types of 115 and 124-grain FMJ ammo and also functioned perfectly with Speer Gold-Dot 124-grain +P hollow points.
What Sets The Canik TP9 Elite SC Apart?
As I predicted before, the details and the value set this gun apart from its peers.
For $350-400, you are getting a very accurate firearm with a stellar trigger and some great features. There is a reason it made the list for our 5 Best Affordable Handguns.
No paying extra for an optics-ready version, no having to mail in forms to get your optics mounting plates, and hell, they even include an IWB/OWB holster with the gun!
Canik provides everything you need out of the gate to get going.
By the Numbers
Accuracy
4.5/5
For how small this gun is, I was able to squeeze some impressive accuracy out of it, even on days when I wasn't shooting well.
Reliability
5/5
I had zero malfunctions across 500 rounds and various ammo types.
Customization
3.5/5
An optics cut and Picatinny rail allow for mounting of accessories. Threaded barrels and a few other select aftermarket parts are available. Holster selection is limited.
Ergonomics
4/5
I would like a more aggressive grip texture and a lower bore axis, but controls are laid out very well and the gun feels good when you are shooting it.
Value
5/5
Between the trigger, accuracy, and what you get in the box, the value is nearly unbeatable.
Overall
4/5
This is an excellent shooter that brings a ton of value to the table. As long as you are okay with a slightly wider/taller gun, and a less robust aftermarket, this is a tough gun to beat.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Canik TP9 Elite SC Upgrades & Accessories
Final Verdict
Yes, the Canik TP9 Elite SC is a wide-boy, and you do sacrifice some concealability.
However, you get a gun that is, in my opinion, a better shooter than its slimmer Mete MC9 brethren. If you shop around, you may be able to find it for less than the MC9 as well.
Not everyone has $500 to spend on a P365, Glock 26, or other more popular options. Sometimes that $50-100 difference can make or break a purchase.
Canik knows this, and with the TP9 Elite SC, they have ensured you get every last dollar’s worth out of this excellent concealed carry piece.
Do you have any experience with the TP9 Elite SC? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Interested in other bang-for-your-buck handguns? Check out our article on the Arex Delta Gen 2 M!
Latest Updates
April 30, 2024: Added supplemental data on how we tested the Canik TP9 Elite SC in addition to providing video of the Canik in the shooting portion.
24 Leave a Reply
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I enjoy this sub very much. I know it could be smaller and lighter, but its weight and dimensions don't bother me. I basically just stopped by this article to mention a couple things that were a game changer for me. The awkward fifteen round mag (I truly don't know what they were thinking), it's like they got near the end of RnD and were like, "Well... now what?" Anyway, I'm not gonna sell anything for anyone, so I'll just say it a plastic sleeve that slides down your fifteen round mag after removing that bottom "pinky rest". It honestly looks and feels like it came from the factory. Made with a 3D printer, the stippling and everything is spot-on. A few bucks for the piece and a few for shipping. I think I paid under ten dollars and got it in two days. There is another one, but you can easily tell the quality piece. There is also a sleeve to turn your SC into an eighteen-rounder (seventeen+one) that will slide down the proper Mec-Gar mag (it's actually the factory mag for the TP9SF, and Mec-Gar is numero uno in my book). Now, I'm sure you've noticed this pistol slide spring is stiff as ****. They make a softer spring that they will send you for free from Century Arms if you contact them with basic info like serial # and what not. Doesn't make a huge difference at first, but it does soften up. I recommend keeping the slide locked back when not in use for a while. So yeah, look into those if you want an improved experience with this great little SC. Peace!!! I'm out...
tl;dr - Improve your experience with a couple simple changes. One is free, and the other is under ten dollars (or it was when I bought mine around six months ago).
P.S. - I see some have made mentions of these already (or at lease the sleeve), but another can't hurt. Could be something new in mine. Who knows!?!?!
Just to let you know the full wrap around bottom mag for the
MC9 fits in the Ellite .
Makes it a even better gun
I own both guns and like the elite better than the MC9
Hey Wyatt, Thanks for an excellent, comprehensive review. I've had one of these and liked everything about it except the slightly chunky feel when worn with an owb El Paso Saddlery holster. I also like the Mete SC; shorter barrel, but more rounds. It's slimmer than my wallet probably and hugs the body a bit better. On another, glad to see PPT reviewing a Canik. Few months ago I suggested reviewing some in one of these comment sections and was told that Caniks are made in Turkey and Turkey supports terrorists and that's that. Thanks for opening the aperture a bit. I love the guns and the value=for=buck you get.
I agree. I started with a Glock 45, but was directed to the TP9 SC for a better carry experience and trigger. Smooth shooting and accurate if a little clunky.
I was actually looking at a used Glock, but took too long to decide. When I went back to get it, it was sold. I purchased this one new instead, on the word of the sales staff. I did like the balance and feel of the weapon in my hand. I am glad to see that your review matches and exceeds that of the one who sold it to me. Thank you.
Have owned the TP9 ELITEsc
For 3 years. Purchased the gun without a dot. Did a little research and found ADE Advanced Optics obviously a sight manufacturer. Purchased a aluminum frame, glass lense sight, top load battery with 4 moa green dot and 66 moa reticle. ($109) It easily installed to the gun, no mounting plate required. Holds zero going on 3 yrs, I shoot once a week averaging 50 rounds a session. Gun accuracy with dot is excellent can put all 15+1 in the center X of silhouette target at 7 yards as fast as you re-aquire the sight picture
You asked a question: "Are Sub-Compacts Still Relevant?" Answer: Yes. A subcompact is easy to carry around all day every day, due to its small size and weight. (By the way, those two factors make a single stack relevant, even though they don't hold very many rounds.) To some of us, small size and light weight make all the difference in the world in terms of being able to carry all day every day. (I mean, how tight can you tighten your belt before you injure yourself? Light weight is key.)
Now I have a question: Where exactly in the sight picture does the red dot go? In the picture shown above, the red dot sits atop the front sight's dot. However, with the Ruger Max 9 / Ruger ReadyDot, the red dot lines up precisely with the front sight's dot (the two make one dot), and the two dots together go into the small trench in the rear sight. If you line up all three in this way, you will hit the target. But it isn't ever clear or explained where in the sight picture the red dot is supposed to go. (In fact, no one ever explained the Ruger Max 9 / Ruger ReadyDot to me; I discovered it through trial and error.)
Jim, I completely agree that even with all of the new micro-compacts that sub-compacts guns are still awesome.
As for the red dot, that is a good question. It is a common misconception that the red dot has to be cowitnessed with the iron sights. We have an article that explains that in depth, you can check it out here!
Your red dot article is a very well-written, thorough article.
I wasn't saying that the red dot has to be cowitnessed with the iron sights in every case, or even in most cases. However, I have found that cowitnessing works best for me. I have found through trial and error that that is the way it works with the Ruger Max 9 and the Ruger ReadyDot. There is no adjustment available with the ReadyDot, so it may be that they intended for it to be an absolute cowitness with the iron sights. At any rate, whenever I line up the red dot with the two sights, I am right on target. I have more confidence in doing it that way than in simply putting the dot in the middle of the glass. I haven't practiced much with the Ruger Max 9 / Ruger ReadyDot, but I believe that with practice, it will become instinctual to line up everything together and focus on the target rather than on the front sight.
One other thing: Is there any way you can do a line feed at the end of a word, rather than in the middle of a word, for the comments section? Thank you!
I bought this pistol NIB last December.
I wasn't a big fan of Canik and only bought it because my FFL was sold out of everything else.
This was after measure 114 passed in Oregon and everyone was panic buying.
So I said what the hell, and bought it (was the last pistol they had)
My initial impressions were not good, the gap between the slide and the rail are not even on both sides ( the right side has more gap then the left) and backplate (behind the striker assembly) looks a little wonky as well.
The holster is a joke, and shouldn't be used for anything except maybe the range, (I tried carrying owb in this holster and had the pistol fall completely out and onto the ground while tying my shoe while I was inside a tire shop).
As for the other "included" goodies, I only got one optics plates, and 2-12rd magazines (No 15).
And I overpaid ($450+background check fee)
But in all honesty I really like how it shoots.
Hated this pistol until I got it to the range, it shoots nice, it's accurate, and the trigger is pretty solid (still prefer my VP9 trigger over this but its not bad)
And despite the slide fitment issues its been 100% reliable with all ammo types.
I've got only about 500rds through it but no hiccups so far.
So overall I like it, I'm stubborn and it can be hard for a company to change my mind when I dislike something but canik has done just that, it's still not my favorite brand, but I no longer think they're total garbage, the trigger is good but not as good as some say, and the fitment could be better, finish seems solid.
So yeah just my $0.02
Paul, I agree it isn't the best feeling in the hand, but it kind of all comes together when I shoot it. For the money, they are tough to beat. Glad to hear yours is running well.
I own 7 Caniks and this is my EDC gun. It has the Mecanic red dot on it. My only wishes are that Canik would go back to de-cockers or manual safeties on their guns and that the dot size was bigger, say 4 or 5 MOA for us old guys with old eyes.
Gary, you may want to check out the Holosun 407K X2 red dot. It has a 6 MOA dot and is a great sight with some good features!
This is my 2nd Canik. I love my TP9SFX! This one not so much. I experienced 8 FTFs out of about 500 rd.s The high bore axis makes the gun far less comfortable than my MossbergM C2. I don't understand why in the world Canik doesn't make an optics ready version in the TP9SF?!!!!
Limp risting? My son-in-law has it happened several times. Not once for me. I can tell his grip is not firm. Snappiness lends to ftfs.
USE HOT LOADS..They are sprung for NATO spec or +p ammo ...Or maker sure you are not using ammo with hard primers, like Federal...A lot of foreign ammo, CCI and
Speer have hard primers...
Everything in this review is right on target. Having a few poly strikers, G19, S&W SD40VE, and a G21. By far my Canik TP9SC is my EDC with excellent balance, accuracy, and concealability. It has a Canik threaded barrel, red dot, and night sights. Witch are Glock interchangeable. Carry with Versa Carry IWB that fits like a glove. I think it has the best slide lever on the market. Having a 12, 15, and 17 round magazines. The 15 fits perfectly for a full size feel. Any of my friends who have used it goes and gets one. They're impressed by value and the Walther like performance. Canik hit a home run with this one.
Dennis, I am glad you are enjoying your Canik. I have quite a few striker guns myself, but the accuracy on the SC Elite really sets it apart for me!
Second the praise. I added the weighted brass backstrap, replaced the NATO ammo spring, and use a Holosun 407 K Green dot. Shoots smooth and accurate with 0 misfires for two years.
I have owned my Canik Elite SC for three years, it has been perfectly reliable. A real Canik fan here with a SFX in the gun safe too.
Michael, glad to hear you are enjoying your Canik pistols! The TP9SFX was actually my first foray into the Canik lineup and it has also been a great gun to me for the past few years too.
I have had a TP9 Elite SC for 4 years. It is my first purchase and still my favorite go to. Yes it is bulkier, but being 6' and 250lbs, I can carry it without problem. The Canik's trigger is far superior to most others I have tried. I added night sights and Talon grips. Otherwise, it's stock.
Don, it is always nice to hear people who have had them for a while that still enjoy the pistol. The Talon grips are an excellent call too, cheap and effective!