Canik TP9SFX Review - Can a value priced pistol hang with the big boys?

Published on July 8, 2020
Duration: 19:02

This review of the Canik TP9SFX, presented by a competition shooter, highlights its value proposition for competitive and defensive use. While acknowledging its budget-friendly price point and quality construction, the review details several out-of-the-box issues including an over-sprung recoil system causing ejection failures, a high bore axis contributing to muzzle flip, and accuracy that is adequate for practical shooting but not precision. Positives include an excellent trigger, good ergonomics, and a well-made case. The reviewer suggests modifications or training can overcome most drawbacks, making it a competitive option.

Quick Summary

The Canik TP9SFX offers significant value for its price, with models under $700 featuring an excellent trigger, good ergonomics, and a quality case. However, it may require minor adjustments like a reduced power recoil spring to address ejection issues and a high bore axis that increases muzzle flip, making it a solid, albeit not perfect, competition or defensive pistol.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction
  2. 00:49Initial Impressions & Value Proposition
  3. 01:51Price Point Analysis
  4. 02:31Out-of-the-Box Negatives
  5. 02:46Over-Sprung Recoil System & Ejection Issues
  6. 03:38High Bore Axis & Muzzle Flip
  7. 04:36Accuracy Concerns
  8. 05:45Magwell & Reloading Difficulty
  9. 06:03Slide Rack Assist Feature
  10. 06:30Grip Ergonomics & Thumb Depressions
  11. 07:17Balance & Weight Distribution
  12. 07:30Addressing the Negatives
  13. 09:05Holster Options
  14. 09:41Positives: Build Quality & Feel
  15. 10:00Case Quality
  16. 10:37Grip Texture & Design
  17. 11:19Controls: Slide Release & Mag Catch
  18. 12:18The Trigger: Performance & Feel
  19. 13:34Slide Machining & Weight Reduction
  20. 14:14Serrations & Slide Manipulation
  21. 14:52Optics Mounting System
  22. 15:36Iron Sights: Warren Tactical
  23. 16:10Vortex Venom Optic Review
  24. 17:27Magazine Quality & Availability
  25. 17:58Overall Competition Readiness
  26. 18:12Competitive Success Stories
  27. 18:31Support the Channel
  28. 18:49Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main drawbacks of the Canik TP9SFX out of the box?

The Canik TP9SFX is often over-sprung, leading to ejection failures. It also has a high bore axis that increases muzzle flip, and its accuracy is adequate for practical shooting but not precision. The magazine well is also noted as being small and difficult for fast reloads.

How does the Canik TP9SFX perform in terms of accuracy?

Accuracy testing with competition loads at 25 yards yielded groups between 3 and 5 inches. While sufficient for practical shooting and hitting steel plates at distance, it's not considered a precision pistol compared to more expensive options.

What makes the trigger on the Canik TP9SFX stand out?

The trigger, licensed from the Walther P99, is a significant positive. It breaks cleanly at under four pounds, features a smooth take-up, a firm wall, minimal over-travel, and a very short, tactile reset, making it excellent for rapid follow-up shots.

Is the Canik TP9SFX a good value for its price?

Yes, the Canik TP9SFX offers exceptional value. With iron sights under $500 and optic-ready versions under $700, it provides features like a quality case, excellent trigger, and good ergonomics that rival much more expensive firearms.

What are the recommended modifications or considerations for the Canik TP9SFX?

Canik offers a reduced power recoil spring to fix ejection issues. While the high bore axis and magwell size present challenges, these can often be overcome with training. The included slide rack assist is generally not used in competition.

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