After shooting the Canik TP9SF, it’s hard to find a reason to truly dislike this gun. It’s a quality handgun that fires great and is fun to shoot. The TP9SF comes with some high-grade features–most notably its trigger–and a reliability factor you would come to expect for a conceal carry firearm.
Not only that…But the Canik is perfect for those on a budget! This isn’t just one of those budget guns that cuts backs on its quality or safety for pricing sakes. (If you’re looking for one of those, just go ahead and grab a Hi-Point.)
I used the One Series when it came to this review.
The One Series is the exact same gun as the standard TP9SF. It just comes with less accessories out the box but with an even more attractive price.
Either way, I absolutely love this gun and would definitely recommend this to those looking for the best bang for their buck.
Canik TP9SF
Sold at Sportsmansguide.com, Palmetto State Armory, Guns.com
What is the Canik TP9SF?
In my opinion, the Canik TP9SF is an amazing firearm–both in value and quality. However, let’s go ahead and address the elephant in the room. This is a Turkish made handgun, and has become the standard sidearm of the Turkish army.
Now, many of you diehards and politically-charged owners may scoff at this. But don’t let this dissuade you. The Canik is an incredible pistol–especially for those on a budget.
The TP9SF is also just one member of Canik’s TP9 family.
Canik TP9SF Specs | |
|---|---|
| Host Platform | Canik TP9 |
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Magazines | Mec Gar |
| Weight | 1.78 lbs |
| Barrel Length | 4.46’’ |
| Capacity | 16 + 1 |
The selections go to include the TP9EC, TP9SA, TP9SF Elite, and TP9SFx. There are slight variations between each of these guns, but all still carry the same quality and value.
Canik TP9SF Features Review
1Striker Indicator
When the gun is ready to fire, a red bulb indicator is shown that the striker is in the ready position.
2Canik’s Infamous Single Action Trigger
This single action trigger is one of the best triggers you will find on any handgun.
3MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail
With this Picatinny attached to the front end of the weapon, there is definite room for attachments and customizations.
4Warren Tactical Sights
The TP9SF comes stock with Warren Tactical sights with a front dot sight.
Canik TP9SF Review: Our Take
This handgun is AWESOME! The Canik TP9SF is our budget-gun recommendation. Want to know a budget handgun that didn’t make the grade? Check out our SCCY 9mm Review.
No, I don’t think it can replace higher-end duty-level guns. But… for a budget firearm, the Canik TP9SF can serve as a great option and it punches way above its class.
This means that if I have a choice for a duty gun, I’ll personally pick a Glock, Sig, CZ, or H&K over the Canik. However, if I’m working with a budget or I want a gun that I don’t want to be too worried about abusing (ranch gun, truck gun, etc.) or if someone’s is looking for a first gun to just get started and they aren’t quite sure which gun that they’d really like to end up with, then the Canik is it!
The TP9 pistol from Canik is a polymer striker-fired gun. It is comfortable enough, the controls work, and it is SUPER reliable. However, where the Canik really shines is its awesome trigger!
The trigger on the TP9SF is so good, I think it is better than options available on higher-end guns. Seriously, out of the box, I think the trigger is as good as, or better than, stock H&K, CZ, and Glock triggers!
One gripe… the bore-height is a bit tall. The Warren sights are a nice touch but the skinny rear sight makes the slide appear taller (leaner).
Canik TP9SF Review: Pros and Cons
- Very Reliable
- Awesome Trigger
- Affordable
- Ergonomic
- A bit tall in the hand
- One Series only has one magazine, grip module
- Ugly
Report Card | ||
RELIABILITY | Flawlessly reliable in our testing | A+ |
ACCURACY | Duty-gun Accurate | A- |
CUSTOMIZATION | No more customizable than any other polymer striker fired handgun | A |
ERGONOMICS | Comfortable in the hand, could be nicer | B+ |
VALUE | Incredible value! | A+ |
FINAL GRADE : A
The Canik TP9SF is a great starter gun suitable for any budget. But owning a gun doesn’t just mean having the actual weapon. You’re gonna need some key essentials.
- Magazines–Canik TP9SF Mags at Gun Mag Warehouse
- AMMO
- Hornady Critical Duty Ammo +P 124GR 9MM at Brownells
- GUN CLEANING KIT: Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon
- EYE & EAR PRO- See our Best Eye/Ear pro Review
Once you’ve got these particulars situated, it’s time to move on to the fun stuff. And there’s plenty of customizable options for the Canik TP9SF.
Best Sights for the Canik TP9SF
Putting a top-notch red dot sight on your pistol is becoming more and more popular as time goes by. As a matter of fact, some manufacturers are releasing their newer models to be optics ready–see our Springfield Armory Hellcat review. And while the TP9SF doesn’t come ready for a sight, with a little know-how, you can outfit yours with one of these cool options.
Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight
Our Editor’s Choice for optics on the Canik is the Vortex Optics Venom. It comes with a large, clear window and a 3 MOA red dot making for fast and easy targeting. And don’t worry about making adjustments. You can easily make single MOA changes through simple dial functions for both elevation and windage. The Venom is also equipped with 20 different brightness levels, so you’ll be prepared for any situation. CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON
The Ade Advanced Optics Micro is another solid choice for the Canik TP9F. Just like the Vortex, it comes with multiple brightness settings and 1 MOA adjustment dial. The biggest difference between the two is that this comes standard with a 6 MOA red dot. CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON
Best Holsters for the Canik TP9SF
If there’s one thing a great duty pistol absolutely needs, it’s a holster. You need to be on the lookout for something that securely and snugly holds your firearm in place, all the while maintaining a standard degree of comfort. Here are two options to do just that.
We The People Kydex IWB Holster
Our top pick for a holster for the Canik TP9sf is the We the People Kydex IWB. Its design allows it to fit securely and comfortably inside your waistband. We the People have also addressed a few of the problems of IWB reholstering. They have designed the holster to allow for easier reholstering while maintaining eyes on the threat, a nice feature. CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON
The We The People Kydex holster is great choice for the Canik TP9F. I like it becasue it adjusts and conceals really well, while at the same time super easy to re-holster. Good choice in my book. CHECK IT OUT ON AMAZON
Other Duty-Level Pistols of its Class to Check Out
Honestly, if you’re just starting out with duty pistols, the Canik TP9SF is a great choice. It’s a reliable gun at a budget price. However, there are some other options if you’re looking for something a little more high-end (including our favorite gun we’ve ever reviewed). Here are 2 of our favorites:
We’ve reviewed a ton of guns here…but this one might be our absolute favorite. And I’m not just talking about pistols either. Our favorite ever. As a competition and range pistol, we couldn’t find a single thing wrong with it. This is our current IPSC/3 Competition pistol, and don’t see that changing for a long time…READ MORE
2. Glock 48
As far as Glocks go, the G19 is by far the most popular option. But there’s one thing that irks us about it…It’s just barely too big for CCW purposes. Wouldn’t it be nice if they just slimmed it down a bit? Well, they did and with a few other minor changes came out with the Glock 48…READ MORE
How to Care for Your Canik TP9SF
To keep your firearm fully functioning, it’s important to keep it clean and maintain it. The Canik TP9SF is an outstanding firearm, so it’s important to take care of it and keep it operational. Keeping up with the maintenance will make it last a lifetime! To help you do this, here is a video on field stripping and cleaning your Canik TP9SF.
If you’d like to get started cleaning your gun, here is our recommended cleaning kit for the Canik TP9SF:
- Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon
Important Links And Manuals For Your Canik TP9SF
You can never have too much info about your firearm. That’s why we recommend checking out these handy articles on the Canik–including its user manual.
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Very nice review
I own several Canik’s and have had several people buy them. I have taken two class and my daughter (12 at the time) has taken one and for all of them we shot about 900 rounds each. I have never had an issue that I would say is the guns fault. I absolutely love these guns.
Is the trigger on the TP9SF the same as the TP9SFX?
Yes, same great trigger, I’ve got the sfx and elite.
Caniks are just Turkish XDs (and unironically their owners have the same personality), if your truly want a throw away gun than get a hipoint, more reliable than Caniks or XDs, and if you want someone else but can’t afford a P226 or HK than get a Glock 19 for $500. Never buy an XD. If you actually look online it will show you the multiple problems with Caniks. Firing pin issues, misdeeds, safety issues after a couple of drops (and test was done by Century Arms, the makers of nothing reliable other than the G3), etc.
Yet another great recommendation for Hi-Point, albeit intended as a put down. If this isn’t good enough for “duty,” it’s purchase would support an increasingly hostile Islamic regime and it’s only great as a “throw away” gun, get a Hi-Point! They are made in the US, nearly indestructible, have a lifetime warranty, and you would save a couple hundred bucks…
Can you point me in the right direction – “While the TP9SF doesn’t come ready for a sight, with a little know-how, you can outfit yours with one”? Having a hell of a time finding this info.
Aha – that should read “doesn’t come ready for a red-dot sight.” You’ll either need an adapter plate for the rear dovetail or have your slide milled to accept a sight.