James Yeager of Tactical Response and YouTube fame has just given us a first look at what promises to be a very interesting new service pistol. The new gun is the TP9SF Elite, an upgraded, compact version of the popular and inexpensive Canik TP9SF.
Canik is a relative newcomer in the U.S. but they’ve quickly developed a good reputation for making guns that are extremely competitively priced. Their guns have a fit and finish that’s on par with many big names in the industry, just at a lower price point.
The TP9SF is the company’s flagship polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol. The TP series has gone through several rapid revisions and has developed into a solid all-around performing full-size handgun.
Full-size pistols are preferred for home security and open-carry, but many people prefer compacts as do-all handguns. The TP9SF Elite fits the bill with a shortened slide and grip and slightly reduced capacity.
A close-up of the upcoming Canik TP9SF Elite. (Photo: Yeager/Facebook)
Details are still thin and Yeager says that the final model headed to American shores will have a slightly different set of features than the version he managed to get a hold of. It will be chambered for 9mm Luger and have a 15+1 round capacity.
Ideally, the changes won’t be too drastic as it looks like the Elite model has some really great things going for it. The gun has fully ambidextrous controls with slide and magazine release levers on both sides. The mag release system is particularly neat — it supports both American-style push buttons and European paddle release levers — on both sides.
Like many modern striker-fired pistols the Elite has a full-length accessory rail, front slide serrations and comes with interchangeable backstraps. Different backstraps can be installed to suit shooter grip size preference.
See Also: Iraqveteran8888 Reviews the Canik TP9SA 9mm Pistol
The grip area sports two different grip textures, smoother on the sides and aggressive on the front- and backstraps. This helps keep the pistol from snagging on clothes for concealed-carry but still offers the shooter a solid grip. The frame also has “memory buttons” on the side of the frame to remind the user to keep their fingers off the trigger while not shooting.
Yeager also says that the 15-round mags will have a “military” finish that’s looks like a nitride or black oxide finish. The gun will have Warren Tactical factory sights with a fiber optic front and u-notch black rear sight. He predicts the Elite will retail for around $400 but it could be a little more.
Highlander Arms has a product listing for it at $445 and some product specifications. They list the weight at 29 ounces and the barrel length right at 4.2 inches long. The listing also mentions a loaded chamber and cocked striker indicator on the Elite.
At that price, with features like these, the Elite will be sure to impress. Of course, it also has a couple of love-it-or-leave-it features.
Are you looking forward to the Canik TP9SF Elite?
If possible could we get some side by side comparison pictures with other Canik pistols… TP9sa… TP9 v2… etc. Thanks for the early release pictures so I can start saving my pennies. Have a great day.
With the success of the previous models … Why the change in how the weapon is shaped
I thought it would look like the previous models that are fantastic.
Anybody got any input?
I came across an Elite and purchased it yesterday. I have not shot it yet. Things I have noticed are the trigger feel is different from the other models – not sure if it is good or bad?
But I’m sure I will totally like it.
The one thing that I’m not to keen on is the adjustable fiber optic front sight.
It would have suited me fine for it to have a non adjustible front sight which is far easier to swap out. In the dark with the fiber you lose total use of the front sight.
More comments to come later.
Does it have the paddle mag release? The ones I am seeing on gunbroker have just the push button mag release.
I, for one, am glad to hear this news. I own the TP9SF and find it to be one of favorite shooters. I would love to see a smaller version!
With a 4.1″ barrel length and 15 rd. capacity I don’t consider this to be a compact pistol. Try again !
It’s just about the same size as a Glock 19, which is Glock’s version of a compact pistol and the current #1.
What was the purpose of this article and the vid? Teasers that talk about and show a pistol that will not be the same as the final product! I’m sure Cantik wants a media bump and could use good press but this was a waste of time.