SHOT16: Canik TP9SFX- Optics Ready

Back in issue 18 we covered the Canik TP9SA and commented that it set a new value standard regarding handguns. Afterall, it does bring a whole lot to the table at a beer money price point. At the SHOT Show media day I got some rounds through one of their newer offerings: The Canik TP9SFX. The idea of a red dot on a handgun isn't new but until relatively recently it was considered strictly for competition use. The advent of more robust red dots warranted revising this view and we're seeing more and more of them around.

The Canik TP9SFX- Optics Ready from the Start

Right out of the gate the Canik TP9SFX is optics ready. More than that, the rear sight is built into the slide plate. Meaning, when a micro red dot sight is used with it, there are no backups. Usually, if you have a slide milled for a red dot you're stuck with whichever red dot you choose virtually for the life the pistol unless you replace the slide. This isn't an insurmountable issue with popular guns like Glocks–you can purchase any number of slides or parts from a myriad of vendors. With this Turkish pistol though? More of a problem indeed. As such, the TP9SFX has a number of mounts available covering the most popular micro red dot options. Using these mounting plates necessitates a taller height over bore relative to their recessed counterparts, perhaps part of the reason no BUIS were made available.

Users of the older TP9 and TPSA will happily note the lack of a push button decocker on the top of the slide (the TP9SF similarly omitted the decocker). There are also interchangeable back straps, an enlarged magazine release, 18 round magazines (with +2 extensions currently available) and a threaded hole located on either side of the mounting plate for use with an optional cocking handle for competitive use.

Some users will no doubt mourn the loss of the rear sight, but as micro red dot sights become more tough and durable, this may (may) become a complaint of the past. Until such a time, learn alternative sighting methods, solely use it for competition, or simply keep the cover plate with the rear sight on. Importation is expected in 2016.  You can visit Canik online here.

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What is the NSSF SHOT Show?

The NSSF SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show) and Conference is an annual event held by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Typically attended by thousands of people from all 50 states and over a hundred countries, it is (quite rightfully) described as the “…world's premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, law enforcement, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, and related products and services.

Imagine the Worlds' Fair, but packed with everything from mini-guns and every breed of body armor, bows and boots; from eye pro and ear pro to optics and ordnance, socks to swords…you get the idea. If you'd like to see a sampling of the companies who will be showing at this year's SHOT, there's a live map right here, though it doesn't reflect the organizations set up elsewhere, in hotel suites, etc

View imagery from our coverage of last year's SHOT Show right here.

2016 SHOT Show

January 18 — Media on the Range (numerous shooting facilities in and around Las Vegas)
January 19–22, 2016
Sands Expo and Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Hours:
Tuesday, January 19 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 20 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 21 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday, January 22 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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