Pros and Cons for the Tristar T-120 pistol?

I was at Academy, last night, and saw a tan Tristar T-120 9mm "CZ clone" and was pretty impressed with it, especially for the price [~$350]. Had 19 round magazines [x2], tan frame [aluminum] and slide, and seemed to be pretty much like a CZ inside. Made in Turkey.

However, I was wondering what the pros and cons of this pistol are. If you have information on these, this is the spot. Thank you!

 

I've owned a Canik Stingray for awhile now.

I've yet to be disappointed by their quality for the price.

The Tristar is just a Canik imported to Kansas City, MO, so I can tell you in full confidence that you won't be sorry owning one.

Only cons I see are that not all CZ parts are drop in. But, if you get a service life over 50,000 rounds, I'd say it was well worth it. Other con is price: $350 otd, or before tax? These used to go for considerably less.

So, a new CZ-clone for $350, or save another bill for a used CZ...dont think either is a bad decision.

 

I think meanmrmustard covered it pretty well. I also have a Canik, the Stingray-C. It is all steel instead of having an alloy frame, but I believe everything else would be applicable. Machining quality is very good, the Stingray is fully chromed which is a nice touch, and it is remarkably accurate. It does NOT have fully interchangeable parts with CZs, which was already noted above. Magazines DO interchange. If I were to get really persnickety I would say that the twisted wire recoil spring, while perfectly serviceable, is a bit roughly made and I don't care much for the loaded chamber indicator. I got mine for under $300 ($250ish, I believe) and it is a heckuva weapon for that price. It stays in my bug out bag but I'd be perfectly comfortable and confident using it as an EDC weapon.

 

Do you know if the sights interchange?

Would a Hogue [for a CZ75] fit it?

I didn't notice any "loaded chamber indicator". Anyway, I wonder if the extra money for it is due to the tan finish and the +2 baseplate setup?

 

I believe that the sights are NOT interchangeable without recutting the notch.

Uncertain about the Hogues but I would guess yes. I pulled the OEM grips off my Canik and replaced them with the more "rubberized" CZ 75 Compact grips, and they fit right up.

Here's a link to Cajun Gun Works (CZ custom house) that lists parts for the Canik/Tri-star line of pistols.
http://www.cajungunworks.com/canik_-_tristar.html

The loaded chamber indicator on the Canik is a little bar/flap right atop the slide that has a small pip sticking down into a notch in the barrel hood. When there is a round chambered the flap stands a little proud of the slide surface. Not a big deal, just an "added feature" I don't find particularly useful.

 

Thanks for the link. Looks like the sights are different or else Cajun Gun Works wouldn't have had to make them for the Canik. Also a good link to show the other parts that are not the same as CZ.

I'm on the fence on getting one. Don't really need one. Already have an excellent SP-01 and a P-09.

Maybe I will hold out for one of the smaller compact pistols from them.

 

Look on Slickguns.com, they are always on there

 

Loaded chamber indicators add "points" for the system the ATF uses to determine whether or not they'll allow it to be imported. http://www.atf.gov/files/forms/download/atf-f-5330-5.pdf

 

Looked on gunbroker and most of them are priced about the same as it is at Academy.

 

I was considering one of these recently and did some research.

These are extremely close to the original CZ-75 military design.
The sights are plastic, but after market steel sights are available.
Sorry, forgot what brand was recommended.

The steel frames, barrels, and slides are made of forged steel.
Finish seems to be a powder coat, including some of the silver colored versions.
That wasn't very clear in my research, so I'm not sure about the finishes.

The trigger leaves a bit to be desired.
It has more take up than you'd like, and the trigger sits too far toward the front of the trigger guard, just like the original CZ-75.

From the looks it can be tuned up and I'm fairly sure the trigger can be replaced with a CZ or EAA Witness trigger that sits farther to the rear and has more curve.

It seems to be a "best buy" for the price/quality.

 

Ah. That makes sense. Well the point system doesn't, but why the Canik would have such a thing to help it with the point system, does.

 

If you're interested in the compact version, JGSales has the Stingray-C for $320. The quality is amazing for the price. They have them in tan, od green, black and titanium.

 

I thank ya!

 

I bought the TriStar T120 in desert tan from Academy several months ago. It is a wonderful shooter. The gun is very accurate and extremely reliable. I now have about 1300 rounds through the pistol without a failure of any kind using various brands of factory ammo, reloads, and defensive ammo. I did not like the somewhat slick plastic grips, so I changed them to a Hogue wraparound grip for the CZ-75B. The grip was a bit difficult to attach, but once stretched a bit to fit the frame it fits perfectly. I have made no other changes to the stock configuration. I find the trigger to be acceptable.

I was somewhat hesitant to purchase the tan pistol - I wanted it in black, but the black was $50 more expensive, and I am a cheapskate. The color has grown on me. It is now my favorite pistol.

 

Thanks for the input. The Tan was the one I was looking at. I may have to get one at some point.

 

Pros:
Great build quality (machining is better than my 75B inside)
Factory claims guns built to NATO spec
Great capacity and Mec Gar manufactured mags
Good SA trigger out of the box
Attractive price ($350 for a hi cap 9 is pretty good)

Cons:
Parts may be more difficult to find than actual CZ parts in the future
Short warranty (1 year)
Price/quality ratio is favorable that you'll probably buy more.

 

I bought the C100 last year as another edc ran 500 rds through it w/o fail ,so I have to say I'm kinda impressed with this little 9mm ...the only con i can say is about the trigger while its not terrible it can use some work . There a good value and so far mine is running 100%

 

Also required if they wanted to submit it for sale in CA. Does it also have a mag disconnect?

 

No mag disconnect.

 

I read some of the finishes are cerakote. The local Sports Authority is trying to sell them for $380 to $400. The trigger is stiff, supposed to be 12 lbs. Cajun Gun Works sells some parts and a spring kit to reduce the DA pull.

 

The desert tan is advertised as Cerakote. It seems pretty durable so far.

 

Adding my knowledge on the Canik (Stingray). Bought some upgrades from CZ Custom and Cajun Gun Works and found the following.

- The CZ-75B solid firing pin retaining pin will not fit. It's about .005 larger in diameter. (need to turn down)
- A CZ trigger pin (all models) is smaller in diameter than the stock roll pin. :banghead:
In my opinion, the $17 one from Cajun is just too much for a pin.

- The three piece spring kit from Cajun works great. I questioned if I would have to replace the firing pin with a longer one.
My half ass luggage scale measuring of SA trigger pull was more than 5 pounds with stock springs. It's now at about 5. The difference can be felt in both SA/DA. I recommend buying the kit.

One helluva good shooter for the money.

 

floflow,

Our heat treated tool steel floating trigger pin for the Canik is not $17.00. We sell these for $13.00, they are warranted for life. With all due respect, I would challenge you to make a tool steel pin this small fully heat treated for less money.

If your Canik's trigger return spring ever breaks, and the chances are pretty good it will, you could replace it in the field if equipped with the floating pin.