What's the deal with Canik?

[ProPhetiQ]

I own multiple PDPs, and multiple Caniks. If you are going to be specific about the Walther model please be specific about the Canik model trigger you tried. The PDP trigger is very close to identical to the original SFX, and Elite SC from 5 years ago and older, in regards to take up, lbs of pull, and reset. The stock PDP trigger is no where near what has come out from Canik in the last 5 years starting with their Elite Combat, Mete series, or Rivals. Walther is behind what Canik is doing everytime they put something out. It took Walther about 10 years to put out the PDP, which has a trigger that is hardly noticeably better than the PPQ, has plastic sights, an optic cut, and a slight upgrade in texture, and the super serrations transformed the slide so much that you need all new holsters. That to me is not a good upgrade. I actually like my PPQs better than the PDPs. But the Canik models from last 5 years outshines them all. Now Canik has even beaten Walther to the Micro 9 model. Walther did have the best single stack 9 for quite a while, but like always takes 10 plus years to update/upgrade anything.

 

[Yukon_Cola]

It's a fools errand to compare Canik with Walther. I'll give credit where it's due in saying that for a BUDGET pistol, Canik would be a decent option, but Walther will always be the better handgun.

Caniks have certainly had their share of issues, including drop safety, discharging when holstered and a number of reported light primer strikes. The drop/reholstering issue was enough for them to release a massive recall on a number of guns. I found these issues after it was recommended in this thread I do some searching and check some forums.

https://www.canikusa.com/severe-duty-upgrade

Buying a value handgun is fine but it still doesn't compare to an FN, HK, Walther or even Glock.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I own multiple PDPs, and multiple Caniks. If you are going to be specific about the Walther model please be specific about the Canik model trigger you tried. The PDP trigger is very close to identical to the original SFX, and Elite SC from 5 years ago and older, in regards to take up, lbs of pull, and reset. The stock PDP trigger is no where near what has come out from Canik in the last 5 years starting with their Elite Combat, Mete series, or Rivals. Walther is behind what Canik is doing everytime they put something out. It took Walther about 10 years to put out the PDP, which has a trigger that is hardly noticeably better than the PPQ, has plastic sights, an optic cut, and a slight upgrade in texture, and the super serrations transformed the slide so much that you need all new holsters. That to me is not a good upgrade. I actually like my PPQs better than the PDPs. But the Canik models from last 5 years outshines them all. Now Canik has even beaten Walther to the Micro 9 model. Walther did have the best single stack 9 for quite a while, but like always takes 10 plus years to update/upgrade anything.

I've liked my Caniks and Walther's,

But having said that, the Caniks new micro nine is not micro. See it next to a 365 and you'll see it's not as tiny as it's billed.

I bet it's closer to my PPQ SC than a 365

 

[12Bravo20]

As many Glock pistols and clones that I own, I prefer the Canik's over Glock's. The Canik pistols just feel better in my hands, have a way better trigger, and I shoot them more accurately.

 

[valnar]

I remember reading some bad things about Turkish shotguns, mainly their longevity due to subpar metallurgy. I don't know if that's still true, but the stigma may still stand.

I agree with the others that Canik is clearly a budget offering. It might be fine on its own, but calling it equal to SIG or S&W is pushing it a bit.

 

[Buckeye63]

My next handgun purchase may be a Canik MC9
Honestly.. they seem to be great pistols ..

I personally would buy a Canik METE over a Glock
and probably a M&P ..definitely over a polymer Sig
I really never owned a CZ … but I think a CZ ..is probably the top of tbe polymer heap

 

[Styx]

I've owned Canik, Glocks, several M&Ps, one Walther (PPS M2), HKs, CZ, Beretta, and Springfield Arms polymer pistols. They are all reliable pistols with different ergos and features. I wouldn't say one was better than the other.

IMHO, the fact that the Caniks are produced in Turkey and because they aren't over charging for their pistols like other manufacturers are doing, some people are allowing their bias to cloud their judgment. Caniks might be priced a little less, but they are the same quality and have the quality of components as the competition. They aren't cutting corners to bring down cost.

I'd bet my life and soul that if Canik and Glock, Walther, HK, etc had a top secret deal where Canik designed and manufactured the handguns, and the other companies sold them under their names, the same naysayers would already own several.

 

[Styx]

It's a fools errand to compare Canik with Walther. I'll give credit where it's due in saying that for a BUDGET pistol, Canik would be a decent option, but Walther will always be the better handgun.

Caniks have certainly had their share of issues, including drop safety, discharging when holstered and a number of reported light primer strikes. The drop/reholstering issue was enough for them to release a massive recall on a number of guns. I found these issues after it was recommended in this thread I do some searching and check some forums.

https://www.canikusa.com/severe-duty-upgrade

Buying a value handgun is fine but it still doesn't compare to an FN, HK, Walther or even Glock.

You do know that Glock, FN, Walther, S&W, Springfield Arms, and especially Sig all have had issues, recalls, etc? As in Canik's case, they all have had a recall or "voluntary upgrade", fixed the issue immediately, and have sinced moved on with a more reliable and safe product. Why make it seem like only Canik is guilty of this by bringing up several years old issues while pretending that the other companies you named don't also have issues. As far as HK goes, I don't know of any recalls, BUT as a regular on HK's forum, they too have their share of problems here and there. HK is not immune!

Glocks and Sigs are notoriously known for reports of "supposedly" and "allegedly" firing when holstered or simply just "going off on it's own." It allegedly happened so many times with Glocks that the firearm community deemed the term "Glock leg" to describe the phenomenon. Both companies have been sued, and have even settled for undisclosed amounts in some of these lawsuits.

All Canik pistols comply with and exceed current industry and military abusive handling standards. There are no safety concerns with the pistols when used under ordinary conditions.

Canik is committed to continuously improving its product’s performance. Evaluations and tests have shown that repeated abusive dropping of pistols may result in damage to safety features and unintentional discharge.

What is the reason of this Severe Duty Upgrade?

This upgrade increases the durability of the springs, provides enhanced drop discharge prevention for heavy/severe duty conditions beyond current industry and military standards, and aims to better resist damage that may occur due to repeated abusive drops and other impacts.

Did you read the 2017 recall? The pistols were fine, "complied with and exceed current industry and military abusive handling standards", and only were deemed to be unsafe if repeatedly and violently dropped to the point were the internals were damaged. In response, Canik did a recall to make their handguns even more bullet proof so to speak; whereas, Glock, S&W, Walther, Springfield Arms, FN, and Sig had outright design and/or quality assurance flaws.

 

[Slamfire]

I can say that I have been to Turkey and spent more than a few months there. The people inviting, and warm. I have a Turkish shotgun or two. They work. I worry about spare parts if needed. I read somewhere that Canik are made with some sort of agreement with Walther. Not necessarily a license. I do know that a lot of people I knew brought home real fancy over/unders and shipped them back from Turkey. My friend has a Canik, it shot nice.

The Turks are fine people. No one, through ignorance, should be putting down Turkey based on technology. America offshored its manufacturing about 30 years ago, we no longer have the industrial base to support the current weapons consumption in Ukraine. American elites gave away good blue collar jobs, and now American's in service sector jobs are the finest hamburger flippers and restaurant waiters/waitresses in the world! Victory through onion rings, Hooha! The US has contracted with, and will again be contracting with, South Korean ammunition companies, because the US cannot make enough ammunition during a shooting war. There have been lots of poor American firearms, nothing to brag about at all. Anyone remember Jennings firearms and Ravens?

Turkey is a real fabrication and manufacturing country. Turkey was producing military weapons centuries before the savages in America put on pants. Their advanced manufacturer's use advanced machining and modern manufacturing management. I have been happy with my Tisas 1911's, did a bit of research on youtube. What I see is modern CNC machining, and I am really impressed with the thought in choosing features for the Turkish battle rifle.

Tisas Promotion Film



Similar but with some AK47’s

Modern Ammunition Manufacturing Process: Inside Gun Factory


I am old enough to remembers single stage machines bolted to the floor, and a chaotic production flow. Modern production videos like this are porn to me! Gimme more!!!

Cold Hammer Forged Barrel Production and Testing Phases



Shooting the Turkish MPT-76 Infantry Rifle

 

[peeplwtchr]

The Turks are fine people. No one, through ignorance, should be putting down Turkey based on technology. America offshored its manufacturing about 30 years ago, we no longer have the industrial base to support the current weapons consumption in Ukraine. American elites gave away good blue collar jobs, and now American's in service sector jobs are the finest hamburger flippers and restaurant waiters/waitresses in the world! Victory through onion rings, Hooha! The US has contracted with, and will again be contracting with, South Korean ammunition companies, because the US cannot make enough ammunition during a shooting war. There have been lots of poor American firearms, nothing to brag about at all. Anyone remember Jennings firearms and Ravens?

Turkey is a real fabrication and manufacturing country. Turkey was producing military weapons centuries before the savages in America put on pants. Their advanced manufacturer's use advanced machining and modern manufacturing management. I have been happy with my Tisas 1911's, did a bit of research on youtube. What I see is modern CNC machining, and I am really impressed with the thought in choosing features for the Turkish battle rifle.

Tisas Promotion Film



Similar but with some AK47’s

Modern Ammunition Manufacturing Process: Inside Gun Factory


I am old enough to remembers single stage machines bolted to the floor, and a chaotic production flow. Modern production videos like this are porn to me! Gimme more!!!

Cold Hammer Forged Barrel Production and Testing Phases



Shooting the Turkish MPT-76 Infantry Rifle

Also, Canik is a subsidiary of a military aerospace manufacturer. They build stuff for military weapons and jets. They obviously know high tech machining and design. In addition, 50+ military and police forces carry them in duty. They make machine guns, cannons, and rifles too. No guys, they aren't made or designed in ditches by turban wearing bedoins. In just 12 years in the U.S., they've already scared the crap out of every pistol manufacturer with thier reliability, innovation, superior responsiveness to market feature demand, and have already captured a big market share and audience. I am starting to see many other guns adopting thier features. One reason why they've won multiple gun of the year awards every year since the SFX came out (4 years ago?). Look for the Rival-S to get the same award in 2023. It's the flattest shooting 9mm out of the box besides an Alien. Anybody that calls these budget guns either hasn't shot one more than a few rounds, has a bad grip, or isn't an experienced 9mm pistol shooter, sorry.
I've got Walthers and HKs too. My Caniks are the ones that get shot and trained with every weekend of the year.

 

[peeplwtchr]

I've liked my Caniks and Walther's,

But having said that, the Caniks new micro nine is not micro. See it next to a 365 and you'll see it's not as tiny as it's billed.

I bet it's closer to my PPQ SC than a 365

I shot the MC9 a couple days ago. I can't speak to any size differences, because I don't own (Anymore), or carry anything less than a 4 inch barrel. But I can say that the MC9 stunned me a bit by the lack of snappiness. I've shot hellcats, p365, PPQ compacts, and the MC9 is far superior to anything else with a 3ish inch barrel. Not sure how they did it, but they did, again. It's very slim too, and I gripped really well, even with long fingers. The 14 rd. capacity is nice too. It'll take off.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Over a year ago the owner of my gun shop was telling me how surprised he was with the trigger pull of a Canik he had just gotten in stock. I thought to myself yeah, right, I;m going to buy a gun made in Turkey. After reading forums for over a year I bought a Canik Rival last year. I was so impressed I bought an identical one to try out one of those new-fangled red dots for handguns (why yes, I am slow on the uptake). This year I bought a Girsan Match (High Power clone) after trying the same gun that belonged to a friend. What a wonderful world we live in for firearms choice today. Just ignore those two S&W's:

 

[doubleh]

The SAR I had presented FTE, FTF and stovepipes consistently on top of rough fit/finish. Maybe I got a bad example?

We pay our money and take our chances. I took a chance on a B 6 for informal steel shooting some time ago. It gets fed cheap factory FMJ but mostly PC lead reloads. It's been as dependable as a rock.

 

[BlankRow]

I imagine it's like most things, some good manufacturers and some bad. The promotion by "influencers" would make me more skeptical though.

 

[DesertFox]

Have none, agreed that they were inexpensive but the cat got out of the bag. Someday.

 

[Tcruse]

I swore off all American guns after have a problematic Daimond DB9. After I seen a video of the P320 shoot on it's own, I swore off all German guns and especially Sigs.

Your logic makes perfect sense OP. Plus we all know that no American or other foreign manufacturers ever put out lemons.

/END_SARCASM

I judge a manufacture and product line individually instead of making them all guilty by association. It makes just about as much sense as someone in South America getting a Ruger lemon, and then coming to the illogical bigoted conclusion that ALL American made firearms aren't reliable... In any event, I've heard and seen nothing but positive things about Canik as and even all the CZ 75 clones.

The Sig P-320 did have a "drop problem" very early in its release, the early guns can be returned and upgraded for free, the guns after that fix have been very reliable and do not have any trace of a drop problem. The initial problem was serious, but way over blown by people wanting to make money over the issue. Today's SIG firearms are mostly made in the US.

 

[Bcwitt]

I had a Turkish 12ga over under that was fantastic. Every bit as feild worthy as a custom double. Was a great bird gun. Also, time does not stand still. Turkey has developed there manufacturing capabilities quite a bit in recent years. I have not fired the Canic, but have inspected them & look to be very well made.

 

[kje54]

You do know that Glock, FN, Walther, S&W, Springfield Arms, and especially Sig all have had issues, recalls, etc? As in Canik's case, they all have had a recall or "voluntary upgrade", fixed the issue immediately, and have sinced moved on with a more reliable and safe product. Why make it seem like only Canik is guilty of this by bringing up several years old issues while pretending that the other companies you named don't also have issues. As far as HK goes, I don't know of any recalls, BUT as a regular on HK's forum, they too have their share of problems here and there. HK is not immune!

Glocks and Sigs are notoriously known for reports of "supposedly" and "allegedly" firing when holstered or simply just "going off on it's own." It allegedly happened so many times with Glocks that the firearm community deemed the term "Glock leg" to describe the phenomenon. Both companies have been sued, and have even settled for undisclosed amounts in some of these lawsuits.


Did you read the 2017 recall? The pistols were fine, "complied with and exceed current industry and military abusive handling standards", and only were deemed to be unsafe if repeatedly and violently dropped to the point were the internals were damaged. In response, Canik did a recall to make their handguns even more bullet proof so to speak; whereas, Glock, S&W, Walther, Springfield Arms, FN, and Sig had outright design and/or quality assurance flaws.

Unfortunately it would appear Yukon came in with a pre-conceived negative bias then went looking for confirmation bias and cherry picked everything that even remotely fit his bias without looking further. It's too bad but it's a very normal human thing we all do to one degree or another.

 

[SP5]

Aside from my Caniks not liking to be suppressed, they are 100%. Even my METE SFT Pro (Comes from factory with a threaded barrel) did not function 100%. If their damn low force recoil springs are ever back in stock, I'll buy them

 

[Agsalaska]

I went hunting with a fella last year that had a 20 gauge that was made in Turkey. Total jamamatic. It did not fire half the time you tried to fire it. The finish was awful and it looked like it had been put together in a high school shop class. This was a brand new gun.

That's my only experience with any guns made in Turkey that I can remember.

 

[SP5]

Also, Century customer service is a joke

 

[peeplwtchr]

Also, Century customer service is a joke

Not my experience at all. Technical questions quickly and accurately addressed, requested holster replacement in 3 days free, no questions asked.

 

[giggitygiggity]

Also, Century customer service is a joke

That was not my experience. I had a fantastic, prompt, hassle-free experience when I had a minor rear sight issue on my Canik Mete Pro SFT. In fact, I created a thread about it.

I am not disputing you, but just making others aware that my experience with Century’s customer service was in no way “a joke.”

 

[Styx]

I went hunting with a fella last year that had a 20 gauge that was made in Turkey. Total jamamatic. It did not fire half the time you tried to fire it. The finish was awful and it looked like it had been put together in a high school shop class. This was a brand new gun.

That's my only experience with any guns made in Turkey that I can remember.

Do we have firearm manufacturers in America that manufacturer jamamatic crap guns? Have you had any second or first had experience with them?

 

[Agsalaska]

Do we have firearm manufacturers in America that manufacturer jamamatic crap guns? Have you had any second or first had experience with them?

Not sure if I have ever run across a crappier shotgun than this one. In the US we seem to have shotguns more or less figured out. And this one had Winchester stamped on it. As for manufacturers in general of course I have but probably not at that price point. At least not this bad. I think you generally get what you pay for in this world and I am sure my buddy expected more.

The only one I can think of at this level of overall crappiness would be a few late Marlins after Remington moved them. I saw a few of those that were just junk but saw a few others that were tack driving peaches. Those and their R51s. I have never seen another US manufacturer, excluding the Bryco/Jennings of the world, put out a piece of junk like that shotgun.

If I lived in Turkey and my only experience with an American gun was a Remlin, I might hesitate before I bought a Ruger. I would at least ask some questions on a message board and find out if that was specific to just that one gun maker or if it was a broader issue. Seems to me after reading reviews and watching Youtube that the Caniks go bang when you pull the trigger and then go bang again the next time you pull the trigger. Which sounds great.