Gun Review: Glock 19 vs Canik TP9SF Elite in an EDC Matchup (VIDEO)

I’ll admit, when I was asked to compare the Gen4 Glock 19 and the Canik TP9SF Elite in the context of “EDC” guns I didn’t expect any surprises. I mean the G19 seems to be the standard right? So I went into the test thinking “meh, a bad day at the range is better than a good day at work.” I ran 500 rounds through each of the pistols and used them as my EDC for three days each. Now 500 rounds is not a comprehensive review of reliability or long term function, but it is just enough to get a good feel for a pistol.

The ammunition for the test was Freedom Munitions 115 grain 9mm. For accuracy testing on the range I used standard b8 targets as well as Haley Strategic 4 dot zeroing targets, and finally I rounded it all out with some 5×8 TacStrike steels.

Glock 19

Two EDC options side by side (Photo: Recom Actual)

First up the Glock 19. This particular model has been modified with a Haley Strategic Skimmer trigger kit, in addition to a Suarez International flat face trigger and magwell. Rounding out the customization to the gun is the addition of a Surefire XC1 and Trijicon HD night sights with a custom stippling job on the frame. In short a solid EDC pistol, no surprises in performance or accuracy. The trigger was a bit stiff but broke nicely and had a solid reset. The sights were easy to track and it shot through the 500 rounds without a single problem. As for carrying it, that was also no problem. It sat comfortably under a t-shirt and even in my very non-permissive work environment went unnoticed. In summary, just as expected no surprises. A solid EDC option backed up by Glock’s world famous reputation.

Canik TP9SF Elite

The sights on each pistol, Glock’s in this case are after market, while the Canik’s Warren fiber optic front sight is stock. (Photo: Recom Actual)

While the Glock gave me no surprise at all the Canik gave me my first surprise. When I first picked it up it fit my hand very well. No need to change the backstrap — Canik includes two with each pistol — and the texturing of the frame provided a good grip. The grip is also a bit farther forward on the frame than most polymer guns and provides a higher feeling grip on the pistol as a result. The Warren fiber optic front sight was easy to pick up and the reversible magazine release easy to access. My favorite feature though, was the trigger. It has a bit of take up, but once you get through that, it’s a pleasure to shoot. The 4.5 pound trigger is crisp and clean with a good tactile reset. It also shot through 500 rounds with no issues. The Canik is a bit longer in the frame and slide than the Glock 19 but it was also easy and comfortable to conceal under a tee shirt. Other than being relatively new to the market and not having the G19’s proven history, it too seems like a solid EDC option, especially considering its less than $500 price point.

Conclusion

Both pistols were quick and accurate. (Photo: Recom Actual)

So here’s my takeaways from this test. The Glock 19 I tested was modified but even stock it’s a standard EDC pistol for a reason. It’s reliable, has tons of aftermarket upgrades and holds its own next to larger “fighting size” pistols. Like I said earlier, no surprises. The Canik however was a surprise. The fit and finish of the gun was great, it functioned flawlessly and that trigger! To get a comparable trigger in most striker fired guns you would have to put in a decent amount of work and money. The more I shot it, the more I liked it. Honestly, I don’t really want to give it back. While it might not have the weight of history behind it that Glock enjoys I have the feeling its reputation is only going to grow.

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