The MC9
The MC9 uses a polymer frame with embedded steel frame rails to attach the slide and other parts. The model tested today is an FDE model, but it is also available in black or a black/FDE combo. The striker is contained in the slide and uses the familiar Canik striker indicator visible from the backplate. Also built into the slide is a loaded chamber indicator at the 12 o’clock position behind the chamber, and the extractor on the right side of the breech.
The top of the slide features a simple set of sights with a serrated rear and a single white dot front sight. But it is also cut for optics, using a removable plate to install micro red dots. I was excited to embrace this trend of optics-ready pistols, particularly for a carry pistol.
The polymer frame also features a short Picatinny rail under the front of the gun for accessories. I found it perfect for a compact light or laser device. The trigger uses a blade safety, like most others, and a nice contour that is quite comfortable. The ambidextrous slide release allows the slide to be dropped from either side of the gun.
The magazine release, on the other hand, needs to be reversed to use the left thumb. Included in the case were two additional interchangeable backstraps for the grip – an awesome feature to allow customization by the user.
Related: Canik Brings Big Value Again in the SFx Rival-S and Mete MC9
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15+1 rounds (comes with 12-round mag also)
- Weight: 1.33 pounds
- Sights: Rear notch, front white dot
- Barrel Length: 3.18 inches
- Overall Length: 6.1 inches
- Height: 4.52 inches
- Width: 1.12 inches
-
Color Options: Black, FDE, two-tone
Let’s Talk Mags
The magazine situation is another great feature of the MC9. It came with two magazines with room for 15 and 12 cartridges, respectively. The larger magazine uses a longer floorplate, while the 12-round magazine fits nearly flush to the bottom of the frame. The floorplate does hang down just a touch to give more purchase for those with bigger hands, and Canik also included a flush floorplate, if that’s not an issue for you.
With various magazine options for the MC9, it’s easy to adjust the carry size of the pistol for reduced printing in public. The shorter magazine will likely be easier to conceal, whereas if you are a big fella, the larger mag will be easy to hide as well.
In typical Canik fashion, the MC9 also came with a great deal of value-adding accessories. The hard case included the pistol as well as all the tools needed to work on and clean the pistol. A Kydex holster for tucking the pistol inside your belt as well as a magazine loader were also included.
Optics
I had to get a red dot on the little Canik as well. I’ve become quite a fan of shooting pistols thusly, and I had a Holosun 407K just sitting there. I removed the stock plate, which ended up being much harder than I expected. The fit between the slide and the plate is quite tight, and it nearly required me to pry it loose with a screwdriver.
I say “nearly,” because I tried everything else to avoid damaging the finish. From there, it was a piece of cake. The 407K dropped right in and fit so snugly it seemed too good to be true. A couple drops of Locktite, I snugged down the screws, and the MC9 was now optically outfitted. It was such a good fit, I didn’t even need to zero the red dot.
On the Range and In the field
In no time we were at the range, or at least a place where we could shoot, and we started stuffing the stubby 9mm rounds into magazines. I’ve shot a few pistols over the years, and it seems that compact pistols are often a bit snappy due to their reduced weight and design. I was half expecting the MC9 to be in that group, but to my surprise it was quite pleasant. Cranking through the rounds felt just like I was shooting a standard-sized pistol, and it shot very well.
Whether shooting the MC9 with or without the red dot, it seemed very easy to get it on target and get rounds off quickly, a key feature for CCW pistols. The grip feels great in the hand. I found that I preferred the feel of the 15-round magazine for better purchase. The standard sights were fine and lined up easily for a hit.
Reloading and shooting function was fantastic, and we experienced no failures during testing. For this we used S&B 124-grain ammunition, as well as some Winchester white box 115 grain. The little Canik churned through it all without a hiccup.
We even tried shooting from the holster to see how it fared as a concealed holster, which turned out to be pretty decent. It was certainly good enough for day-to-day work, but I think if I were going to carry this pistol full-time, I might want to get something better.
Pros & Cons
