My Impressions
As I mentioned, I immediately fell in love with the trigger on this gun. The Prime striker-fired trigger gets closer to a single-action trigger than any other trigger I’ve experienced. It is not there yet, but it is close. In addition, the grip has some of the best texture on a sub-compact pistol.
The MC9 Prime is smaller, lighter, and thinner than the Glock 19, and it has a better trigger. That includes all the aftermarket custom Glock triggers I’ve tried.
Let’s start with some basic specs and then dig into the details on this gun.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1
- Weight: 23.4 ounces
- Overall Length: 6.73 inches
- Barrel Length: 3.64 inches
- Height: 5.43 inches
- Width: 1.16 inches
- Sights: Night Fision tritium front and rear
- Magazine: Two 17-round mags included
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Frame Material: Polymer
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Made in Turkey
Features
Like all the Canik Mete guns, this one uses a standard Browning action. It’s basically the same size as the Mete MC9LS but upgraded with many of the competition-oriented features pioneered on the Canik’s collaboration with Taran Tactical, the TTI Combat.
The overall weight is 23 ounces, and the barrel is 3.64 inches long. Three ports in the barrel and slide help tame the recoil of this small gun. The slide serrations, like those on the TTI, are excellent.
Night Fision tritium sights are included, and a low RMSc optics cut co-witnesses with the new Canik-branded red dot sight. Unfortunately, the dots were not yet shipping when I received this test gun.
The ambidextrous slide lock levers are extended for easy activation. I could reach them without adjusting my grip.
The all-aluminum, flat-faced trigger I was raving about was a bit better on the SHOT Show version than on my test model, but it was still one of the best striker-fired triggers I’ve ever felt.
Grip
The grip has a high trigger guard undercut. It also has the improved grip texture from TTI Combat. Even better than on the TTI Combat, this texture completely covers the entire grip and extends all the way up. This helps with recoil control because your support hand can benefit from the texture and lock your grip into place. I can’t emphasis enough the difference this makes. The front and back texture is aggressive, but the side panels have slightly less texture for carrying comfort.
Canik includes three backstrap options. Two of them change the hump size on the backstrap and are designed to work with the included carry-sized magwell. The third backstrap is for use without the magwell. It extends the grip a bit but keeps it slim. I like this one best, because it is easiest to conceal and gives me more finger room.
Also in the custom hard case are two 17-round magazines, speed loader, cleaning and tool kit, and a G-Code ambi holster that converts from outside the waistband to inside the waistband.
On the Range
Shooting the Prime was everything I hoped it would be. Of course, a 23-ounce, slimline 9mm is going to kick, but the combination of the ports and grip make the gun extremely controllable and predictable.
Accuracy was fantastic, and I was able stack rounds on target at high speed. You can drive this gun hard and fast. It feels like a competition pistol, only concealable. I had zero malfunctions, even when using my personal Canik SFX magazines.
Canik Prime vs. SIG X-Macro Comp
The biggest direct competitor to the Prime is the SIG P365 X-Macro Comp. Everyone wanted to know how they compare, so I borrowed a friend’s gun to test. Size-wise, they are comparable. Height, length, width, and weight are almost identical. The Prime has its ports, while the X-Macro Comp has an integrated slide compensation chamber.
I would say the X-Macro is slightly softer shooting, but the superior grip texture and trigger make the Prime more controllable and shootable. The Prime grip is also slightly longer front to back than the SIG, which allows a little more of the support hand on the gun. I can run the Prime faster and more accurately than the X-Macro, but it requires good technique. I’m not sure the casual shooter will appreciate the wonderful features of this gun.
I’ve heard criticism that the Prime has a heavy slide rack. I would say it's maybe maybe 15 percent heavier than on the X-Macro. Canik does sell lower-power recoil springs for its other similarly sized guns. I would be curious if they would work with the Prime and reduce the slide rack weight and possibly the recoil impulse.
Overall, these two guns perform similarly.
My Recommendations
I would recommend the Canik Mete MC9 Prime to those looking for value or performance-oriented shooters who want to squeeze the most out of their carry platform. I think it would be perfect for someone who shoots Caniks in competition and want a similar gun for carry.
I would recommend the X-Macro to someone who would benefit from a modular chassis and wants a lot of aftermarket parts interchangeability. You will pay a premium for that modularity, though, as X-Macro Comps go for around $150 more than the Prime.
My only real criticism of the Prime is holster availability. I’m sure there will be lots of holsters for it, but right now, choices are limited. Canik includes a holster in the package, but it didn’t lock the gun in well. There was a lot of rocking back and forth while the gun was in the holster. I usually like G-Code holsters, but this one could have been better. I ended up using a Falco universal IWB leather holster that worked well.
Final Thoughts
As is typical for Canik, this pistol offers a lot of value and great performance. The Mete MC9 Prime shoots smoothly and comes with nearly all the accessories you need to start using it. Plus, it’s priced reasonably. If you are looking for a carry piece that shoots incredibly well, look at the Canik Prime.
