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

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

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

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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