Canik –the Turkish gun manufacturer based in Samsun on the Black Sea coast was only known to a few industry insiders a few years ago. That has changed dramatically. In times of tight budgets, firearms with a good price/performance ratio are particularly in demand. Our first contact with the manufacturer, which produces around 450,000 pistols a year, was when we tested the 9mm SFX Rival polymer-framed pistol. In the meantime, the all4shooters.com team also had the opportunity to take a look around the company's production facilities: you can find our report on the factory tour at Canik with video here. This was followed by the solid, sporty all-steel SFX Rival-S pistol in our test report. Another pistol series from Canik is the Mete family. All models are based on a polymer frame and are striker-fired, which allows for a low overall height and consistent trigger characteristics from the first to the last shot.
Mete: a noble pistol family from Canik
The MC9 (TAC) and TP9 Sub-Mete models are extremely handy sub-compact pistols in 9x19mm with a magazine capacity of 12 cartridges and an optic-ready slide. In service pistol format, the SF and TP9 SF Mete-S models offer a firepower of 15+1 rounds and a barrel length of 104 mm. However, we were particularly interested in the full-size SFT/SFX models of the series with a magazine capacity of 18 cartridges and decided to test the Pro models, which are better equipped in detail and particularly sporty.
Test guns in detail: Canik Mete SFT Pro and Mete SFX Pro
The main difference between the protagonists in the form of the Mete SFT Pro and Mete SFX Pro is the barrel length, 127 mm and 146 mm respectively. In both models, the barrel with muzzle thread and cap protrudes beyond the front of the slide. Very few people in Europe can legally use the silencer barrel with M13.5x1 left-hand thread for its primary purpose. However, a compensator can be fitted instead. Such a muzzle attachment, which continues the slide contour and retains the design, would certainly look good on the two Mete-Pro models. Both pistols are very neat with their skeletonised slides with window cut-outs and millings, as well as rear and front serrations. Even the barrel features fluting and decorative milling on the chamber block. The undercut rear sight, which can be hooked onto the belt or other items of equipment for one-handed reloading techniques, also appears "tacticool". The optics interface can be used with the two adapter plates included in the scope of delivery for Trijicon RMR/SRO and Shield Sight mini red dot sights as well as other makes/models with identical footprints such as the in-house Canik Mecanik MO1. In addition, optional adapter plates for other popular red dot sights are available at a price of just €25. The Pro version of the SFX/SFT also offers an improved trigger compared to the standard models. The straight trigger blade is at 90° to the barrel axis when the trigger is released. The fact that the measured trigger pull weight of 1,600 g feels much lighter is probably due to the approximately 11-mm wide trigger blade with integrated safety element, especially as around 800 g is accounted for by the preferred weight. Apart from a slight creep, there was not much to criticise here.
The reset travel of the trigger after firing is not only extremely short at less than one millimetre, but also clearly perceptible. Despite the usable trigger qualities, sporting use with the mechanical sights remains limited. The point of impact can only be changed by moving or replacing the sight elements, although a red dot sight can be fitted as an option. The sheet steel magazine holds 18 cartridges and can be easily and smoothly filled to maximum capacity.
An aluminum magwell is included in the generously equipped, rugged polymr transport case for faster magazine changes. The raised magazine catch can be moved to the right-hand side. The slide stop on both sides has been extended, but is still flat and hardly bulky. In addition to a 20-round spare magazine and cleaning kit, the case also contains two backstraps that can be used to adjust the pistol to the size of your hand. Canik also includes a polymer holster that can be adjusted in terms of carrying height and draw resistance.
The flat grip frame has a non-slip but not too aggressive texture on the front and sides. The ready status of the Mete is indicated by a loaded chamber indicator and the red end of the firing pin that protrudes slightly from the rear of the slide. The two pistols gets their deep black exterior from a Tenifer nitriding, a process that offers high surface hardness and corrosion protection.
On the shooting range: how does the long Canik Mete SFX Pro perform in practice?
We tested the long Canik Mete SFX Pro with seven types of factory ammunition from 95 to 147 grains (gr). The pistol was shot for accuracy with a full sight radius of 204 mm using the mechanical sights. This was determined with two 5-shot groups per load, sitting at 25 metres using a Caldwell shooting sled. This time, the GECO 124-gr HEXAGON delivered the best accuracy result with 40 mm.
Even powerful loads such as the 147-gr Federal American Eagle with a factor of 157 were easy to control from the long SFX thanks to its front-heavy action. A few more standard dot drills such as the "Dot Torture Test" with different types of ammunition and bullet shapes were to follow. There were no malfunctions during the entire shooting range visit. The long SFX can therefore score points for a utility pistol with enough shooting performance and reliability.
Canik Mete SFX/SFT Pro technical specifications and price
| Model: | Canik Mete SFX Pro | Canik Mete SFT Pro |
| Caliber: | 9 mm Luger | |
| Magazine Capacity: | 18 rounds | |
| Frame: | Polymer | |
| Slide: | Steel, black, Tenifer treated | |
| Barrel Length/Profile: | 146 mm / 6x grooves | 108 mm / 6x grooves |
| Rear Sight: | Driftable, with two white dots, 4.2 mm wide notch | |
| Front Sight: | With white dot, 3.8 mm wide | |
| Sight Radius: | 204 mm | 186 mm |
| Safety: | Trigger safety, firing pin safety | |
| Trigger Action, Pull Weight: | SA, 1,589 g | |
| Weight (with magazine): | 848 g | 796 g |
| Dimensions (LxWxH): | 225x36x146 mm | 207x36x146 mm |
| Price: | 799 euro | 749 euro |
| Equipment: polymer case with 20-round spare magazine, holster, aluminum magwell, cleaning tools. | ||
Conclusion: Canik Mete Pro models
The Canik Mete SFX Pro we tested showed no weaknesses in the test. The workmanship, function and shooting performance were perfect. The revised trigger is included with the Pro models and those who can use the holster included in the generous scope of delivery have saved a little more. The two pistols therefore offer great value for money, and the price of €749 for the SFT Pro and €799 for the tested SFX Pro (German RRPs) can only be described as fair.
