Canik MC9 Micro Carry

TEXAS TACTICAL | by TF&G Shooting Editor DUSTIN ELLERMANN

LISTEN: (3 minutes, 45 seconds)

I’M GUILTY OF BEING A VICTIM of the never ending pursuit to finding the “perfect” carry pistol.  Years back I preferred the smaller single stack 9mms.  But then manufacturers realized they could double the capacity of carry pistols and only add about 25% of width – enter the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat.  I settled on the Hellcat a while only because I shot a 5” group at 50 yards on my own YouTube video review.  But after a few months of carrying and training with it I realized that while I could be accurate with the Hellcat, the trigger was long and mushy resulting in having to compromise speed for accuracy. I wanted something more “match grade” with a crisp break and short reset.  

Canik handguns come with some of the best factory triggers.  This is vital since the trigger is the main user interface with a firearm.  That doesn’t mean great shooters can’t still be accurate with a poor trigger, but it’s more difficult and either accuracy or speed will suffer. So, when Canik introduced their METE MC9 this year I was very interested.  

The MC9 is a “micro” double stacked 9mm designed for comfortable defensive carry, along with a good trigger, rail for light, and milled for co-witness capability red dot optic.  The provided magazines hold 12 or 15 rounds, but it is also compatible with the full sized TP model magazines, giving you the option of using the 20 round mags as well.

The trigger is definitely better than any other competitors’ micro compacts at the moment.  At first there is a light 3/8” of take up, and then it hits a solid wall for a 4.5 pound press with only about 1/8” of travel upon break, then allowing for reset on that 1/8” return, you can press though that solid wall again.  This allows not only for accurate shots, but fast shots. Last range trip I shot several 5 round sub 1” groups from 15 yards free standing.  And even connected on a LaRue sniper target several times out to 175 yards.  Stay tuned for the full video.

The MC9 has been 100% reliable so far and my only complaint has been how tight the magazines fit.  They do not “drop free” and usually require being pulled from the pistol.  Some online forums recommend wrapping a magazine in tape, putting it in the frame and heating it with a hair dryer to expand the magazine well but I haven’t tried this yet so don’t take that as a recommendation, just evidence that it is a known issue.  

I chose the Holosun EPS Carry for the MC9’s Shield RMSC optic footprint.  Carry guns get horribly dirty/dusty and same as the EPS name (Enclosed Pistol Sight) it keeps the optic from becoming a dust collection area.  This low profile optic also allows for co-witnessing of the factory iron sights.  And once I started carrying a handgun with a mounted pistol light, it only makes you feel unprepared otherwise.  Awesomely enough Werkz is offering several holsters for use with the Streamlight TLR-7 that mates perfectly with the MC9.

The MC9 has been extremely well received by the market at its low retail price of $439.  However, it’s such a hot item they can be difficult to find.  But if you do, check it out, especially the trigger.  I think you’ll be impressed.

 

Email Dustin Ellermann at ContactUs@fishgame.com

< PREV Return to CONTENTS Page NEXT >