Canik Arms has been producing affordable pistols for the past few decades. They offer a high level of performance and features that are well worth the price. Canik makes tweaks to its designs every now and again, releasing something like the METE SF. The Canik Arms METE SWT. It didn’t take long before Canik’s pistols were at the top of their class in terms of performance and features. Our sister publication Ballistic awarded the TP9 Elite SC Canik its Best of 2020 award in the compact pistols category. Canik made a big leap forward for 2021 and pulled out all the stops. It’s actually more of a revolution than the next evolution. The new METE pistols combine the best of the older TP9 series and a number of significant updates. These updates are not compromises on performance. The best thing about the METE SFT is that it delivers incredible performance while remaining undoubtedly the most affordable line of pistols. New Revolution Canik has created a new or improved METE line with a remarkable array of features. The features improve both performance and user experience. I was immediately impressed by the SFT’s frame texturing, especially on the frontstrap. It has a skateboard-tape feel and offers better traction for recoil management. Canik also reprofiled the triggerguard’s bottom with an undercut to improve user comfort during fire. The frame also features a redesigned beavertail and an ambidextrous slide stop that is low-profile. It also has a Holster Fit Lock system to ensure retention in Kydex Holsters. A magazine well integrated into the frame allows for faster and more efficient reloads. The changes to the frame are a great step forward. Canik didn’t stop there. Canik also designed the pistol’s structure to make it easier to disassemble. Canik includes a simple punch tool to do this. The most significant change is the optics ready slide. It is drilled and tap to accept either an RMRcc (or Shield-pattern red dot) optics. Although the kit includes two optics adapter plates which are good, they are made of some kind of plastic. C&H Precision Weapons is a company I prefer to use metal adapter plates. The company was able get one made for the METE-SFT. To test accuracy at the range, I mounted an RMSc Red-dot Unit that was included with the review pistol. Optics Ready Slide Another advantage to the SFT’s opttics-ready slide is its ability to co-witness with most red-dot opticals. This is due in part to the generously sized 3-dot sights. Another important change is the angled rear sight. This allows for more confident one-handed cycling in emergency situations. The angled face allows for the sight to grab onto items such as belts, boots soles, or table tops much earlier than in previous models. Building on the Past. What’s most impressive is that all these changes have been made to an already excellent platform. A reversible magazine release, Picatinny rail to hold accessories, substantial front- and rear cocking serrations and one of the most striking striker-fired triggers available are some of the features already present. Before you reach the first wall, there is a little pre-travel. You then pull through approximately an eighth-of a-inch to reach the second wall. Then, you will feel a sweet break at an average pressure of 4.1 pounds (sample-unit average). The reset is very brief, with a very audible click and a tactile click against the trigger finger. Canik pistols have always had value as a quality. Canik pistols offer a wide range of top-tier, fighting-gun capabilities. However, you can also be sure that you have everything you need to get out on the range as soon you leave the gun shop. The METE SFT comes with an IWB/OWB holster and a magazine loader, toolkit, cleaning kit, Canik punch instrument, two optics plates and extra backstrap. There is also a 20-round and an 18-round magazines. The METE SFT includes a double-finish of Cerakote and Nitride for the colored models. It is strong protected against the elements. The MSRP of the product is $520, which includes everything I’ve already mentioned. It’s also available in the wild at street prices as low $480. I don’t know if you’re impressed that the METE SFTS offers so many features at such a low price. Maybe it’s because I already know the performance of the SFT. You’re about to learn more about it. Range Report I tested the new METE SFT on at least eight occasions over a two-month period. To give it a try, I went out alone and with my shooting buddies. The SFT fired over a thousand rounds without any problems. One failure to properly feed was noticed early on. We attributed this to a loose grip by a new shooter and some limp-wristing. That was at least our diagnosis at the time. There have been no other malfunctions with the eight different types of ammunition since that time. This includes range loads as well as various hollow-point loads. In fact, I have tried five other Canik pistols that worked flawlessly in the past. I believe the one malfunction with the METE SFT was due to a new shooter. I have no reservations about carrying the SFT for defensive purposes and have done so many times. Accuracy of the METESFT The accuracy of the METESFT is also exceptional. With the Shield RMSc mounted it was a little easier to maintain a consistent point of aim at 25 yards with my 52-year old eyes. The test involved premium loads from Hornady Federal, Sig Sauer, and Federal with a few different weights and power levels. The SFT performed well with all the loads. It was especially accurate when Hornady’s Critical Defense load of 115-grain was used. It measured a group size of.98 inches with a maximum five-shot group of 0.81 inches. Two 15-yard groups measured.45 inches and.55 inches, each. It is utterly insane, as I said. This accuracy is actually higher than what most high-end customs manufacturers will guarantee at 25 meters. It was possible despite the fact that the pistol had a low MSRP. The results of the other loads were equally impressive. This is especially true if you keep in mind the SFT’s cost. A remarkable trigger was a key factor in the SFT’s exceptional accuracy. It was much easier to keep the trigger pressed on target than other pistols I have tried, which had either long throws or were too rough. Offhand shooting was more difficult than at the bench. I was able to control my shooting more effectively and had better support. I set up an EasyShot target, and from 20 yards I was able to empty two full, 18-round magazines offhand. The bottom group was slower and was aimed fire. The top group was shot as fast and accurately as possible. The slow group measured 1.44 inches, while the fast group measured 3.0 inches. The SFT’s accuracy during fire was amazing, considering the distance and my eyes. We tried out the Canik METE SFT Suppressed during a range outing and were impressed by the threaded barrel included in the media kit. Brad, my buddy, had a CGS Kraken suppressor and we ran it for a while using the SFT. It was fun and the pistol was still very accurate even with the suppressor attached. We did have some issues with feeding and ejecting the gun. This is just the nature of the beast, especially with the extra pressure from running suppressors. These failures occurred within the first three to four rounds each magazine. The pistol ran perfectly when we reduced the magazine capacity to 14 rounds per 18-round magazine. To ensure absolute reliability and use a suppressor, a heavier recoil spring would be a better option. The overall shooting experience with SFT was fantastic. The new texturing was very good and the ergos were great. The METE SFT was very easy to use due to its low bore axis. Even with hotter loads such as Sig Sauer’s 124-grain Elite V-Crown ammunition, this was not an issue. The felt recoil was absorbed well by the polymer frame. Flared magazine wells were a nice feature that helped speed up reloading. It also gave me a little more leverage with my pinky fingers to reduce muzzle flips. The magazine release and slide stop controls were easy to reach and engage, without bending the hand. They were also easy to use and had good texturing, making it simple for people to use. I also liked the sight arrangement. Because of their height, the sights were easy to coordinate with the Shield RMSc. They were also quick to acquire and align, despite being a three-dot variety. I prefer a high-visibility front sight. In this instance, the plain white dot works because it doesn’t compete with the red dot for the shooter’s attention. Finding the Value Many times, a lower price can indicate a poor product. The new METE series pistols are a refreshing departure from the norm. Particularly the SFT I reviewed. The METE SFT is an excellent example of real value being found at the intersection between price and performance. The kit comes with everything you need to hit your target range on the first day. The SFT also includes everything you need to deliver the goods once you reach your destination. The Canik METE SFT is a great choice for anyone, no matter if you’re just starting out or an experienced ranger. It is reliable, extremely accurate, and handles fantastically well. You can add all the necessary features to a cutting-edge pistol combat pistol and you have a platformer that will protect your home and family. CanikUSA.com has more information. Canik Arms METE SFT Specs Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.46 inches
Overall Length: 7.56 in
Weight: 27.89 ounces (empty).
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Nitron/Cerakote
Capacity: 18+1, 20+1
MSRP: $520. This article was originally published by Personal Defense World in the April/May 2022 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email subscriptions@athlonmediagroup.com. Continue Reading Search The post Value-Packed Defender – Testing the Canik Arms METE SFT appeared originally on Personal Defense World.
