With the firearms landscape in a constant state of change today, some truly noteworthy contenders in the 9mm category include the Canik 55 TP9 and the Sig Sauer P320. Each pistol has very unique features and performance metrics to suit the user’s preferences and operational needs. This comparative review will discuss every model in detail for military and law enforcement professionals.
Now, where the Canik 55 TP9 has found a niche as a solid competitor to most of the options in the 9mm field at a much more affordable price. So, although a view of the TP9 gives one the feeling that it is just another clone of the Walther P99, it does carry some other unique features all its own. The TP9 is a full-size, polymer-framed pistol with a capacity of 17+1 and sports a 4-inch barrel. Looking closer, however, one of the more striking features of the pistol has to be its uniquely styled action type, which joins the systems of a striker-fired and DA/SA-driven firearm together one.
When charged, the TP9 comes up with either a nice, crisp 5-pound trigger pull or a more traditional 10-pound DA pull, thanks to its decocker mechanism. The rear of the striker is colored red for an easy-to-see cocked indicator. There’s no external safety; this is sure to please those wanting simplicity in times of high stress with the pistol.
The polymer frame of the TP9 comes with interchangeable backstraps to fit any size of a hand. It is packaged with two 17-round magazines from the well-known quality maker, Mec-Gar. The TP9 also features a conventional magazine release, stippled grips, and glow-in-the-dark 3-dot sights for ease of use in many operational situations.
Performance-wise, it has been quite reliable; it digested several hundred rounds with nary a malfunction. Accuracy—three inches or so at 25 yards—though far from stellar, was still very respectable for its approximate price point of $350. Such characteristics give the TP9 legitimacy as a viable option for anybody who wants a dependable yet affordable sidearm.
Sitting at the far opposite end of the spectrum is the Sig Sauer P320, a pistol getting much attention as a result of its ingeniously modular design. On the P320, what is serialized is not the frame but the chassis. A user will be able to change frames into different sizes and calibers without the requirement for a different serialized part. This flexibility in functionality makes it a game-changer for military and law enforcement people needing adaptability in their firearms.
The Carry model of the P320 has a compact slide and full-size grip for 17+1 capacity with a barrel length of 3.9 inches. Unlike most of the other offerings from Sig Sauer, the P320 is striker-fired with no external safety; it is a carry gun. The grip angle does appear to be slightly more vertical, like 1911, so some may need a little getting-used-to-time from other models.
Ergonomically, the P320 has a full-size grip but remains comfortable. It does have the ability to change frames to get a proper fit. The trigger is top-of-the-line for a polymer, striker-fired gun. The pull is smooth and constant. The P320 also comes with SIGLITE® Night Sights, a Picatinny rail for adding accessories, and a reversible magazine release.
Performance-wise, the P320 is a bit more muzzle-flippy than some other guns currently available due to its high bore axis, but proper form will easily control this. This pistol will go to a place where it’s both reliable and accurate—6 o’clock hold at 25 yards. The modularity of the P320 does bring it to the front of the mix for people looking for a single, versatile sidearm with a solid construction and an excellent trigger.
The Canik 55 TP9 and the Sig Sauer P320 present some very distinct advantages operationally toward very divergent ends. The TP9 is incredibly reliable and very affordable, thus making it a great choice where budget constraints are a little too tight. On the other hand, modularity and a higher-quality trigger make the P320 versatile and high-performance for professional use where adaptability from firearms is expected. Ultimately, the choice between these two fine pistols will depend upon the requirements and preferences of the user.