In a recent article, we discussed the barrel length on concealed carry pistols and considered whether or not compact and subcompact pistols are capable of putting rounds accurately on target at realistic self-defense shooting distances. That review inspired me to take a much closer look at the Canik METE MC9L.
Canik MC9L
For those unfamiliar, the Canik METE line of handguns is currently the zenith of their polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol line up. They took their TP9 pistols which were very good and made slight, but important, improvements to bring them up to exceptionally good.
The MC9 line of pistols are more compact or sub-compact, if you will, and designed to excel in the concealed carry/EDC realm. For instance, the standard MC9 subcompact pistol is essentially the same size as a GLOCK 43. However, the MC9 has a flush-fit, steel magazine that holds 12 rounds, while the original G43 mags hold only six rounds in the flush magazine.
The newer Canik MC9L pistol has a “long frame”, more in line with the GLOCK 43X. Naturally, the long frame gives you more real estate onto which you can hold. All of your fingers will fit on the MC9L frame, no pinky dangling. This long frame allows the use of a full sized, full capacity, 17-round magazine that fits flush. Two of these magazines arrive with the pistol in a padded hardcase, with a holster, interchangeable backstraps, mag loading tool, cleaning kit, a tool kit, and manual.
As for factory specs; the MC9L is 9x19mm, has a 3.19 inch barrel, slide length is 6.27 inches, height is 5.43 inches, empty weight is 22.2 ounces, it uses a polymer frame and striker-fired trigger mechanism. Color options include all black, all FDE, or black/FDE combo such as the pistol you see in the included photos. The pistol arrives with steel sights; white dot in the front and all-black rear, no red or white paint, as God intended it to be.
A Good Thing, Just a Bit Better
The MC9L is ready to go out of the box and does not require the end user to “upgrade” anything with “aftermarket” parts. All of the MC9 and METE pistols come with “optic-ready” slides. This optic-read configuration does not require adapter plates to mount any RMSc footprint optic.
For this review I made two changes to the MC9L; I swapped the front sight for a tritium version from Night Fision. This sight has a super bright, yellow translucent material around the green tritium vial.
As for the optic-ready feature, I decided to try out the new Osight SE enclosed emitter with a green 6 MOA dot reticle. I must admit, for a relatively inexpensive optic, Osight did not skimp on the accessories. The optic arrives in what can be described as very professional packaging with a full set of mounting screws and a tool to pair with them. This optic uses a single CR1620 battery which can be installed/changed without removing the sight from the slide.
Because the optic can be installed to the slide with no extra mounting plate, it sits low enough to be easily co-witnessed with the iron sights. The sight mounting tool also doubles as a sight adjustment tool and it was a simple enough task to alight the green dot so that it sat directly over the front sight. The only other accessory I added was a protective cover for the optic from OpticGard. These polymer covers fit perfectly on your optic, are inexpensive, and add a degree of protection.
Range Time
This review of the MC9L was certainly not my first experience with Canik pistols or the MC9 series. I have never had issues before and I expected none this time. My twelve year experience with the Canik line of pistols, beginning with the TP9SA, has been that they are completely reliable, rhinoceros-tough, and as accurate as a factory pistol can be. The trigger feel and function can be truly described and extremely good and consistent; not too heavy, not too light.
For my range testing I used a variety of 9x19mm ammunition from Black Hills and Double Tap to include FMJ training fodder as well as several controlled-expansion loads and the non-expanding Honeybadger rounds. Not surprisingly, the MC9L consumed every single load without issue. Between myself and my oldest son, Jarrad, we put about 250-300 rounds through the pistol in preparation for this review.
Is the gun really accurate, despite having a barrel that is just a bit over three inches? When I handed Jarrad the pistol, he put the green dot on an 8-inch steel plate and “clanged” it with the first shot. The plate was 35 yards from where he stood. So, yes, the pistol will put the rounds in the correct spot as long as the shooter does their part.
Perfect for Concealed Carry?
While the MC9L might seem “small” when compared to the METE SFT or a GLOCK 17 or even G19, when it comes to the topic of concealed carry or EDC, if you will, this little gun has much to offer. It is definitely not a “pocket gun,” but it is certainly a pistol that can be readily concealed with the use of a quality holster.
The long frame allows for both a solid purchase on the pistol as well as the use of a full-capacity magazine. No, you might not need all seventeen rounds to defend yourself, but you don’t lose points for having rounds left over when the fight ends. However, if the fight is still going and your gun is empty, that is a different story altogether.
At 22 ounces, the gun is light enough to carry without it being a burden, but not so light as to be “snappy” even when shooting single-handed. Which, by the way, I did with both right and left hands only and never experienced a stoppage.
While preparing this review, I stumbled across an online assertion that stated “no good pistols are coming out of Turkey, not even the Canik.” Brothers and sisters, I can only assume that the person who posted that either had no experience with Canik pistols and/or a strong personal bias. However, spouting such hogwash is the height of stupidity. I cannot attest to every pistol imported from Turkey. Nonetheless, my experience as well as the experiences of people that I trust and respect for well over a decade has been, large or small, full-sized or subcompact, these pistols are manufactured to the highest of standards and yes, they run.
Paul G. Markel is a combat decorated United States Marine veteran. He is also the founder of Student the Gun University and has been teaching Small Arms & Tactics to military personnel, police officers, and citizens for over three decades.