I’m diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two compact powerhouses: the Beretta APX Centurion Vs Canik TP9 Elite SC.
I’ve had the pleasure (and challenge) of testing these guns side by side to see which one edges out the other.
The aim here is simple: to find out which compact gun reigns supreme for shooters like us. We’ll be looking at their performance, handling, and overall value to make an informed choice. So, let’s get this comparison started and see which one comes out on top!
| Feature | Beretta APX Centurion | Canik TP9 Elite SC |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 15+1 rounds | 12/15+1 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3.7 inches | 3.60 inches |
| Overall Length | 6.97 inches | 6.70 inches |
| Height | 5.19 inches | 4.6 inches |
| Width | 1.3 inches | 1.45 inches |
| Weight (unloaded) | 27 oz | 24.78 oz |
| Frame Material | Polymer | Polymer |
| Sights | Removable front and rear sights | Removable front and rear sights |
Overview of Beretta APX Centurion
The Beretta APX Centurion is a sleek and modern compact handgun designed for versatility and reliability. It’s part of Beretta’s APX line, known for its modular design and ease of use.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 15+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.7 inches
- Overall Length: 6.97 inches
- Height: 5.19 inches
- Width: 1.3 inches
- Weight: 27 oz unloaded
- Frame Material: Polymer
- Sights: Removable front and rear sights
- Magazines Included: Three 15-round magazines
Overview of Canik TP9 Elite SC
The Canik TP9 Elite SC emerges as a fierce competitor in the compact firearm market, boasting impressive features and a robust design aimed at delivering top-notch performance.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 12/15+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.60 inches
- Overall Length: 6.70 inches
- Height: 4.6 inches
- Width: 1.45 inches
- Weight: 24.78 oz unloaded
- Frame Material: Polymer
- Sights: Removable front and rear sights
- Magazines Included: Two magazines (one 12-round and one 15-round)
Features Comparison of Beretta APX Centurion Vs. Canik TP9 Elite SC
1. Ergonomics and Handling
Beretta APX Centurion
The Beretta APX Centurion takes ergonomics seriously, offering a highly customizable grip experience that caters to a wide range of shooters.
Its modular backstrap system allows users to tailor the grip size to their preference, enhancing control and comfort. The aggressive slide serrations are not just for show; they provide a practical advantage by ensuring a secure grip during slide manipulation, even in wet or slippery conditions.
This design, combined with the low barrel axis, significantly reduces muzzle rise, facilitating quicker, more accurate follow-up shots.
The overall ergonomic package of the APX Centurion is designed to maximize control and minimize fatigue, making it an excellent choice for extended shooting sessions or high-stress scenarios.
Canik TP9 Elite SC
The Canik TP9 Elite SC is a masterclass in compact firearm ergonomics, offering an exceptionally comfortable and intuitive handling experience.
Despite its smaller size, the design accommodates a wide variety of hand sizes without sacrificing grip or control. The forward slide serrations complement the ergonomic grip, ensuring that operating the slide is effortless and secure.
The standout feature, however, is its trigger system. The TP9 Elite SC’s trigger is a marvel of engineering, providing a smooth, light pull with a crisp break and an incredibly short reset.
This exceptional trigger contributes significantly to the gun’s overall ease of use, making it a joy to shoot, whether for practice, competition, or defensive use.
The combination of compact design, ergonomic grip, and superior trigger system makes the TP9 Elite SC an outstanding firearm in terms of handling and shootability.
Winner
While both handguns excel in ergonomics and handling, the Beretta APX Centurion slightly surpasses the Canik TP9 Elite SC in this category.
Its advanced customization options for grip and the practical design features aimed at improving control and reducing muzzle rise give it a slight edge. However, this is a closely contested area where personal preference will heavily influence the shooter’s choice.
2. Trigger Quality
Beretta APX Centurion
The trigger of the Beretta APX Centurion is a highlight of its shooting experience. It offers a clear, consistent break and a tactile reset that shooters will appreciate for its predictability and precision.
The slightly heavier pull compared to some competitors is by design, ensuring that each shot is deliberate and controlled.
The APX Centurion’s trigger is designed to strike a balance between safety and performance, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting disciplines, from defensive carry to competitive shooting.
Canik TP9 Elite SC
The Canik TP9 Elite SC sets a high standard for trigger quality in the compact handgun market. It is renowned for its exceptional smoothness and a remarkably short reset, allowing for rapid, precise follow-up shots.
This trigger is a significant factor in the TP9 Elite SC’s popularity, especially among those who prioritize shooting accuracy and comfort. The light pull and clean break make it an excellent choice for all levels of shooters, enhancing performance across various shooting activities.
It’s a trigger that not only performs well under competitive stress but also offers an added advantage in defensive scenarios where every shot counts.
Winner
The Canik TP9 Elite SC clearly wins in the trigger quality category. Its superior design offers a smoother, lighter pull and a shorter reset compared to the Beretta APX Centurion, making it more enjoyable and efficient to shoot.
This advantage is especially pronounced in scenarios requiring quick, accurate follow-up shots.
3. Disassembly and Maintenance
Beretta APX Centurion
The Beretta APX Centurion is designed with maintenance in mind, featuring a straightforward field strip process that does not require any special tools.
This ease of disassembly is a boon for regular maintenance, allowing shooters to quickly and efficiently clean and service their firearm. While some users may initially find the disassembly lever a bit stiff, this minor inconvenience is outweighed by the overall design’s convenience and accessibility.
The APX Centurion’s maintenance-friendly design ensures that the firearm remains in optimal condition, ready for reliable performance whether on the range or in the field.
Canik TP9 Elite SC
Disassembling the Canik TP9 Elite SC is an intuitive and hassle-free process, designed to be accessible even to those new to firearms. This simplicity extends to its maintenance and cleaning routine, which is straightforward and forgiving.
The TP9 Elite SC’s design acknowledges the importance of regular maintenance in ensuring the longevity and reliability of the firearm. Its user-friendly disassembly process encourages regular care, ensuring that the gun remains in excellent working order.
This attention to maintenance ease is a reflection of Canik’s commitment to providing a durable, reliable firearm that meets the needs of a wide range of users.
Winner
In the category of disassembly and maintenance, the Canik TP9 Elite SC slightly edges out the Beretta APX Centurion. Its disassembly process is marginally simpler and more intuitive, making it easier for shooters to maintain their firearm efficiently.
This advantage is particularly appealing to new shooters or those who prioritize ease of maintenance in their firearm.
4. Optic Readiness and Accessory Compatibility
Beretta APX Centurion
The APX Centurion, with its modular design, offers a degree of accessory compatibility, including a Picatinny rail for mounting lights and lasers.
However, it’s not originally designed with a direct optic mounting system, which means adding an optic requires an adapter plate or a slide modification.
This can be a downside for shooters looking to quickly upgrade to red dot sights.
Canik TP9 Elite SC
In contrast, the TP9 Elite SC shines in this category with its out-of-the-box optic-ready slide. It can accommodate several popular red dot sights without needing additional modifications.
This feature, combined with its forward and rear serrations, makes it highly versatile for both everyday carry and competitive shooting, offering a significant advantage for modern shooters who prioritize optics.
Winner
The Canik TP9 Elite SC is the clear winner in terms of optic readiness and accessory compatibility. Its design caters to the growing demand for red dot optics, making it a more forward-thinking choice compared to the gun it’s being compared with.
Pros & Cons of Beretta APX Centurion
Pros
- Ergonomic design with customizable grip
- Aggressive slide serrations for improved handling
- Consistent trigger pull
Cons
- Optic mounting requires additional modifications
Pros & Cons of Canik TP9 Elite SC
Pros
- Optic-ready slide for easy red dot installation
- Superior trigger quality with a short reset
Cons
- Trigger may be too light for some shooters’ preferences
Similarities Between Beretta APX Centurion & Canik TP9 Elite SC
- Both are chambered in 9mm Luger
- Polymer frame construction
- Removable front and rear sights
- Similar dimensions suitable for concealed carry
- Offered with black color options
- Feature Picatinny rails for accessory attachments
Differences Between Beretta APX Centurion & Canik TP9 Elite SC
- Beretta has a slightly longer barrel (3.7″ compared to 3.6″)
- Canik TP9 Elite SC is optic-ready without modifications
- Beretta’s trigger pull is heavier compared to Canik’s lighter, smoother trigger
- Beretta utilizes interchangeable backstraps; Canik’s ergonomics are fixed but well-designed
- Weight difference, with the Canik being slightly lighter (24.78 oz compared to 27 oz)
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and comparison between the Beretta APX Centurion and the Canik TP9 Elite SC, it’s clear that choosing a winner is no easy task, given the strengths of each firearm.
My choice as the superior compact handgun is the Canik TP9 Elite SC. This decision hinges not on a single overwhelming feature but on the gun’s consistent excellence in critical aspects that matter to shooters like myself.
While both guns are impressive, the Canik TP9 Elite SC’s combination of features, performance, and value makes it my top pick for shooters seeking a compact handgun that excels in nearly every regard.
FAQ’s
What’s the difference between a Beretta APX and a Beretta APX Centurion?
The Beretta APX Centurion features a slightly smaller frame, slide, and barrel compared to the standard Beretta APX.
Is the Beretta APX Centurion good for concealed carry?
Yes, the Beretta APX Centurion is designed for concealed carry, offering a compact size without sacrificing performance.
Is the Beretta APX accurate?
Yes, the Beretta APX has demonstrated good accuracy in testing, scoring well in accuracy evaluations.
Is Beretta APX heavy?
The Beretta APX, particularly the APX A1 Carry model, is relatively lightweight, balancing durability and ease of carry.
Is Beretta as reliable as Glock?
Both Beretta and Glock are known for their reliability and durability, with Beretta being a popular choice for those with military backgrounds and Glock being the most used pistol worldwide.
