I’m a professional shooter, and I’ve had the chance to test out two amazing guns in the field: the Glock 23 Vs Canik TP9 Elite SC.
I’m here to share my insights on both, helping you figure out which one might take the crown in this head-to-head matchup.
| Feature | Glock 23 | Canik TP9 Elite SC |
| Caliber | .40 S&W | 9mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 13 rounds | 12/15 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 4.02 inches | 3.60 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.28 inches | 6.70 inches |
| Height | 5.04 inches | 4.60 inches |
| Width | 1.26 inches | 1.45 inches |
| Weight (empty magazine) | 23.81 oz | 24.78 oz |
Overview Glock 23
The Glock 23, the compact sibling of the G22, is designed for concealed carry and everyday reliability. It’s a go-to for many who want power in a compact form.
Specs
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 13 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Weight without Magazine: 21.34 oz
- Weight with Empty Magazine: 23.81 oz
- Weight with Loaded Magazine: 31.39 oz
- Trigger Pull: Approximately 6.29 lbs
- Overall Length: 7.28 inches
- Slide Length: 6.85 inches
- Overall Width: 1.26 inches
- Slide Width: 1.0 inch
- Height including Magazine: 5.04 inches
Overview Canik TP9 Elite SC
The Canik TP9 Elite SC enters the ring with a reputation for versatility and performance, especially known for its ergonomics and smooth operation.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Magazine Capacity: 12/15 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.60 inches
- Overall Length: 6.70 inches
- Height: 4.60 inches
- Width: 1.45 inches
- Weight: 24.78 oz.
- Operation: Single Action
- Fire Control: Striker Fired
- Safety Features: Trigger Safety Lever, Firing Pin Block
Features Comparison of Glock 23 Vs Canik TP9 Elite SC
1. Ergonomics and Handling
Glock 23
The Glock 23, with its compact design, feels solid and balanced in the hand. The grip texture is firm, offering a good hold even in rapid-fire situations.
Its weight distribution, especially with a loaded magazine, is quite balanced, making it easy to handle for extended periods.
Canik TP9 Elite SC
The Canik TP9 Elite SC impresses with its ergonomic design. The grip is slightly more contoured than the Glock 23, fitting snugly in the hand. It’s lighter, which could be a plus for some shooters, especially when considering concealed carry for longer durations.
Winner
Ergonomics and Handling: It’s a tough call, but the Canik TP9 Elite SC takes the lead in ergonomics. Its contoured grip and lighter frame make it slightly more comfortable for diverse hand sizes and shooting styles.
2. Accuracy and Performance
Glock 23
The Glock 23 is renowned for its reliability and accuracy. In field tests, it consistently hit targets with precision, and its performance remained stable across various shooting conditions. The trigger pull is smooth, contributing to its overall accuracy.
Canik TP9 Elite SC
The Canik TP9 is equally impressive in terms of accuracy. Its single-action trigger is a standout, offering a crisp break, which helps in precision shooting. It performed exceptionally well at different ranges, demonstrating consistent accuracy during tests.
Winner
Accuracy and Performance: Both guns perform admirably, but the Canik TP9 Elite SC edges out with its exceptionally crisp trigger and consistent performance across various ranges, making it a bit more versatile in different shooting scenarios.
3. Concealability and Carry Comfort
Glock 23
The Glock 23’s compact size makes it a great option for concealed carry. Its slim profile allows for easy concealment without sacrificing grip comfort or magazine capacity. Its weight, though a bit heavier, isn’t a significant hindrance for daily carry.
Canik TP9 Elite SC
The Canik TP9 Elite SC shines in concealability. Its dimensions are slightly more compact compared to the Glock 23, and its lighter weight is a significant advantage for all-day carry. It sits comfortably hidden, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry.
Winner
Concealability and Carry Comfort: The Canik TP9 Elite SC wins in this category. Its lighter weight and compact dimensions make it more comfortable for all-day carry, especially in concealed carry situations.
4. Magazine Capacity and Reload Ease
Glock 23
The Glock 23 comes with a standard magazine capacity of 13 rounds, which is quite substantial for a compact firearm. In my field tests, changing magazines was a breeze, thanks to the well-designed mag release and the magazines themselves dropping free easily.
This makes for quick and efficient reloads, a crucial factor in both self-defense and competitive scenarios.
Canik TP9 Elite SC
The Canik offers a flexible magazine capacity of 12 or 15 rounds, catering to different needs. The larger capacity is definitely a plus.
However, during my tests, I noticed the magazine changes were not as smooth as the Glock’s. The magazines didn’t always drop free as quickly, requiring a bit more effort to ensure a swift reload.
Winner
Magazine Capacity and Reload Ease: The Glock 23 takes the crown in this category. While it has a slightly lower maximum capacity compared to the Canik, its ease of reload due to better magazine release mechanics gives it a practical edge in high-pressure situations.
5. Durability and Maintenance
Glock 23
Glocks are known for their durability, and the Glock 23 is no exception. During my testing, it handled various environments and conditions without any issues. Its maintenance is straightforward, requiring minimal tools and expertise to keep it in top condition.
This reliability and ease of upkeep are big pluses for any shooter.
Canik TP9 Elite SC
The Canik TP9 Elite SC also showcases impressive durability. It held up well during rigorous testing, showing no significant wear. Maintenance is a tad more intricate than the Glock, but it’s still manageable for someone familiar with firearm upkeep.
Winner
Durability and Maintenance: This one’s a tie. Both the Glock 23 and Canik TP9 Elite SC are robust and reliable, withstanding harsh conditions and demanding use.
While the Glock is slightly easier to maintain, the Canik’s resilience makes it equally commendable in this aspect.
Pros & Cons of Glock 23
Pros
- Compact Design: Ideal for concealed carry.
- Reliable Performance: Consistent accuracy and handling.
- High Magazine Capacity: Standard 13 rounds.
- Ease of Maintenance: Simple to clean and maintain.
- Robust Build: Durable under various conditions.
Cons
- Heavier Weight: Slightly heavier, especially with a loaded magazine.
- Caliber: .40 S&W may have more recoil for some shooters.
Pros & Cons of Canik TP9 Elite SC
Pros
- Lightweight: Easier for all-day carry.
- Flexible Magazine Capacity: Options of 12 or 15 rounds.
- Ergonomic Grip: Comfortable for a variety of hand sizes.
- Crisp Trigger Pull: Enhances shooting accuracy.
- Modern Design: Aesthetically pleasing with contemporary features.
Cons
- Magazine Reloading: Not as smooth as the Glock.
- Maintenance: Slightly more complex than Glock.
- Caliber: 9mm, less stopping power compared to .40 S&W.
Similarities between Glock 23 vs Canik TP9 Elite SC
- Purpose: Both are designed for concealed carry.
- Operation: Each operates with a striker-fired mechanism.
- Safety Features: Equipped with trigger safety levers.
- Barrel Length: Both have barrels under 5 inches.
- Modern Firearms: Represent current trends in handgun design.
Differences between Glock 23 Vs Canik TP9 Elite SC
- Caliber: Glock 23 is .40 S&W, Canik is 9mm.
- Magazine Capacity: Glock offers 13 rounds, Canik has 12/15 options.
- Weight: Glock is heavier compared to Canik.
- Trigger Pull: Glock has a heavier pull than Canik’s crisp action.
- Size Dimensions: Slight variations in length, height, and width.
- Aesthetic Style: Glock has a more classic look, Canik is more modern.
- Ergonomics: Canik has a more contoured grip than the Glock.
- Maintenance Ease: Glock is simpler to maintain than Canik.
Final Verdict
As someone who’s spent considerable time testing both the Glock 23 and the Canik TP9 Elite SC, it’s clear that each gun has its unique strengths.
After carefully weighing all factors, my personal preference leans towards the Canik TP9 Elite SC. Its superior ergonomics, coupled with its lightweight design and outstanding accuracy, make it a slightly more appealing choice for my needs, particularly in scenarios where comfort and precision are key.
FAQ’s
Is Canik TP9 better than Glock?
The Canik TP9 and Glock models have their unique advantages. While Glocks are known for their reliability and service record, the Canik TP9 offers better accuracy in some scenarios, making it more suitable for competition use.
How many rounds does a Glock 23 hold?
The standard capacity magazine of the Glock 23 holds 13 rounds, but there are optional magazines that can increase this capacity.
Is a Glock 23 too big to carry?
The Glock 23 is not too big for carry. It strikes a balance between being large enough for service use and compact enough for daily carry, offering manageable recoil.
What is a Glock 23 good for?
The Glock 23 is ideal for both open and concealed carry. Its compact dimensions, combined with a substantial magazine capacity in .40 S&W caliber, make it versatile for various situations.
How good is the Glock 20 ???
The Glock 20 stands out for its powerful 10mm Auto caliber and robust build. It’s reliable and manages recoil well, making it great for outdoor use, despite being a bit larger for concealed carry. A strong choice for those needing extra stopping power!