REVIEW: Canik METE SFX Loadout Package

Canik’s METE SFX Loadout Package combines a military-grade, tried-and-tested 9mm semi-auto with a robust support system that takes you from zero to 60 in a flash

by Paul G Markel

Recently, I came across a piece online that mentioned how a certain pistol was “ready to go, out of the box” for competition shooting because it was “optic ready” and came with three magazines. That led me to consider an offering from Canik USA called the Loadout Package. Canik put together their METE (pronounced Met-Ay) SFX pistols along with just about every accessory you could possibly desire.

Let’s take a look at what they consider to be a “loadout.”

METE SFX Loadout Package

The most important thing inside the briefcase-sized, padded hard case is the pistol. For those unaware, the METE line of pistols from Canik USA are upgraded and improved versions of the older TP9 series. I have been using the Canik TP9 pistols since they were first introduced in the United States and always found them to be 100-percent reliable guns. What Canik engaged in was a process of taking a good thing and making it better.

On the METE SFX, Canik improved the beavertail grip area, upgraded the trigger guard, and put an internally beveled magwell in the frame. There is also an external match mag funnel the user can install if they so choose. Further, there are holster “grip points” on the left and right of the frame to give a bit of extra purchase and to ensure solid seating in whichever holster you decide to go with. The slide lock lever is ambidextrous but so well designed that it does not stick out or get in the way. Also, you can have the METE SFX pistols in all-black or the two-tone black and FDE. The latter version comes in the Loadout Package.

A big improvement over the older TP9 SFX is the fact that the optic mounting area on the METE SFX is directly in front of the rear sight. The rear sight attaches to the optic cover plate on the older gun. So, when you removed the cover plate to install an optic, you lost the rear sight. Not so with the METE pistols.

The SFX is a full-sized gun with a 5.2-inch barrel and slide length of 8.29 inches. Magazine capacity is a standard 18 rounds with extended base pad versions that hold 20. The sights are made of steel and are rugged. My test gun came with white dots, front and rear. I fixed the 3-dot issue by filling in the rear dots with a black marker. The front white dot was fine for the first couple of shooting sessions, but I wanted something better. I ordered a tritium front sight with a bright yellow/green ring from Night Fision. That company sells a super handy sight installation kit. I was able to swap out the original for the tritium version at my workbench in 15 minutes or so.

For the first half of my testing, I ran the SFX with just iron sights. Afterward, I installed a mini red dot. Canik states that the SFX slide is cut to accept the Trijicon RMRcc, the Shield RMS/RMSc, and the CT Micro footprint for those “micro-sized” optics. Canik has their own line of mini red dots called MeCanik MO1. That is the one that comes with the new Loadout Packages.

Whichever of the aforementioned optics you install on the METE SFX, they mount directly to the slide. This allows you to look straight through to use your iron sights in the unlikely event that the optic might not be working. In the business, we call this co-witnessing. For the SFX, you do not need “extra-tall” or “suppressor height” iron sights to accomplish the task.

James Bond Kit

I showed my Loadout Package to one curious individual, and he commented, “It’s like some kind of James Bond kit.” Well, you must provide your own suppressor, but, yes, it is rather Bond-esque.

In addition to all the things you would expect — three magazines, a mag loading tool, three interchangeable backstraps (S, M, L), and a match mag funnel — it comes with some unusual accessories.

The Loadout Package arrives with an OLight rechargeable weapon-light, the aforementioned mini red dot optic, a threaded barrel for the addition of a sound suppressor, a very nice punch to switch out the backstraps, and a cool little tool kit with various bits to remove the optic plate cover and install the red dot. There are two polymer holsters — one for use without the weapon-light and one designed to be used with it. A dual magazine carrier matches the holsters.

Finally, you get an Otis pistol cleaning kit, the obligatory gun lock, and the owner’s manual. All this fits into a rugged, polymer hard case.

Range Time

For the numerous range sessions, I took 9x19mm ammunition from a variety of sources. I used the inexpensive steel-cased Tula and aluminum-cased CCI fodder as well as that from Double Tap Ammo, Federal, and the premium Black Hills Ammunition.

As mentioned previously, the only accessory that I needed to add to the review was a sound suppressor, and this one came from AAC back before they were sold. The TiRant 9mm can has been a reliable addition for many years now.

As for maintenance and cleaning, initially, I lubed the slide rails with the Otis CLP that came with the pistol. After every two to three hundred rounds or so, I disassembled the SFX, brushed off any carbon, dust, or debris, ran a wire brush through the bore, and then finished it off with a uniquely designed Otis cleaning patch.

All told, before I sat down to pen this review, I put somewhere in the neighborhood of 800 to 1000 rounds through the gun over several range outings. I had no trouble switching between 9mm FMJ training ammunition and the more expensive controlled-expansion rounds. The SFX consumed them all without issue. Sorry to disappoint the cynics, but I did not have any problems with the pistol. It ran like a champ.

With the sound muffler in place, I used both supersonic and some 147-grain subsonic ammunition. The subsonic is truly “Hollywood quiet” as the main noises are the bullet impact and the sound of the action running.

Parting Thoughts

What many American users might not be aware of is that the factory in which Canik pistols are made is not just a gun company. Within that NATO-approved facility, numerous types of military hardware are manufactured. Yes, the plant is ISO 9000 certified.

The Canik pistol line is used by military units overseas and, as such, the guns must be up to the task when it comes to passing hardcore torture tests. When you take a close look at the back plate on the METE slide, you will notice the absence of the usual hole that most every typical striker-fired pistol has on the back plate. This design feature was put in place to eliminate an area where dust and dirt could enter the action. When you disassemble a METE pistol, you remove the tension of the striker by dry-firing into a safe area. Ease the slide back about a half inch while pulling down on the dual-sided takedown mechanism just above the trigger. Ride the slide forward about an inch or so and lift it straight up off the gun. Reverse for reassembly.

Canik pistols have met and surpassed tens of thousands of round shooting torture tests. When you purchase a METE, you are buying a handgun that has already undergone rigorous testing in the field to ensure reliability.

At press time, the MSRP for the Canik METE SFX Loadout Package was $1199.99. Expect to get a better deal from your local gun shop. If you are shopping for a pistol that is truly ready to go out of the box, whether for range fun or a local competition, the “Loadout Package” is worth a serious look.

Canik METE SFX Pistol Specifications