Canik has built a following for pistols that punch above their price, and the TP9SF Elite is a good example. It is a 9mm with a 4.2 inch barrel, a 15-round magazine and a black finish.

The TP9 line is known for a crisp trigger, a comfortable grip and a feature set that rivals more expensive pistols. The Elite version typically adds extras such as better sights and trigger parts. A 4.2 inch barrel makes it a mid-size gun, good for home defense, range work and for open or concealed carry with a proper holster. Test your chosen ammunition before you trust it in the field or for carry, and stick with what runs well.

Canik is a Turkish maker, and its pistols have won awards from competitive shooters for their value. The TP9SF is striker-fired, with a clean break and a short reset. That is what shooters mean when they talk about how it feels in the hand.

For a buyer wanting a quality pistol without paying top-tier prices, it is hard to beat. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer, where the background check takes place at pickup.