Canik, distributed by Century Arms and until recently made in Turkey, released two new variants to their Mete pistol line in late 2024. They are the Mete MC9 “L” and “LS” models. Since last fall, I’ve had the chance to test the subcompact MC9 LS quite extensively. Unlike most other reviews where the reviewer gets a limited time to try a gun, this time I’ve had the chance to use the LS for an extended time, putting it in the hands of both new and experienced shooters as often as possible to get their take on it as well.
Canik Mete MC9 LS shown with Red Dot
It’s only fair to admit some bias going into this review. I’m a Canik fan from back when the company released its first striker-fired pistol. But, I’m not a blind loyalist to any brand and, at least where personal defense is concerned, I’ve no qualms about calling a gun into question for unreliable performance. While a couple of Canik models have a reputation for feeding or extraction quirks, the Mete MC9 LS, in my estimation, represents the company’s coming of age in development of a near-perfect semiauto.
You get more than expected in the box! Holster and Cleaning Kit!
Why am I so enthused about this gun? Here are the reasons:
Size: The Mete MC9 LS falls into what most would term the subcompact category, with a 3.64-inch barrel, 1.16-inch wide, 6.73 inches long; 5.13 inches tall frame. It’s slim enough to conceal, but big enough to shoot all afternoon without undue fatigue.
Its very comparable stablemate, the Mete MC9 L, differs only in barrel length, being 0.45 inches shorter in the barrel, and consequently is about a half ounce lighter. While I’ve not handled the L model, I have had a student use one in a half-day class. The gun ran well, with the slide occasionally failing to lock back on an empty mag due to the shooter having extremely large, beefy hands. Due to his hand size, he had to make a conscious effort to rest the firing hand thumb a bit removed from the slide, resting it atop his support hand thumb.
The Mete MC9 L/LS are sub-compact yet handle as well or better than most full-size guns. But the real standout feature of “size” is the capacity. Each gun ships with two 17-round 9mm magazines, both of which feature a pinky-supportive floorplate. Even better, this gun will run full-size 18-round Canik mags of every generation. I’ve tried them all.
Features: The MC9 LS has a polymer frame that’s textured with a light sandpapery feel on the grip sides with a little more of the same on the recoil-arresting thumb shelf on the frame under the slide. Three backstrap choices are offered. Along with the pinky-friendly mags, this gun is easily handled by nearly anyone in terms of fit to the hand.
Excellent stock triggers are a hallmark of the brand and the Mete MC9 LS does not disappoint. There is a safety block on the trigger, and I could pass on it being red, but it’s rarely seen anyway.
The Canik Mete MC9 LS has an excellent stock trigger
Canik used their brains and put an optic slot on the slide, and includes some replacement screws for the matching cover. I mounted a carry-size (one inch base) red dot optic on my This direct-mount setup is far superior to Canik’s polymer plate mounting system used in some other models. After hundreds of rounds and some long range days, it’s still solidly attached. Canik also offers a factory-installed optic option, a feature I have yet to try.
A rear sight co-witness is attainable with this optic/gun combo. I wish tritium were included, at least on the front sight. But Canik now offers a tritium replacement sight in the 60-dollar range.
Red Dot Ready for your Optic of Choice!
Accuracy: Nobody talks about the quality of Canik barrels. Perhaps it’s no wonder; unless it’s a specialty model, they’re nothing special to look at. A little polish on the feed ramp; everything else is just dull steel. But the machining must be outstanding, because these guns seemingly don’t want to miss. The C&H EDC optic erases any aiming disadvantage of the short barrel. This gun easily makes hits at 50 yards and beyond. Of course, a quality optic makes accuracy easier, but the tight groups put down by the Mete MC9 LS and all other Caniks I’ve known are reflective of excellent barrels.
Shooting the MC9 LS is pleasant and accuracy is more than adequate for personal defense
Value: Canik’s track record of delivering high-performance pistols at a reasonable price is strong. And though their prices have crept up in recent years, I still believe they consistently deliver the highest-quality-in-class gun for the best price. Now that the company has a US-based factory, delivery times for special orders should be speedy.
Also in this category is the company’s generosity in providing a holster (IWB in this case) and useful tools with each gun, packed in an airline-worthy hard case. My gun store rep tells me the miniature Canik driver set is very popular and often is the reason customers choose a Canik over a similar gun.
Current average market prices of just under $500 USD including tax/transfer/shipping are within reason, especially considering the extras included.
If it’s not already obvious, the Canik Mete MC9 LS and a quality carry optic are my current dream team. It goes concealed almost anywhere, though it is slightly large for all-day wear under my brand of business casual. It’s also one of the few guns I feel completely confident running alongside others’ full-size guns at the range on a half-day class, without needing to change into a smaller holster/gun to stop at the store on the way home.
This review took me longer, much longer, than usual to produce. Why? I kept trying to find reasons to find something more critical to say. And, I was spending time just enjoying a newfound relationship with a gun that’s quickly earned a trusted place in my carry and training rotation.
About the Author:
Eve Flanigan is a defensive shooting and lifestyle student, practitioner, and instructor based in the American Southwest. Flanigan holds numerous NRA Instructor certifications and is licensed to instruct New Mexico’s intensive Concealed Carry course. She regularly designs, conducts, and co-teaches classes on concealed carry, introduction to pistol, defensive pistol, basic rifle, last-ditch medical, and use of force for civilian students. Flanigan enjoys competing in run-and-gun biathlons that include carbine and pistol.
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