The History of Canik & Century Arms: Evolution of Legendary Firearms

Introduction

Think tactical: How would you approach an entry mission into a top-notch fortress? If the fortress is the US firearms market, dominated by big players, you need to be prepared and forge strong alliances.

That was the brief for Canik and Century Arms—to break through by bringing innovation, precision, and unmatched value to the table.

The mission was no walk in the park. The US gun community is massive, and they demand gear that’s top-tier, precise, and durable. When you look at the competition—Glock, Sig Sauer, CZ, Smith & Wesson, Colt, Beretta—you know the perimeter isn’t easy to breach.

So how did Canik rise to become one of the best firearms manufacturers in the industry? They committed to the mission and mastered something few brands excel at: 

Listening to the US gun community’s needs and delivering exactly what they demand.

Let’s dive into what makes Canik handguns so special, their history and partnership with Century Arms, and how they’ve earned their place as the new sheriff in town.

The Origins of Canik

Let’s start with the history of Canik:

It all began in 1998 in the coastal city of Trabzon, Turkey. What started as a small workshop—as CEO H. Zafer Aral recalls—grew into a company with its sights set on the skies.

Owned by SYS Group, Canik emerged as an aerospace and defense manufacturer, partnering with aviation giants like Boeing and Airbus. Their initial focus was on research and development, acquiring cutting-edge technology and establishing advanced facilities in Samsun.

But how did a company known for crafting aerospace components become one of the most respected names in firearm manufacturing?

Like every great story, Canik’s evolution was fueled by ambition and adaptability.

In 2005, Canik introduced its first pistol: the original Canik 55, designed specifically for law enforcement and military forces in Turkey. Their precision engineering quickly earned them the trust of professionals who demand reliability and performance.

By 2009, Canik turned its focus to one of the most competitive firearms markets in the world—the United States.

They knew the mission was monumental. Competing against giants like Glock, Sig Sauer, and Smith & Wesson meant more than making great guns—it meant delivering unmatched value

That’s when Canik launched the TP9 Series. With military-grade reliability, exceptional accuracy, and a price point that disrupted the market, the TP9 quickly made its mark. It was a bold move, and it worked.

But Canik’s success in the US wasn’t just about the guns. It was about strategy. Breaking into such a competitive market required an ally with a rich history and strong connections to the American firearms community.

That’s where Century Arms entered the story—and that’s the part we’ll dive into next.

The Beginnings of Century Arms

The history of Century Arms didn’t start in the firearms business, really. Founded in 1961 in St. Albans, Vermont, the company began as a typewriter repair shop.

However, it didn’t take long for the founders to recognize a different kind of opportunity—one with a much larger market. Firearms quickly became the focus, and Century Arms set its sights on becoming a key player in the industry.

Their big break came with military surplus firearms. As time passed, they built a reputation as a trusted source for quality surplus guns and ammunition.

By the 1970s, they had solidified their position as the single largest importer of firearms in the United States and Canada.

What made Century Arms so successful? It wasn’t just their ability to import rare and sought-after firearms. It was their understanding of the market’s demands.

From AK-style rifles to MP5 pistols and bullpup shotguns, Century Arms ensured a steady supply of high-quality firearms from Turkey, Eastern Europe, and beyond.

Their portfolio didn’t stop at imports. Century Arms also began manufacturing American-made AKs, further cementing their reputation for quality and reliability. Among their most popular firearms are the legendary AK-47 and their AR-15-style pistols—both of which have become staples for gun enthusiasts across the country.

Century Arms was more than a firearms seller—they were about making them accessible. Their role as an importer and manufacturer helped expand the American firearms market, creating opportunities for brands like Canik to make their mark.

The Partnership: Canik & Century Arms

The year 2012 marked a turning point in the history of Canik. With their eyes on the U.S. handgun market, they partnered with Century Arms to launch the next generation of the TP Series.

The result? Highly reliable and precision-engineered firearms that quickly won over American shooters.

By 2019, Canik’s momentum was undeniable. The introduction of the TP9 Elite Combat, a NATO-approved firearm for military use, solidified their reputation for delivering exceptional quality.

With their partnership with Century Arms, Canik wasn’t just entering the market—they were taking it by storm. This collaboration was the foundation for Canik’s rise as a household name among American gun enthusiasts.

Today, Canik stands as the seventh-largest manufacturer of 9mm pistols in the world, producing one gun every minute—an astounding 450,000 guns annually. This places them alongside industry titans like Glock while surpassing production giants like Colt.

Innovation and Impact

Key Features

What makes Canik pistols stand out from the competition?

It’s their reliability, accuracy, and exceptional price point. Let’s break down what makes Canik pistols so good:

One of their most impressive features is the trigger. Smooth, crisp, and competition-ready straight out of the box, Canik pistols are often compared to higher-priced alternatives.

Combine that with durable materials, high-quality sights, and excellent polymer frames, and you’ve got a firearm that’s built to last.

Canik also delivers superior ergonomics, offering shooters a solid grip and excellent control. Canik pistols feel as good in your hand as they look on the range.

And let’s not forget the extras. Many models include additional magazines and backstraps, giving you even more bang for your buck.

The gun community had been asking for this: performance, reliability, and convenience—all at a reasonable price. Canik listened, and they delivered.

Awards

Are Canik guns good? Yes, and there’s more than words to prove it. Real results are what made Canik one of the best firearms manufacturers out there. Word of mouth from satisfied shooters, glowing reviews, and a long list of competitions and awards.

• In 2017, Corinne Mosher relied on the Canik TP9SFx to win the High Lady title at the Rockcastle Pro Am 3-Gun Championship.

• In 2018, the Canik TP9SFL earned the Ballistic’s Best Editor’s Choice Award for Best Versatile/Value Pistol. 

• 2019 was a big year in the history of Canik: Nils Jonasson dominated the Tactical Optics Division at the USSL MultiGun Championship in Nevada using the Canik TP9SFx, proving its reliability across 15 multigun stages.

• The Canik TP9 Elite SC won the 2020 ICA Concealed Carry Pistol of the Year Award, praised for its compact design, affordability, and optics-ready slide.

• In 2022, the CANiK SFx RIVAL earned the Handgun of the Year award at the Industry Choice Awards, further solidifying Canik’s reputation for excellence.

Talk about growth, right?

Our Partnership With Canik

At 45 Blast, we’ve always admired Canik for their innovation, consistency, and results-driven approach. That’s why we partnered with Canik in 2023.

For us, Canik presented an incredible opportunity to enhance their pistols with our high-performance compensators, designed specifically for Caniks. Let’s be real: awesome pistols deserve awesome comps.

Want to learn more about our chapter in the history of Canik? Watch our announcement on YouTube and hear it straight from the team—Jordan, Kevin, Rob, and Bryan—on why this partnership is such a huge milestone for us.

Notable Products

When Canik started making a name for themselves, one thing became clear: they knew how to deliver reliability and accuracy for a much better price than their competitors. That reputation for value has grown stronger with every new release.

Let’s take a look at some of the handguns that have helped Canik become a go-to brand for shooters:

• TP9SA – If you’re looking for a self-defense pistol, this one’s hard to beat. With a crisp single-action trigger and easy-to-use features, it’s built to keep you steady when it matters most.

• TP9SF – Thinking about your first handgun? The TP9SF is perfect for beginners. It’s simple, ergonomic, and has a smooth trigger that makes it a joy to shoot.

• Canik METE SFT – This one’s for the tacticians. Modular, optics-ready, and durable, the METE SFT is built to handle whatever you throw at it.

• Canik SFx Rival and TP9SFx – Competition-ready pistols straight out of the box. Extended barrels, precision triggers, optics compatibility—these models are made to win.

• TP9 Elite Combat – A NATO-approved powerhouse. With a threaded barrel, ambidextrous controls, and incredible accuracy, it’s perfect for tactical use or home defense.

• Canik Mete MC9 – Need something slim and light for concealed carry? The Mete MC9’s compact design and customizable backstraps make it comfortable to carry all day.

• TP9 Elite SC – Small, powerful, and versatile. The Elite SC strikes a perfect balance of size and capacity, plus it’s optics-ready for modern self-defense.

More good news? You can make these great pistols even better with one of our 45 Blast compensators. Check out our store and see how you can take your Canik to the next level.

Conclusion

When you think about the history of Canik, their success came down to two things: a strategic partnership with Century Arms and the tactic of offering excellent value for money.

That’s how Canik became a key player in the U.S. firearms market—proving that high-quality, reliable guns don’t need to come with an inflated price tag.

With Canik, you get pistols that deliver on performance, durability, and value, whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned pro.

All this gear talk got you interested? Let’s keep it going! Contact us today to find out how our compensators can add even more firepower to your Canik.