MisterF's Review of the Canik Stingray-C

[MisterF]

Hello Everyone,

I recently bought the Canik Stingray-C, and I wanted to share my thoughts and provide a reference that compiles some of my research.  I found this forum to be helpful in making my purchase, so I wanted to give back a little.  I live in Seattle and I'm new to the gun community.  I'm 39 years old and was recently bitten by the gun bug.  At the time of this writing, I also own the Ruger 10/22 and the Ruger LCR .357.   


The Selection Process
I wanted to find a reliable, affordable semi automatic primarily as a range gun.  I've fired a Kimber 1911, a Ruger 22/45, and a Glock 19, so my knowledge of semi automatics is fairly low.  I've handled a number of semi autos at gun shows and local shops, and the CZ platform easily felt the best in my hands.  After reading a ton of reviews and watching videos, I felt fairly confident that I'd be happy with the Stingray, so I decided to make the purchase.

The Purchase
I ended up buying the Canik 55 Stingray-C.  I bought the 2014 model.  According to my FFL and the seller of this gun, Precise Shooter (http://www.preciseshooter.com/) the 2014 is cheaper than the 2013 for the following reasons:  The 2013 has adjustable phosphorescent rear night sights while the 2014 has Novak-style sights, the 2013 has a hard chrome finish while the 2014 is Cerakote, and the 2013 has a chrome-line barrel.   

It was a difference of $130 between the 2013 and 2014, and I went with the 2014 option to save the money.  The main reason is that I'm interested in getting fiber optic sights, and wasn't impressed with the 2013's phosphorescent sights.  Not sure if I'll regret not paying the difference or not.  In the grand scheme of a gun's life cycle, $130 isn't that much.  I walked away paying $350 after taxes. If you're looking at a Stingray-C, you should figure out what year you're buying, since that will have an impact on the price. 

Updated:  Based on the serial number of my Stingray, it shows a 13 at the end, so this was likely manufactured sometimes at the end of 2013. 

The Stingray-C came in a plastic case and besides the gun contained two Mecgar magazines, a lock, a bore brush, cleaning rod, and what I assume is some type of speed loader.  I couldn't figure out how to use the speed loader-it's a piece of hard plastic and I couldn't see how it would make life easier, so it's just been set aside.

Initial Thoughts
The Stingray feels great.  It certainly has the heft at 2.3 pounds, but it doesn't feel bad or too heavy.  I got the black model only because my shop didn't have the chrome available.  All things being equal, I would have gone with the chrome for aesthetics, but black looks really nice as well.  There are no noticeable flaws in its construction nor any cosmetic blemishes.  It did have a whole lot of grease in it, so I gave it an immediate cleaning when I took it home.

The grips are plastic, and will be the first thing I'll replace.  They don't hurt, but to me it's the most noticeable place where there's been some obvious cost savings.

The two magazines are tough to load immediately.  Construction is rock solid on them, but my thumbs were feeling it after I filled them for the first time.  I've ordered the Butler Creek LULA loader to help me out, but I can also feel the magazines becoming a little easier to manually load after a few times.

At the Range
I took it to the range for the first time yesterday.  After I emptied my first magazine from about 6 yards, I knew I had a winner.  Like I said before, I'm not an experienced shooter, but everything just felt right.   I was firing it alongside my friend's Glock 19, and both my accuracy and enjoyment were much greater when using the Stingray.  I went out to about 20 yards during the range session, and was still seeing a fairly high level of accuracy.

I ran 150 rounds of Fiocchi 115 Grain Full Metal Jacket through the Stingray-C without any problems.

The single action trigger feels really good right out of the box.  The double action is a bit of a pull, but not too bad.  If I took this into the woods, I'd probably just carry it in double action, rather than cocked and locked.

My friend, who's a lefty, really liked the ambidextrous nature of the gun. 

Additional Magazines
I bought three additional Mec-Gar magazines from http://www.gregcotellc.com/ prior to my range trip.Various forum posts had recommended the online store, and I'm glad they did.  I purchased two full sized CZ magazines ( MGCZ7517AFC) for $24.95 each and an additional CZ compact magazine (MGCZ7514B) for $20.95.  Shipping was fast and affordable, with a flat rate of $6.95.  I decided to get two full sized mags to compliment my inevitable next CZ purchase, so they do hang out a small amount.  However, they're in there tight and there was no problem feeding.  I'm glad I have the mix and match flexibility.  The compact fits flush and also works great.   I thought about buying magazine plus two adapters, but didn't see many reviews about them, so passed.  I'm curious to hear if anyone has any feedback on them.  They are listed at: http://www.gregcotellc.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=841

Sights
I have a Hiviz sight on my Ruger LCR, and really like how it helps me. I'm thinking about buying front and back sights for the Stingray.  I'm looking at: http://www.hivizsights.com/products/handgun-sights/cz-usa/cz2210-g.html.   I believe they are compatible with the Stingray since the P-01 is listed, but I'm not 100% positive.   
Until I decide on a long term solution, I went to Home Depot and had some flourescent green mixed up.  I had been looking for Testor's Flourescent Green paint, but I couldn't find any, so just had my own mixed (color is Green Crush).  I got 8 ounces for under $3, so far more than I'll ever need.  I applied the paint with a toothpick to the front and rear sights, and it already stands out much more than the default white. 

Holster
I have no idea what to do for a holster.  I don't want to pay an arm and a leg to have one custom made, but I know I'll need something to offset the weight.  I don't plan to use this as a concealed carry, but would like something solid for the range or if I'm out in the woods.

Gunsmithing
It's just a matter of time before I contact Cajun Gun Works, either for parts or for smithing.   Reviews online have been great, and they even have a dedicated section for the Canik/Tristars at http://www.cajungunworks.com/
I need to open the Stingray open again and take it apart to determine if I'm comfortable replacing the springs and pins.  If I am, then what's available at CGW is going to be an extremely affordable way for me to make a significant improvement to the double action pull.  And it looks like they will be making more upgrades available to consumers soon for the Canik line.

Grips
I mentioned earlier that I want to replace the grips.  I've seen conflicting information online about what will fit the Stingray-C.  I'd like to find some that will fit out of the box if I'm looking at rubber.  There seems to be some great wood grips available at http://czgrips.us/, so that's a site I keep looking at, but cost is a consideration.   

Questions
So here the questions I have for other forum users:
-What do you recommend for sights? Can anyone confirm that the Hiviz ones are compatible?
-Should I be looking for grips that are compatible with the CZ Compact, CZ-P01, or do I need to plan to make some adjustments with whatever I buy (I just have a basic toolbox).
-Anyone have recommendations for holsters that work well with the Stingray-C?

Next CZ Purchase
I'm already thinking about what I might buy next.  The CZ matte stainless steel looks amazing, but I am also really happy with my first Canik purchase, so I don't want to ignore the Canik/Tristar line.  I'd like to find something complimentary to the Stingray, but one that does feel different enough to justify the purchase. Feel free to try and convince me to spend more money.

Thanks for reading.  Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll try to help answer them.

-MisterF

Update 3/6/14:  Adding a couple images.
Fresh out of the box:


Painted sights with a flourescent green from Home Depot.

[wilson7]

Thanks for the comprehensive review.
Compact CZ 75 grips will fit the Stingray-C.  Some say the screw hole needs to be opened up a bit but the grips I have tried fit perfectly.  CZ compact rubber grips and VZ frag compact grips are two good options.
Some of the changes you noted between 2013 and 2014 came gradually, such as the sights.
On your "2014" model, does it actually have a 2014 serial number or a late 2013?  I assume the two digit number after the dash and before The L and last 5 digits is the year.
The Stingray-C is a fun and capable handgun that you should enjoy for years.

[MisterF]

Thanks Wilson. That's good info to know.  It looks like I have a late 2013 number because the last two digits are 13.  I'll update my post to make that distinction, and check out the grips you mention.

[Bob928]

Next CZ Purchase
I'm already thinking about what I might buy next.  The CZ matte stainless steel looks amazing, but I am also really happy with my first Canik purchase, so I don't want to ignore the Canik/Tristar line.  I'd like to find something complimentary to the Stingray, but one that does feel different enough to justify the purchase. Feel free to try and convince me to spend more money.

I would check out the Sar line of CZ clones as well. If you like the Stingray C you will probably like the K2-9mm; particularly if you are a southpaw. If not, there are the B6P compact and B6P full size. Both are 9mm. If you think you might want to try and amazing 14 round .45 then the Sar K2-45 might be the ticket. Everyone, including myself, is pleasantly impressed with them.

The Canik Shark C or FC (full size) or in the Tristar line up; the T-120 are very nice 9mm's with the same basic design except for a longer barrel and more mag capacity without stick out of the grip. The Shark FC is ported whereas the T-120 is not. I wish I could say I have shot them both and could tell you if there is a difference in felt recoil but I haven't had the pleasure yet.

So basically if you are thinking of a polymer pistol; check out the Sar's and if you want to stick with all metal; stick with Canik unless you want a big boy in your collection then the K2-45 is definitely worth a look.

The Witness may be another one to look at but I don't yet have any experience with them.

[Brian Ahearn]

I will second what Bob928 has said take i hard look at the Sar lineup. I started trying them out when they fisrt hit the US about 2 years ago.  My thought process was as follows if I did not like them and felt that they were not up to par then I would steer my customers away from them. Two years later I own all of them currently available in the US , used them in IDPA and have sold numerous ones to many customers. Last ,but not least I carry the Sar B6P compact every day. Th K2 P compact will take a 19 round megar mag giving you a pistol that can be carried with 20 rounds in it-great combat shooter as well.

[jackserv]

Thanks for the clone review.  I'm liking the TriStar L-120 but not many rounds thru her yet.

Sent from my ME172V using Tapatalk

[MisterF]

I took the advice above and purchased VZ grips for my Stingray-C.  On Sunday, I wrote to VZ customer service and asked if they could confirm that the CZ 75 grips were compatible with the Stingray-C.  I received a polite response less than 24 hours later stating that they believed they would fit, but couldn't guarantee it.  They also let me know that if I ordered them and they didn't fit, they would let me return them.

I then had to decide which type to get.  I'm not planning on using the Stingray for concealed carry, so I passed on the Frag style (https://vzgrips.com/gun-grips/cz-75/cz-75-frag).  I chose to go with the Tactical Diamonds (https://vzgrips.com/gun-grips/cz-75/cz-75-tactical-diamonds) since I will primarily using it at the range, and I'm happy with my choice.  They feel good in my hand, and there is no discomfort.  They also make the Diamond Back style (https://vzgrips.com/gun-grips/cz-75/cz-75-diamond-backs), but they sounded a little more intense than I was looking for.  I have a desk job, so my hands aren't particularly tough, but there's no discomfort with the tactical diamonds. 

I would have liked to have seen the various colors in person, but I did my shopping online.  I ordered the Black Cherry and I found that they were accurate to the images that I found online.  I found several of the various color patterns attractive.  At least from images I can see online, I think the patterns of the grips show up better on the Tactical Diamonds and Diamond Backs than they do on the Frags.

Removal of the original grips and replacement with the VZs took less than 5 minutes.  I just needed a flat head screwdriver, and was happy that the screws in the Stingray came out easily.  The VZ grips fit easily on the pistol and I didn't have to do anything special to make them fit.  They're flush and are on tight.

At $75, they aren't cheap, but I think I've gotten top of the line fiberglass grips that will last forever, feel good, and look very nice.  It looks like the VZ site provides occasional discount codes on their facebook site, so if you're interested in a pair, you might want to add them and watch for sales.

I'm now a fan, and when I select a lighter semi automatic for concealed carry, my first purchase is going to be frag grips.

I haven't taken the gun back to the range since I added the grips, so if my impression changes, I'll make an update.  As of now, I have no sense that I will be unhappy once I've gone to the range.

I'll see what I can do about getting some pictures posted in the future.

[MisterF]

Here are my before and after shots.  Directly below is a shot that shows the default grips are on the Stingray-C, and the VZ grips are outside of it.  I should have used a slightly smaller screwdriver, I just grabbed the first one available.   




The second shot shows the Stingray with the new grips.

[jwc007]

Thanx for adding Pics, and those new grips look great on that Canik Stingray! 

[MisterF]

Range Update 3/7/14

Took the Stingray-C to the range tonight.  Put about 200 rounds through it.  No problems feeding or any other mechanical errors. I ran Federal, Blazer Brass, Fiocchi, and PMC Bronze through it (all 115 grain).  The standout was the Blazer Brass.

While the Stingray-C shot great and was a hit among my fellow shooters, there was one problem, and that was with my new grips.  The VZ grips kept loosening.  I had to tighten the screws three times over the course of the range visit.  I did not see this with the out of the box grips when I first went to the range.  The VZ grips loosened, and loosened badly.  Each time I tightened them as much as I felt comfortable doing without starting to strip them.  I'm not sure if I'm being too gentle, or if something is going on where there is a minor incompatibility.   

I have very little skill or experience when it comes to do it yourself.  I was thinking of buying some Thread Seal Tape to see if that does the trick, or I could tighten the screws more aggressively.  Any suggestions are appreciated.  I'd like to avoid using an adhesive to literally glue the VZs to the gun.
 

[jwc007]

A little Blue Loctite on the threads may help matters.

[Bob928]

A little Blue Loctite on the threads may help matters.

Agreed. Blue being the operative word in this case. Be sure not to use the red as that is a more permanent type bond which might not be good on screws so small. Also be sure to let it sit for a day before shooting as it does take a bit for it to set.

[RedState]

I like to use purple thread locker on grip screws on any of my pistols that have loosening grip screws. Have not had loose grip screws on my Canik C-100 or my CZ85b. Purple is not a strong as blue.

[MisterF]

Hi all,
My last report was that my VZ grips kept getting loose after firing several rounds, and the recommendation was applying some Blue Loctite to the screws.  I took the advice, and gave it plenty of time to dry.   

I finally had the chance to return to the range tonight for the first time in a couple weeks. First off, the loctite worked.  The grips did not get loose at all, even after putting about 150 rounds through it.  They feel very good and natural, and I'm glad I chose the tactical diamonds.

Tonight I was with a few friends, and we were shooting my Ruger .357 LCR, the Stingray, a Ruger SR9C, a Glock 19, and a Sig 1911 in .45.   The favorites were easily the Sig and the Stingray, in feel, look, and performance.   The more I fire the Stingray, the more I like it.

Zero regrets with the purchase (and no regrets with the VZ grips), and I love showing it off.  The best part might be letting people fire it, and then make jaws drop when I tell them the pricetag.

I'm keeping an eye on the Cajun Gun Works site to see when the full upgrade package is again available, but that's just going to be the icing on top.

500+ rounds through it without a problem.

[jwc007]

Sweet!     Thanx for the update!