The hosts film at Take Aim Training Range in South Carolina and introduce the all-new Canik TTI Combat Smoke 9mm pistol. They show the updated model on camera and compare it visually to the original TTI Combat, which has a gold or FDE-style finish. The new version is presented as a darker “smoke” color option for shooters who did not care for the lighter original color. The discussion sets up a side-by-side look at both pistols to see whether the new finish changes anything about how the gun feels or performs on the range.
The conversation turns to how Canik USA collaborated with Taran Tactical Innovations to create the original TTI Combat at a price point just under a thousand dollars. That first model gained attention for its performance and distinctive gold or FDE color scheme. Viewers had repeatedly asked if it came in black or a darker tone, and the Combat Smoke is Canik’s answer, using a tan base with darker accents. The hosts note that the gray accents resemble the wolf gray look on newer Taran Tactical Combat Master pistols, giving shooters an option that echoes that style while avoiding lighter FDE-type finishes.
They review the core features of the Canik TTI Combat platform as a refresher. The pistol includes an attachable flared magwell and adjustable backstraps in small, medium, and large to fit different hand sizes. The grip has very aggressive stippling that helps the gun stay planted under recoil. Controls include a serrated slide release for a solid perch and a protruding magazine release with firm spring tension to reduce inadvertent presses. A striker status indicator is present at the rear. The pistol uses a rear sight that is coin-adjustable and a fiber-optic front sight, a setup associated with Taran Tactical’s Combat Master builds. The slide is optics-ready and cut for a dot, allowing co-witnessing when used without a plate. Up front is a 4.6-inch fluted barrel with a copper-colored finish and an integrated compensator, which the hosts say offers some recoil mitigation. The trigger is described as similar to the SFX Rival aluminum trigger, with a defined wall around 90 degrees, a crisp break, and a very short, positive reset that pushes the finger forward.
On the range, one host starts with the original Canik TTI Combat. He comments on how good the pistol feels in the hand, highlighting the aggressive stippling and the quality of the trigger. The overall look of the tan and gold-style finish is praised, with a nod to Taran Tactical’s reputation for turning projects into strong performers. After shooting, they transition to the new Combat Smoke, planning to compare how it feels and shoots against the original. The goal is to see whether the updated darker colorway has any practical impact or if the two pistols are essentially identical in performance.
The hosts move to the new Canik TTI Combat Smoke and note the darker overall tone and accent pieces, along with Taran Tactical logos, including one on the trigger guard. They fire the Smoke version and then pause for a lighthearted explanation of basic iron sight alignment, jokingly referencing James Reeves while describing rear sight, front sight, and front sight focus. One of them mentions being more of a red dot shooter but still demonstrates using the fiber-optic front sight and rear notch correctly. The segment emphasizes that the Smoke model retains the same sight setup and shooting fundamentals as the original, with the main difference being the color scheme and cosmetic details.
Returning to the original TTI Combat, they encounter a light strike and examine the primer. The hosts explain that the specific ammunition being used has caused similar light strikes in several other reputable pistols, suggesting the issue is ammo-related rather than a problem with the Canik. They swap ammunition and continue shooting. One host jokes about having only 17 rounds in an 18-round magazine, then proceeds to shoot rapidly at steel targets around 20 yards. He reports consistent hits and attributes the success to proper sight alignment and the pistol’s controllability. The segment underscores that both TTI Combat pistols have been heavily used and still perform well, with any malfunctions tied to questionable ammunition rather than the platform itself.
In closing, the hosts alternate between the original TTI Combat and the new Combat Smoke, noting that the two pistols feel the same in the hand and shoot essentially identically. When compared “apples to apples,” they conclude it is the same gun in a different colorway. One host personally prefers the original OG finish because it was the first release and has some sentimental appeal, while acknowledging that others may favor the darker Smoke look. They emphasize that the choice comes down purely to color preference: those who like the original tan and gold-style scheme can stick with it, while shooters who want a darker option can choose the Combat Smoke. Viewers are invited to share their thoughts, and the video wraps with a brief sign-off.
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