Century Arms and CANiK, though separated by continents, are united by a shared commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and community support. Their intertwined histories and collaborative efforts have not only shaped the firearms industry but have also made significant contributions to veteran welfare. centuryarms.com.
Century Arms, Inc. established in 1961 by William Sucher in St. Albans, Vermont, began as a surplus firearms importer. Over the decades, it evolved into a prominent manufacturer, producing American-made firearms, including AK-47 variants like the C39 and VSKA. While its headquarters are now in Delray Beach, Florida, the company's roots remain deeply embedded on the banks of Lake Champlain and about 15 miles from the Canadian border.
CANiK Superior Firearms, founded in 1998 in Trabzon, Turkey, initially focused on aerospace components before transitioning to firearms manufacturing. The company's name pays homage to the CANiK Mountains, reflecting its Turkish heritage. CANiK gained international recognition with its TP9 series of pistols, known for their reliability and affordability. Operating under the parent company Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS), CANiK exports firearms to over 69 countries, serving military, law enforcement, and civilian markets.
The partnership between Century Arms and CANiK began in 2012, with Century Arms becoming the exclusive importer and distributor of CANiK firearms in the United States. This collaboration introduced American consumers to CANiK's high-quality, competitively priced firearms, allowing the brand to compete with established names in the U.S. market.
Beyond their commercial endeavors, Century Arms has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting veterans. In Vermont, the company has been a significant supporter of Josh's House, a wellness and recreation center for veterans in Colchester. Named in honor of Joshua R. Pallotta, a Vermont National Guard veteran who tragically took his own life in 2014, Josh's House provides a safe and welcoming space for active and veteran military personnel. The facility offers a full-size gym, treatment room, game room, prepared meals, and kitchen space, aiming to enrich the lives of those involved through a relaxed atmosphere at no cost to them. Century Arms contributed to this cause by fundraising and donating portions of sales, including proceeds from the BFT47 Veteran AK rifle, to The Josh Pallotta Fund. This partnership underscores the company's dedication to veteran mental wellness and community support.
On the product innovation front, CANiK's Signature Series showcases the company's commitment to craftsmanship and collector value. The Mete SFx Sketch, a limited-edition 9mm pistol, exemplifies this dedication. With only 2,500 units produced, each pistol features a custom hand-finished Cerakote, a certificate of authenticity, and a limited-edition production number stamped on the slide. The Mete SFx Sketch includes an 18-round and a 20-round magazine, a flared mag-well, aggressive texturing, and is optics-ready, accommodating the Trijicon RMRcc and Shield RMS/RMSc footprint micro optics. The package also comes with a hard case, a reversible IWB/OWB holster, a cleaning kit, and other accessories, making it a prized addition for collectors and firearm enthusiasts alike.
Through their respective journeys, Century Arms and CANiK have not only advanced in the firearms industry but have also made meaningful contributions to the communities they serve. Their collaboration represents a fusion of tradition, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence and social responsibility.
For those interested in exploring a wide selection of Century Arms and Canik firearms, Proven Arms & Outfitters offers both brands in stock, with knowledgeable staff ready to assist law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian buyers alike.
