Align Tactical Thumb Rest review - Canik Rival

My review and thoughts on the new Align Tactical Thumb Rest for the Canik Rival.
Follow me on Instagram at ngodwetrust21 and pick up the thumb rest from Align Tactical when it releases.

[@andywalker7144]

“Locks internally in place and is USPSA Limited, Limited 10, Limited Optics, and Open approved Only (UPDATED - NOT for Production or CO division use)."

[@stuartv666]

You said it's not legal for CO, but apparently it is...? The rules allow replacement of frame pins but don't say that the replacement has to be the same shape as the original. Sooo?

[@stuartv666]

So, I'm gonna need ones for my Rival and my Rival-S, please. :)

[@andywalker7144]

I thought the same thing. Apparently rule 21.6 allows you to change some parts into a thumb rest like a takedown lever, but not others. Can’t say I understand it. 21.6 clearly says it covers pins. This ruling came directly from Troy McManus himself. Maybe if enough people reach out to him about it he will reconsider…

[@CasualShootersPodcast]

@@andywalker7144 I believe it is because this is not a takedown pin and is more of a "bolt on." If they replace the takedown pin, then it is considered an integral part of the gun. The entire BOD would have to take up a rule change and vote on it.

[@andywalker7144]

That very well may be the case, but nothing in the current rules now makes that distinction. Rule 21.6 does not make a distinction between what is a “bolt on,” attachment or pin. It simply covers minor external components. A locking block pin, takedown lever, and slide stop are all covered under 21.6 and nowhere does it say adding additional material to one of those minor external components like a takedown lever or slide stop is OK, but adding additional material to a pin is not. In fact, the only rule in CO that explicitly says a component cannot be made into a thumb rest is the grip under rule 21.4. Taking the rule 21.6 at face value seems to put all minor external components on an equal playing field for innovation.

[@aligntactical]

Really appreciate Andy reaching out with such conviction as to bump it up on the dev roadmap! When we initially looked at it, we had several other thumb rests that were higher priority and didn't even own a Canik, but saw them beginning to grow in popularity on the shelves (before Nils started winning Nationals). After spending a ton of time in our local gun stores playing with every model to see what and how to make them, the only concern was the pin backing out and so it was placed on the back burner. After seeing we weren't alone in figuring the how of how to do it, and interest growing.. then we bought the first one. It took learning about the internal lock made it a reality. Really sharp like-minded great guy that wanted it to happen and glad we got it dialed in and made. Now we're Canik fans and onboard with team Andy! Proud to have you shooting and testing the thumb rest to the production ready part! Great taste in products and we're here for you bud! :0)

[@andywalker7144]

You are too kind! You really killed it with the finished product. Feels and looks amazing.

[@snapshotdod]

Thanks for making the video, can't wait to get one on my Rival.

[@BrandonGotCaniks]

Just ordered one today for my rival can’t wait to try it out.

[@greggharris9287]

Great video, and awesome add on for the Rival.

[@txlongarm]

Joel Alson is a top notch fella.

[@andywalker7144]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@rik4369]

Great review and shooting! Appreciate the video. Congrats on the innovation!!!!

[@DeathHunter97]

What holster do you use.

[@kennethcohagen3539]

How well does it work with a holster?

[@BJC835]

Nice job. Thanks.

[@Three60Crusader]

I’ve always been a fan of external safeties like on 2011s. That’s my thumb rest lol.

[@Fernczy]

I just got the Rival S. This should fit it I assume. I definitely want one now after seeing this.

[@armorers_wrench]

Dude you're one of the guys who came up with the Align tactical thumbrest? It's a brilliant addition to any Canik full size or compact pistol. It makes a huge pistol on this particular handgun. I have it in both of my Canik Rival/Mete builds.

[@2AlphaCrew]

What holster are you running? I think the thumb test would get in the way with my holster.

[@justinpennington7682]

The polymer on my canik will dry rot by the time you guys get this done .

[@andywalker7144]

Haha! Waiting is hard. Should be 3-4 weeks and you can order yours.

[@justinpennington7682]

@@andywalker7144 sounds good

[@zakirali8721]

That's really cool

[@DeathHunter97]

Thanks Andy I just got mine on the male today ready to install. But question what Holester are you using.

[@stevehernandez1637]

Does it work the same for lefty’s

[@edwardbaeza7916]

No lefty???

[@robertrussell3158]

What holster do you use with it???

[@andywalker7144]

All the big name manufacturers should have options for it when it releases. I am currently using a redhill tactical holster for it that I just used a Dremel on to make room for the thumb rest.

[@stevehernandez1637]

Will it still be able to holster

[@BANDODEZ]

Is it out?

[@shoguncustoms]

That's is badass. I'm gonna have to get one for mine! What kind of holsters can you run with that though? Does safariland have something that works with that?

[@sethrich5998]

So this mounts to the frame instead of replacing the Takedown Lever… which makes it not legal in Carry Optics. I guess they’re saying the “pin” is the replacement part although I’m pretty sure similar pin replacement thumb rests have already been tried and deemed not CO legal.

[@andywalker7144]

I think what you are looking for is rule 21.6 “Exchange of minor external components: Sights, firing pins, firing pin retainers, pins, extractors, magazine releases, slide stops, thumb safeties, triggers, hammers, bushings, and ejectors MAY be replaced with OFM or aftermarket parts.” This has been reviewed and approved by USPSA/NROI. Hope this addresses your concerns as this is a replacement locking block pin.

[@sethrich5998]

@@andywalker7144 Yeah I’m aware of the rule. I guess the interpretation of the rule has recently changed. There were Glock thumbrests that replaced the trigger pin, and they were deemed not legal for Production/CO. The argument at the time was that a takedown lever already had a protruding surface and shooters would already rest their thumb on factory takedown levers so they couldn’t consistently rule on what shape takedown was approved or not. Where replacing a pin with one with a protruding surface was clearly adding a thumb rest. That was a couple years ago though. But if it’s already been NROI approved than it’s a moot issue. I remembered not being able to run any of the thumb rest products when I was shooting Glock and some guys were switching to guns with takedown levers so they could add one.

[@andywalker7144]

I owe you an apology. Please see the update blows from Align Tactical: “Locks internally in place and is USPSA Limited, Limited 10, Limited Optics, and Open approved Only (UPDATED - NOT for Production or CO division use)."

[@sethrich5998]

@@andywalker7144 Ah yeah, that’s consistent with old rules then. Honestly USPSA should just allow thumb rests or not as it’s not practically any different. But we gotta play within the rules they set. I would bet if they made a thumb rest that replaced the takedown lever but prevented movement by locking into another point it would be legal. That’s the answer within the rules.

[@GladIfoundthis]

Will this align tactical thumb rest work also on the tp9 elite combat from Canik? I have both and the holes on both lower receivers appear to be identical. TY.

[@andywalker7144]

I do not believe so. Frame needs to be the METE frame to work.

[@GladIfoundthis]

@@andywalker7144 considering how much longer the tp9 elite combat has been on the market versus the Canik rival, it may be wise for Align tactical to look at producing a gas pedal for the elite combat. I for one would gladly buy it if that was the case.

[@GladIfoundthis]

​@Andy Walker The P320 takedown lever thumb switch looks great. Do you know if they plan on doing this for the P365? I would love to have this on my P365x, and I don't want to spend 300+ dollars on an unnecessary grip (Icarus) if I don't have to. I imagine that more people have bought the P365x/XL then the P320 by a good margin. Thank you.

[@NaughtyShepherd]

Any plans for the TP9 SFX?

[@andywalker7144]

Not that I am aware of. Next one for Canik should be for the Rival-S.

[@dt7037]

What holster is compatible with it?

[@andywalker7144]

All the big name holster manufacturers will have an option for this by the time it releases. Redhill Tactical is one just off the top of my head.

[@scottubz]

When will this be available i need one now please

[@markmichaels5835]

Will this work with sfx pro

[@andywalker7144]

Seeing as this is built on the METE frame just like the Rival is, I would assume that it would. Great question!

[@jammbbs1688]

Will there be one for the tp9sfx?

[@TheBrandonhutto]

This design, no as it won’t be able to lock on the tp9.

[@dickfillmore7055]

Gas peddle eliminates holster use.

[@dr.bonscott3962]

Is this available yet? As of 4/13/23

[@delmanicke9228]

Can't find any for leftie on a 92 fs Beretta. I know they make them, no reviews or input. Trying to get one can't find listing or part #. ?? No lefties out there?? I guess. Maybe the algorithm will kick in.

[@Slylyaverage]

What holster do you use?

[@Soggy_Bubble]

What holster do you use. I’m have a very difficult time finding a holster for my rival for competition. I want to get the thumb rest but I feel as if I will never find a holster for it

[@armorers_wrench]

Align tactical has a list of holster manufacturers who make compatible Canik holsters. Or are you just talking about the Rival in general? Black Scorpion gear makes some good ones for normal competition use. I went through a company called Gray man solutions for a holster compatible with a Canik Rival+TLR1HL+Align Tactical thumbrest+Trijicon SRO and it turned out great. It's a retention holster though.

[@lgwappo]

10% of the population is left-handed.

[@LeadSlinger_]

When you say "coming soon" do you know how soon?

[@andywalker7144]

Should be released mid to late next month.

[@LeadSlinger_]

@andywalker7144 thanks for the reply. I'm looking forward to getting one as soon as they are available.

[@buddysumner4022]

I got to have a couple, I mite have missed it , but do u no what the price is gonna be on them

[@andywalker7144]

Somewhere between $55 and $60.

[@buddysumner4022]

@@andywalker7144 if u can and don’t care send me the info where to buy them and the date they will be ready for sale, I’d appreciate it cause I’m interested in getting a couple

[@andywalker7144]

You will be able to buy them from the Align Tactical website near the end of April.

[@buddysumner4022]

@@andywalker7144 👍