Rock Dog Innovations (RDI) Compensator Review

Until I purchased the Rock Dog Innovations (RDI) (https://rdi-arms.com/) compensator, I hadn't shot or owned one. I have a couple of guns with porting but no comps.

I decided to get one for the Canik Mete SFX Pro, especially, for now, the only handgun I have with a threaded barrel.

Let's get started!

As I've said, this is my first comp, so this article and review are from that perspective.

The Canik Mete SFX Pro that I mounted this on shoots awesome and is excellent in the hand. One of the few handguns I don't have an optic (red dot) installed, as the built-in sights are very accurate. Every time I go to the LGS, I consider another (don't tell my wife... actually, she likes shooting it too). I might get another, so we have a his and hers.

Anyway, a great handgun. Before installing the comp, I had around 800 rounds through it. It shot pretty flat before the comp, but after reading many reviews on the RDI, I thought I'd give it a shot (pun intended).

The purchase on their website was easy. Afterward, the communication (emails) about the order and shipping was very reasonable and not a firehose of emails.

I had to double-check my emails because the delivery time was only 3 days. Wow, that was fast!

Installation instructions are very good and straightforward, even for my first comp installation on a threaded barrel. The quality of the comp is very good and looks excellent on this handgun, as if it were made by Canik specifically for this model. If you don't believe me, look at this picture!

Any difference in shooting?

As I mentioned, before I installed the comp, I had around 800 rounds through the Mete SFX Pro. The comp was a way to gain experience with installing and using one. Before I installed the RDI comp and during testing with it installed, I used CCI Blazer Brass, 124 Grain ammo.

So is there a difference? At least for me, yes, there is. I find the gun shoots a little flatter with the comp than without. I regret not taking pictures of the target before installing the comp, so I can compare them after shooting with the comp. If time permits, I may remove the comp and do this, but, for now, I do notice an improvement.

Are my shots more on target or accurate? Looking back and comparing my current shots with the comp, I notice an improvement. The additional weight of the comp balances the gun very well, especially with the brass backstrap. Wait, I didn't mention the backstrap?

The backstrap (no, not venison, though I wish).

At the time of this post, I've had the Mete SFX Pro for a year. Soon after I purchased it, it felt it needed more balance, at least for me it did. In research and reviews, I found some shooters adding backstraps to their handguns. Some of the reasons include achieving balance and adding gripping or texture.

I settled on the Taylor Freelance brass backstrap (https://taylorfreelancestore.com/canik/backstraps/mete/) in black. The backstrap added some weight and balance to the gun and improved the grip texture. The additional texture helps since I don't have a strong grip, and I have very dry hands. The backstrap was a positive, noticeable improvement.

Adding the comp with the backstrap is like a match made in heaven. Like Forrest would say, "like peas and carrots." The gun is a perfect balance with both the comp and backstrap.

Summary

Was the purchase of the RDI compensator worth it? It was! I enjoy shooting the Mete SFX Pro more now with the comp. Now that I shoot it more often, and with the accuracy and balance, I may use it in competitions.

I highly recommend the RDI compensator, as it serves a functional purpose and also enhances aesthetics. Now that I'm shooting this gun more often, do I get an optic for it? Hmmmm.........