For those in the airsoft and real-steel firearm realms, the collaboration between Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI) and CANiK is a familiar one. Their joint project, the TTI Combat pistol, has been a hit, and like any good sequel, they've decided to add a little something extra. The latest version, dubbed the "SMOKE Edition," isn't a radical departure; it's the same reliable handgun, just in a new outfit. Think of it as putting a tuxedo on a workhorse—it's still going to do the job, but it'll look a bit fancier doing it.

The main difference you'll spot is the aesthetic makeover. The SMOKE Edition gets its name from a custom Cerakote finish that gives it a sophisticated, sort of brooding look. It’s a clean, professional finish that’s supposed to be durable, and it certainly ties the pistol to Taran Tactical's signature design playbook. If you’ve ever wanted your handgun to look like it’s ready for a black-tie event, this might be the closest you’ll get without a literal holster for a cummerbund.

Underneath the new paint job, the pistol retains the guts that made its predecessor so popular. The barrel, for example, is ported and coated in a bronze PVD finish. This isn't just for show; the porting is designed to vent gases upward, which theoretically helps with muzzle rise and makes the gun feel a bit tamer in your hands. It’s a bit of mechanical magic that can make a noticeable difference, especially when you’re trying to land follow-up shots quickly.

Trigger pull is another area where this pistol aims to please. It features a flat-faced, 90-degree break aluminum trigger. For those who care about such things, a crisp, predictable trigger is the holy grail. It helps with accuracy and makes you feel more connected to the firearm, kind of like a good clutch in a manual car. It’s a small detail that can have a big impact on a shooter’s confidence.

Of course, hitting your target requires more than just a good trigger. The SMOKE Edition comes equipped with a HiViz fiber optic front sight. These sights are designed to be bright and easy to pick up, making it easier to acquire targets in a variety of lighting conditions. It’s one of those no-frills improvements that just works, which is always nice.

The full kit and kaboodle for this handgun runs about $949.99, putting it squarely in the "not cheap, but not completely insane" category for premium pistols. For that price, you're not just getting the gun. The package includes a hard case, a custom holster (no need to go shopping for a new one), multiple backstraps for a custom fit, and plates for mounting various optics.

The package also includes two 18-round magazines, one with a +3 extension, and a professional-grade tool kit. It’s a fairly comprehensive setup that suggests you should be ready to roll right out of the box. Plus, for the collectors out there, it comes with a challenge coin—a tiny metal disc that proves you are, in fact, an owner of this particular piece of metal.

It's clear that the SMOKE Edition is aimed at two kinds of people: competitive shooters who appreciate a reliable platform and anyone who just wants a stylish handgun. Its predecessor was crowned the 2024 Handgun of the Year by the Industry Choice Awards, so the design has a proven track record. This new version isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s just making sure the wheel looks good while it rolls.

The SMOKE Edition is a sensible addition to the TTI Combat line. It takes all the things that worked—the light recoil, the crisp trigger, the intuitive sights—and adds a cosmetic flair. For shooters who want a firearm that performs in a match and also stands out at the range, this one's a contender. It’s the same old gun you might already love, just with a fresh face.