Whats the deal with hi Point?They are like dirt cheap.I'm guess there is a reason why they are so inexpensive?

Well, they do say a picture is worth a thousand words...

Also they are not meant to be taken down, even for cleaning, not sure what's behind that. However, that said, I've heard reports that they can at least be accurate. I'm not familiar with durability and would have no idea what to expect. I'm intrigued enough to try one out one of these days. If it goes bang consistantly it can't be too much of a waste.(bang, not BOOM!)

Attached Images

Hi Point 40.jpg (27.9 KB, 172 views)

__________________
Fast is fine;accurate is final

i had my hipoint 380 for 5 years broke it down and cleaned it several times put around 2 or 3 thousand rounds thru it. And it was used who knows what it went thru, 0nly had to replace the fireing pin when i first got it only sold it cause a gy wanted to give twice what i paid for it and i couldnt find any 380 ammo around here.

One reason they are so inexpensive is that they are blow-back operated rather than of a locked-breech design. That makes them a lot cheaper to produce but that design introduces its own set of problems. Here is a link to a generally favorable article that appeared in Shooting Times:

Hi-Point Firearms

Reports like yours is exactly why I want one. They might be ugly as sin, but they are a tool, looks don't matter as long as it gets the job done. I do appreciate a beautiful gun though.

Or, for those true firearm afficianados, think gag gift.

P.S. - I discovered that the big reason behind the low price is that the parts are all stamped, with virtually no additional machining. Basically it uses the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid). It seems to work.

__________________
Fast is fine;accurate is final

I know several people that own them, and they say that they never miss a beat.
I fired one, and I thought that the safety was on. I just had to pull harder on the trigger.
Not for me, but maybe others.

Junk; ya get what ya pay for.

How about the Sigma? That doesn't always ring true.

__________________
Fast is fine;accurate is final

I've got one of their 9mm carbines. It's butt-ugly and rock-solid. Great truck gun and range toy. Put a cheap red dot on it and it'll drop plates as fast as I can pull the trigger at pretty much any reasonable distance. Feeds anything, but mostly gets ****** Wolf steel-cased FMJ.

If I could find one in the shops I'd probably get one of their pistols for a truck beater.

Oh - don't forget their lifetime no-questions warranty. They've replaced a magazine for me already, and there are anecdotes of people sending in a box of parts for "repair" and getting their gun back in perfect working order.

I certainly wouldn't put a Sigma in the same category as a Hi-Point,
i would put a Hi-Point in the same class as a Raven, Lorcin, etc.

There's a reason why there have been very few (and almost no successful) blowback designs chambered for cartridges of 9x19mm and greater power.

The only thing holding the action closed when it fires is the inertia of the slide, and to a lesser extent the strength of the recoil spring. This invariably leads to slides that weigh more than other entire firearms and recoil springs like truck springs.

If my choice was between a Hi Point and a used S&W .38 Special M&P, I'd pick the revolver every time.

That's getting downright cruel, but pretty fitting I suppose. It looks like Hi-Point leads that crowd though.

__________________
Fast is fine;accurate is final

well, I picked up one yesterday at the gun show. Hi-Point 9mm C9. new for $139.00 It looks like it fell from the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down..LOL just kidding. big and heavy but it goes bang everytime so far ( 50 rounds) . but everyone is right , it does not compare to my 686-3 or my sigma sw40ve. but everything I have read its better than a raven or a jennings..

I'll have first hand experience next weekend. A local store had the 995TS on sale for $219 and my son bought one. We'll try it our next Saturday.

I've got one of the carbines and i love it. It's fun to shoot and really accurate. I put a cheap bushnell scope on it and i get about 2" groups at 50-75 yards. it's ugly and it doesn't feel like it is quality made, but i'm not getting rid of it anytime soon.

I have an older model of the C9, the compensated model, that has over 2500 rounds through it. I did just replace the firing pin and spring assembly for a newer design that is supposed to deal with some light primer strikes that some report having, I have had a few but only with WWB target ammo. I replaced the ejector key and spring as well, I wasn't having any problems with it but the gal at Hi Point said she would send them to me as they had added a coil to the spring and redesigned the ejector key as well. Well... I'm not ever going to complain about free parts! Three days, had them in hand. The guns are easy to work on, and teardown isnt that difficult, there is a roll pin that you have to drive out that goes through the retainer, other than that little quirk its simple.

Fixed barrel with the blowback design, very accurate shooters. I have the C9 Comp and picked up the .40 JCP about six months ago, have about 300 rounds of mixed Federal Champion, Blazer Brass and WWB through it at the range, and fired 50 Magtech Guardian Golds through it without a hiccup.

What problems people seem to have with them are usually with the mags... quality control on them seems to be lacking, as the spacing on the ears vary widely and will cause a double-feed if too wide or jam the nose of the round into the feed ramp if too narrow. I had a mag that worked perfectly, so set all the specs to the same and they worked great.

Not a good choice for a carry weapon, even if they are proven reliable, as I don't like that the striker is at full tension with a round chambered. Failure of the sear would cause a discharge, and even with the drop safety I dont like only having one mechanical link that is preventing disharge. No cases that I could find of this happening, but worn parts could lead to it down the road if people don't inspect them periodically.

Bang for the buck, you can't beat them. If you want a car or truck gun, then by all means. If someone breaks into your vehicle and steals an "under $200.00" pistol, that isnt a lot of tears to be shed, not like it was a Kimber or some other $1000.00 gun.

Lifetime warranty whether you are the first owner or the fifth, usually a week turnaround till you have it back, and a free magazine for your trouble... what's not to like? Sure they are heavy, the .40 weighs in at 37 ounces and feels like you could knock someone out with it... heck, I KNOW you could! Its nice having something that I can just go out and shoot the heck out of things with for so little cash out of my pocket.

well I wouldn't carry one ever but for the price it could be cheap enough for a range toy or a cheap gun to train someone with, but if it is your first gun and it's all you can afford and there are no used better quality guns, the rule stands anything is better than nothing

I would steer clear of them. For just a little more money you can get something like a S&W model 10 and have a firearm that you can be sure will work.

This sorta reminds me of the old Saturday night special debate. Sure everyone would like to own the best roscoe out there, but poor folk have a right to own a handgun too. Im glad they are available for those who just cannot afford something nicer.

__________________
Stay safe people!

I'd agree. They're not terrible guns. I probably wouldn't buy one because of weight and size issues, but a new Hi-Point can be had for less than $200. If you don't have the money for a new one, you can get a used one dirt cheap. Like Sigma syndrome, most of the Hi-Point naysayers have never shot one. The Hi-points I've shot at the range are accurate enough and functioned without problem. I bought a Sigma because it was cheap and what I could afford at the time. As any Glock owner (and some M&P owners) will tell you, the Sigma is a piece of junk. Hmmmm.....seems to work fine for me....nearly as well as my S&W M639.

pretty good review of the Hi-Point C9 on youtube. Guy payed $165 new.

I work at a pawn shop for a few hours on Saturdays. They can't keep Hi Points in stock. People drive for a hour just to buy one. And Hi Point can't keep up.

The pawn shop has sold hundreds of Hi Point guns in the last 5 or so years. They estimate that less than 2% has been returned due to problems.

As for me, I have shot one in each caliber. They work well. They are accurate. But boy are they butt ugly. I won't own one simply because I don't need one. If I did own one, it would be for plinking only. Never for protection.

I have the Hi Point 9mm. Its too big for a ccw gun but I have put about 2500 rounds through it and never had a problem. It is noe a glove box gun but I would never be afraid to defend myself. I carry the SW9VE for a ccw gun and range gun (had trigger reworked). If a Hi Point is all you can afford, don't be afraid to get one because they are a good gun to learn on. If you can shhot good with one, then you will have no problem with any other gun in the future. Happy shooting everyone!!!!

Areed. I tried to buy one for a knock around gun awhile back through my FFL and he couldn't locate a new one anywhere. The factory said they were so backed up, they had no idea when they would be caught up.

Looks like somebody likes them.

I'm confused too...I mean, they look like real quality, expensive guns...I can't wait for their new 1911 clone coming out in 2011...

__________________
Thirty characters. Exactly...

sip between you and caj I go through more keyboards than cigarettes!

Good point, Like Raven, Lorcin, etc. Hi-Point has also proved to be a good seller.

But much better shooters...

I own a Hi-Point carbine and have loaded ammo for several guys with their handguns. I also happen to have three Jennings/Bryco handguns along with my 50 S&W revolvers and I also own a Sigma.

I have to agree with the folks that hate the Hi-Points and Jennings guns, they can't kill you if you are armed with a more expensive gun.

By the way, if anyone wants to make any bets about how these pieces of junk really do compare to expensive, big name firearms...Let me know.

Boy, I don't even own one of these and ALL my handguns except for one are Smiths. I know these are not near as good as Smiths but have any of you guys here ever heard of the term "elietists"?

You're sure are proving it here especially the "almighty" sipowicz who seems to control most of the boards here. I'm also sure he doesn't look like Dean Martin!

If someone here likes a cheaper gun, why do you guys bury him if it isn't a Smith?

I researched these Hi-Point 9mm's all over the net and for $139.00, I wanted one just to beat the hell out of it. I found that a lot of people liked it very much and others didn't. I couldn't find a new one anywhere and finally gave up buying one.

sipowicz,
Sometimes your posts here are very informative and you are very smart and very computer savvy but I don't understand why you are so powerful here.

Most all of the people here respect you but again, if you personally have proof a gun or guns are pieces of junk or whatever you don't like, PLEASE post from a PERSONAL OWNER'S perspective!

You are totally COOL but why slam other's opinions when you don't give proof and just post post silly pictures and go with the flow?

I have no interest in Hi-Power anymore but I do notice you are always here to make waves when you can. You are a cool, cool, guy but sometimes take it easy.

I agree. My experiences with Hi Point has been with the carbines. Not great, but not terrible. More inconsistent between different individual firearms. Some worked not matter what ammunition you used, how you treated either the firearm or the ammunition and seemed like a good knockabout gun. Some were just jam prone and tough to hit accurately with.

I'm flattered that you think I'm "powerful" here...but I was just making a joke on a silly looking gun...I never said they are junk and don't buy one...just making an observation...

__________________
Thirty characters. Exactly...

Oh I took my new 995TS to the range Saturday. I fired one box each of the following ammo. WWB ball, Remington ball, Independence ball, US Issue NATO spec ball. one box of misc mixed ammo that everyone accumulates over the years and two boxes of my reloads using 124gn cast bullets over 3.5gn Bullseye.

Initially I was confused because the rifle was shooting about 8" right at 50 yds, which was enough for it not to even hit the target I was using. Once I realized what was happening it was an easy fix.

I had NO misfires and NO FTF the whole day. Is this firearm that I'll show my friends with pride when they stop by? Not likely. Is this a firearm my friends and I will have fun plinking with out behind the barn? Absolutely! This carbine will probably become my new camper firearm and has already taken up residence beside the dresser in our bedroom as the bump in the night firearm. The short length makes it a very handy is size for walking down a hallway.

IF I find a good deal on the 40 caliber version I may buy one of those too, hopefully the 45 will be out soon. A local gunshop has the 995ST on sale for $219. At that price I think they are a lot of fun for the money.

I purchased a S&W M&P Shield in 40 cal and started stocking up on ammunition. I like to have 2 or 3 guns that shoot my stockpiled ammo so I looked to Gbroker. When I first saw a Hi Point jcp for under $150 when other full size 40's were over $400 dollars I thought that this was very strange. Suprisingly the reviews were not that bad. Cheap and functional but clearly not on the level of a S&W product. I purchased a 4095 carbine because I wanted to see what the extra barrel length bought me. (An extra 300 to 350 fps in a 135 gr. according to ballistics by the inch) Still not sure if this is a good thing since bullets are designed to expand dependably and not fragment at a certain velocity. When at my FFL to get my carbine I handled a hi point 40 jcp to see what a full size pistol felt like. There is a reason they call it a brick. I purchased one used for $115 on Gbroker. I now have 3 guns to use with my 40 s&w ammo for a price I can afford. I still love my shield the best but am curious to see how the hi points hold up. I will post more after firing over the next year to see how they compare.

I have 2 Hi-Points, a C9 Comp and a 995 carbine. I would buy another one. I also own cars and trucks with roll down windows and a stickshift, don't have air conditioning in my house or a garage door opener and I don't use the TV remote. I am definitely NOT one of the elites. I do have 5 S&W's, 4 Rugers, a Contender and a Kahr, but my Hi-points are important to me as well.

What does the 'loose' part or parts shown in the pic consist of?

__________________
Incoming fire has right of way

Made right here in Ohio... inexpensive, simple, heavy as an anvil...nothing fancy. They shoot what you put in them. If they break...THROW IT AWAY! But they won't. Great for a house gun, truck gun, back up gun... if you have a little extra $ you can have the extra metal milled so it looks like a SW or Ruger...and then you will have the same $ into it.

__________________
John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

I'd never seen one in person until the other day...I stopped in at a new gun shop that had just opened, and they had a really good inventory of firearms, from most of the name brand makers. In one case they had the "less expensive" guns...including Hi Points in every caliber they make. I looked at them all...and I have to say, they aren't BBQ guns. The .380 seemed to be better looking than any of them, but maybe because it was the smallest one (relatively speaking.) The price on them is certainly right.

I thought about getting the .45 just for grins, but I've got to join a gym first.

Well, if they fail they make a great hammer!

__________________
Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

Really sturdy guns. I keep a C9 on the bass boat with a few 10 round mags. I have put a few thousand rounds through it and have never had a problem. I use it for testing new reload recipes because of that thick barrel. A YouTube video shows them to be nearly indestructable.

__________________
Semper Fi

Somehow I doubt that a group hug would help much at this point.

__________________
Oh well, what the hell.

I have only seen 1 fired at the CCP class .. it was a wife and husband sharing one and I only seen the wife firing it which it jammed 2 or more times with her but it could of been that she was holding it to light (limp)..

I decided to buy a Kahr CW9 myself for $319 for my CCW and no jams so far.

I take a lot of these off of thugs.

When I ask why they carry this particular type of gun they all give the same answer:

"It's cheap! You're just gonna take it anyway. This way I'm not out much money"

__________________
Un-Reconstructed Southerner

Same old Hi-Point thread that has been posted thousands of times on how many different boards.

Of course they work.

In the same sort of way that a riding lawn mower will get you to the grocery store.

I prefer my Chevy.

__________________
WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

Actually Lorcins, Ravens, Jennings, Davis etc. will mostly work just fine for what they were made for. Which of course is close range SD for people who can't afford Colts, S&W's, Rugers, Glocks etc.

If you want to go to the range a couple times a month, forget 'em they are made mostly of zinc alloy and will wear very quickly. They probably won't hit much beyond 5 yds or so anyway. Stick with FMJ (feeding HP's though these little guys is very iffy) Clean lube well, drop it in the nightstand drawer and call it good.

Wow...a few weeks shy of a 4 year old thread resurrected. And the OP's last log-in was Feb 14, 2010.

Is there a special bullet for zombie threads?

Hail to The Almighty Sipowicz. I also had no knowledge of your awesome powers. I always thought that you were just funny and lightened up the sometimes ebony blackness that can be my daily existence. I read the posts like a 1000 times more than I post but I would ask can we still leave some room for a joke once in a while? Thanks to all of you and I beg the forgiveness of the Omni-Potent and the Omni-Serious.

Not my scene, but in the last 12 years of CCW instructing, I've seen the majority of them (15 or so) run quite well with some pretty tight groups. Who knows?