want a new 45

[greg916]

want a new 45. am thinking about the hi-point since cost is a factor. my next point up is a rock island armory. i can buy 2 1/2 hi points for the cost of 1 rock island armory. this will not be for defense or carry, just 100 to 200 rounds per month of informal target / plinking. what say you?

[Old Syko]

Take a look at what ATI offers.  I've been impressed with the quality for the money.  Yes, they're 2 1/2 times the money but they're 5 times the gun and a 1911 platform you can modify and build on. 

[JustaShooter]

Not familiar with the Rock Island Armory offering, but I can tell you a bit about hi-point:  They are cheap, big, ugly and thankfully have a lifetime warranty.  Now for the bad parts - if you get one that runs well right out of the box, buy a lottery ticket, it's your lucky day.

Case in point: I was taking a class earlier this year and had someone with a (brand new - go figure, bringing a new, untested firearm to a training class, but...) hi-point beside me during part of the range time. Kinda went like this: bang bang jam. bang jam. bang bang bang jam. Kept up like that the entire time - on the positive side, guy got a lot of practice clearing jams.

And that's pretty typical - now, sometimes it just takes breaking them in - a lot of break in - and sometimes it takes a trip or three to the factory, but if you keep at it you can end up with a reliable firearm. A cheap (if you don't count your time and shipping, if necessary), big, ugly but reliable firearm.

Personally, I'd spend a bit more and get something I can expect to run well right out of the box, and as a bonus has nice clean lines - and still has a lifetime warranty if I ever need it.

[m-g Willy]

If the high point was as good as the best 1911 .
I still wouldn't buy one, or even take if it were free (if  I had to keep it!)
To see what I'm talking about , go to a dealer and pick up the HP then pick up any 1911.
It's like picking up an Estwing hammer  or a rock,,,,,You can pound nails with either one, but it is so much better with the hammer.
My advice would be to save your money until you could afford to buy an Auto-Ord. 1911 .

[FPH]

I consider all my weapons to be for PD when necessary, even if they are not a Carry weapon.  If they don"t go bang every time I pull the trigger, down the road they go.

[Bigeasy]

There is a lot more to look at when buying a pistol then just price.  Accuracy, longevity, reliability, aftermarket support, and how it feels in your hand are important.  Pride of ownership means a lot to some folks as well.
 
Never owned a hi-point pistol, but do have a 9mm carbine by them.  It works, but is on the cheap side...and not near 100% reliable.
 
I do own a RIA 1911 .45, and it is a very well made pistol, especially for the price they sell for.  If you just want something to make a little noise with once in awhile, the Hi-Point will probably work, but if you are a halfway serious shooter / gun owner, I think you would be a lot happier with a good, basic 1911 like the RIA in the long run...
 
Larry

[greg916]

I like the RIA.  What got me thinking of the Hi Point was my impression of one I had the chance to shoot. Heavy, ugly,  feels good inand, low recoil, and very accurate. 100 rounds of TulAmmo and it ran flawlessly.

[Bigeasy]

I like the RIA.  What got me thinking of the Hi Point was my impression of one I had the chance to shoot. Heavy, ugly,  feels good inand, low recoil, and very accurate. 100 rounds of TulAmmo and it ran flawlessly.

 
Let me back up and say, it is ultimately what weapon satisfies you.. Everyone else here, including me, has their personal preferences, and are quite willing to spend your money for you, but really, only you know your needs.  I have heard their warranty is good, and for the price, I guess you really can't go wrong, especially if you have already shot one and found it to your liking.
 
Larry

[SharonAnne]

second the ATI