Since I'm the original poster, I wanted to add this in. I now own two Hi-points. Both pistols, one is a 9mm and a .45acp. I bought the 9mm new, the .45 used. The .45 is now new, let me explain and brag on Hi-Points outstanding warranty and customer service. The 9mm functions flawlessly, and is very accurate.
The .45 had some feed issues, it would lock open as if it had fired the last round on occasion when it still had ammo in the clip. You could pull the slide black and it would take back off, but occasionally it would do the same thing again. I sent customer service an e-mail with the intent of having them give me some suggestions of correcting this myself. They asked for the serial number and asked a couple of questions such as ammo being used etc. Turns out that the SN dated the gun at 8 yrs. old, and who knows how many owners it had besides me. They told me to send it in and they would go thru it and replace anything that needed it and return it. I did so, and in about 2 or maybe 3wks, I got it back. I opened the box to find a complete brand spanking new gun with the same serial number, and an extra new clip in a factory new box. Just as the 9, it functions flawlessly and is even more accurate. You just can't beat that anywhere. Try sending any other gun in and get that kind of service.
If you haven't shot one, try a Hi-Point before you call them junk. You'll be very surprised and glad you did.