Author Topic: Hi Point Handguns (Read 4779 times)

youthpastorjon · « **on:** December 24, 2009, 05:24:16 PM »

I have been looking into getting a handgun for occasional target shooting but mostly for concealed carry. I don't need or want a cadillac gun. I also don't want a piece of junk. Who owns a Hi Point and what do you think about it? The prices are unbelievable. I know they aren't much to look at but will they work for what I want? thanks

John R. · « **Reply #1 on:** December 25, 2009, 02:54:04 AM »

I tend to recommend a good used quality pistol over the Hi-Point. Some people love them and claim they are just as good as Sigs, Berettas, Springfields, etc. I personally don't buy into that. If you're after the occasioal plinker, maybe, but for a serious self defense pistol, no way. Just my 2cw.

ricstone · « **Reply #2 on:** December 25, 2009, 09:10:41 AM »

well i own 2 of them a C9 an just got a JHP45. I have had 2 Ruger autos an i would put both of the HPs against them any time. No its not a big name an i believe that's why some folks don't like them. I was skeptical at first till i got the C9 an wow guess what it went BOOM when i pulled the trigger just like any big name weapon. So if you are looking for something to say hay i got a S&W or Sig then don't do it. But if you are wanting a weapon that will serve you well for a fraction of the price with a LIFE TIME warranty then i would not hesitate. Don't be fooled by price. An don't let others influence you that there junk. Try one an if you don't like sell it to me cause i like mine.

jdwolf · « **Reply #3 on:** December 25, 2009, 02:24:13 PM »

Quote from: John R. on December 25, 2009, 02:54:04 AM

I tend to recommend a good used quality pistol over the Hi-Point. Some people love them and claim they are just as good as Sigs, Berettas, Springfields, etc. I personally don't buy into that. If you're after the occasioal plinker, maybe, but for a serious self defense pistol, no way. Just my 2cw.

Those of us who love Hi Points own them, we are speaking from experience with these firearms. They may not cost as much as a Beretta, Sig, or Springfield, but I know my C9 & (2) 995 carbines are just as reliable as those $$$HIGH DOLLAR$$$ guns!

youthpastorjon · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2009, 03:15:48 AM »

JDWOLF,
It seems as though people hate these guns or they love them. I have read reviews that rant and rave about these guns and also those who just claim they are junk. Have you had any issues?
I was told by some several years ago that CVA's were junk as well. I bought a muzzleloader for $110 and they thing shot straight every time. Cheap cost does not bother me. However, I won't ever buy something cheap until I know enough to determine it isn't cheap junk.
JDWOLF, give me a good sales pitch on why I should buy one of these guns.

Duckdog · « **Reply #5 on:** December 29, 2009, 11:23:15 AM »

Made in the USA, Lifertime Warranty, Good Price, and Shoots good. Pretty much says it all. I have 4 of 'em and they all shoot good and have not ever failed to fire.

Hate to say it, but some peole have grand visions about needing some kind of super weapon to defend yourself and having to shoot their way out of Mc Donalds and Sears every time they go to town. I hope it aint thatr bad yet.

Like any gun, shoot it enough to get used to it, and it will go bang when needed to.

cybin · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2009, 05:13:29 PM »

Duckdog---don't forget great customer service

cybin

Bigeasy · « **Reply #7 on:** December 29, 2009, 06:27:20 PM »

You say you don't want a "Cadillac gun", but there is a difference between a gun that is expensive because of fine finish, and one because of the quality of it manufacture. Now I do not own a Hi Point handgun, but do own a 9mm carbine. Nice rifle. Only jams once in a great while. My AR-15's are about the same size, NEVER jam.

When you are carrying a weapon in defence of your life, or the lives of loved ones, reliability and durability counts. Now I know there are guys out there who will tell you their Hi Points never jam, and can hit a knat in the a** at 100 yards, every time, and so on, but let me ask a question: Name just one police department, anywere in the US, that calls the Hi Point pistol it's issue duty weapon? There are a lot of departments out there on tight restricted budgets, who are run by people with no interest in guns, other then to save money, yet no Hi Points.. So, if I were going to buy a gun to stake my life on, I would ask myself is there real economy in saving a couple hundred bucks? There is a reason guns like the Glocks and S&W MP series are so popular.... Just my 2 cents..

Larry

youthpastorjon · « **Reply #8 on:** December 30, 2009, 02:11:10 AM »

Larry,
You bring up a very valid point. Thanks for your input.
Jon

jdwolf · « **Reply #9 on:** December 30, 2009, 12:03:17 PM »

Quote from: youthpastorjon on December 24, 2009, 05:24:16 PM

I have been looking into getting a handgun for occasional target shooting but mostly for concealed carry. I don't need or want a cadillac gun. I also don't want a piece of junk. Who owns a Hi Point and what do you think about it? The prices are unbelievable. I know they aren't much to look at but will they work for what I want? thanks

For home defense or target shooting hi point handguns will serve you well. They're accurate and just as reliable as any other high dollar handguns I've have owned or shot over the years. As for concealed carry, I will admit, they would not be a good choice because they are somewhat big and bulky and would be hard to conceal.

youthpastorjon · « **Reply #10 on:** December 31, 2009, 04:02:53 AM »

jdwolf,
How about the 380acp for concealed carry? That can't be to bulky can it?

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 31, 2009, 04:13:58 AM »

It's kind of nice to hear some positive feedback on Hi-Point arms. I've got a friend who has one of their carbines - he's calls it his Planet of the Apes rifle - and loves it. Most peeps hate Hi-Point and are quick to say so. I've no experience with them.

Concealed carry alternatives... Bersa's 380 is a very good gun, and relatively inexpensive; I like it. I owned a Makarov for a few years that was cheap to buy but flawless in function; haven't checked prices for them lately. Check out gunbroker or auctionarms to find them...

youthpastorjon · « **Reply #12 on:** December 31, 2009, 04:21:53 AM »

Yellowtail,
I find it funny, like yourself, that there is such a dividing line on this brand of gun. It seems like people love them or they claim they should be thrown out. Even reading online reviews, I have read incredible feedback by some and by others that absolutely hate the gun.

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 31, 2009, 04:56:47 AM »

Well... they don't appeal much to me, since they're ugly and kind of bulky... but function matters. A Kimber would be nice for all, but not all have the $$$$ for that... good to hear that you can get a new American pistol on the cheap, and have a good pistol.

http://www.gunweek.com/2006/feature0120.html
and
http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/hipoint_100605/

jdwolf · « **Reply #14 on:** December 31, 2009, 09:57:30 AM »

Quote from: youthpastorjon on December 31, 2009, 04:02:53 AM

jdwolf,
How about the 380acp for concealed carry? That can't be to bulky can it?

Actually, the Hi Point 380 is exactly the same size pistol frame as the C9, so yes it is as bulky for concealed carry.

Ram72 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 02, 2010, 02:43:17 AM »

I have had a 40cal Hi-point carbine for years, and never had a problem, Your right about the handguns, they are a little big for conceled carry, but the 45 will be my next handgun buy.

ELMO · « **Reply #16 on:** February 07, 2010, 11:37:13 AM »

I just picked up a Hi-Point C9 at a local gunshow and plan on shooting it some, within the next week or so. I will probably get a hold of their customer service and ask some questions about the gun. It is nearly new and the person I got it from is a friend of mine. It came with no box or owners manual. I field stripped it and it wasn't really even dirty. I would like to get a couple more magazines for it later, but want to see how it shoots first. I looked at a P89DC by Ruger and didn't really like the decock deal on the gun and it was about $200.00 more than the C9. This model I have has fixed sights on it would like to know the date of manufacture of this gun. In my opinion, this is really not too bad of a gun from just holding it, but I'll know more after I shoot it..... Well I took the gun out and shot about 150 rounds through it and had some jams and I think it is merely the magazine. Some of the problems were fail to feed and a few fail to eject. Of the 150 rounds I had maybe 20 issues I mentioned. I made some magazine adjustments since, along with getting another magazine, but haven't shot the gun again yet. I called customer service and the woman I talked to was real pleasant and very helpful. The C9 I have was made back around 1999 and the lady said it was an old one. I don't think it is old, it has the aluminum alloy frame, slide does not stay open after last shot fired, and it has fixed sights. So there has been alot upgrading being done to this weapon. I was shooting mostly at a distance of 15 yards and It was keeping shots inside a pie plate, to me that wasn't so bad with some reloaded ammo, and some blazer ammo I was using. I need to try some different ammo in the gun next time I shoot it.... It was fun to shoot tho.... Another quick update: I shot 50 rounds today with new magazine and the one I worked on and no problems at all. So now I'm happy about how it shoots now and need to get some more ammo...It shoots the 115gr bullet real well......

striker525 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2010, 07:37:27 AM »

I have both the 45 and the 40. I purchased the 40 as a truck gun and was so surprised by the accuracy, trigger, and handling I got the 45. I don't reload for either yet but ran into similar problems as elmo did with Stove pipes, failure to feed, etc etc etc. That was until I started trying different ammunition. I started using the two listed in the article above and have had 0, nil, nada, no problems since. With this type pistol you have to remember it's blowback operated, and it needs a sufficient ammo in order to cycle correctly. I wouldn't trade either of mine for more expensive pistols. I figure they shoot accurately, their reliable, yeah they may be big and kinda ugly I would still take it over most pistols out there.

John R. · « **Reply #18 on:** February 17, 2010, 09:06:05 AM »

So if a Sig, Beretta, Springfield, and Hi-Point were on a table and you had your choice, you would pick the Hi-Point?

Oh well, to each his own.

rdb · « **Reply #19 on:** February 18, 2010, 12:11:33 PM »

Quote from: John R. on February 17, 2010, 09:06:05 AM

So if a Sig, Beretta, Springfield, and Hi-Point were on a table and you had your choice, you would pick the Hi-Point? Oh well, to each his own.

Well,.... if they're free. I bet I could pick up all four.

John R. · « **Reply #20 on:** February 19, 2010, 03:12:32 AM »

Sorry, you only get to pick one.

rdb · « **Reply #21 on:** February 19, 2010, 12:34:22 PM »

OK, I'll take the Beretta.

I really want a 92FS, but every time I walk by the counter at the hardware store I start thinking about the $159 Hi-Point. Made in the USA, lifetime warranty, vocal fan base. I think I'll get one....... right after a Beretta.

GH1 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 23, 2010, 12:18:05 AM »

If you're looking for a .380 for concealed carry check out Bersa, it's what I carry. They're reliable and affordable, costing about $300.00. I've shot about 500 rounds through mine of various types including FMJ, HP, and 90 gr cast roundnose and 100 gr cast truncated cone and I've never had a jam.
While Hi-Points are rugged, reliable, and affordable, they're too big for concealed carry in my opinion.
GH1

mrussel · « **Reply #23 on:** May 25, 2010, 08:48:55 PM »

Quote from: youthpastorjon on December 24, 2009, 05:24:16 PM

I have been looking into getting a handgun for occasional target shooting but mostly for concealed carry. I don't need or want a cadillac gun. I also don't want a piece of junk. Who owns a Hi Point and what do you think about it? The prices are unbelievable. I know they aren't much to look at but will they work for what I want? thanks

S&W Sigmas go for about 350. They had a 50 buck rebate going,don't know if it still is. Personally I carry a Rock Island Arms 1911-A1 Tactical. Its a great gun. True,its a "no-name" gun,but they are damn good,with amazing customer service. Just throw it into Google. Its also starting from a good design though. Its not a Wilson Combat,but it goes bang every single time I pull the trigger. People who have RIAs love them,for good reason. The tactical goes for 450,the stripped down (or classic depending on your viewpoint) GI model goes for 389.

One guy at a sporting goods store had a really good way of putting it about guns. He said if you spend 400 or so on a gun,you can expect something reliable you can depend on. To go further with that,if you spend that much and you get something that isn't reliable and you cant depend on it,then someone ripped you off. (I remember 15 years ago I bought my a Browning Hi-Power for around 400 dollars. They go for 900 now,those were the days!) Another option is to go for a good used gun. There was a FN Hi-Power at my local gunstore last month for 400. You cant do better than that. (Browning does not make Hi-Powers,FN does,browning just puts their logo on them,so a FN is just fine,FM is a different story though,although I hear they are pretty good from some people)

What I would consider is,if you don't have a gun and need something to protect yourself with,you need something that works,and that you know will work. I might consider for instance buying a 100 gun if there was something I liked about it. I wouldn't carry it though,I have my 1911 for that. If after a few thousand rounds through it I found it really was as reliable as my 1911,then I might consider it if for some reason I had to carry something different than the 1911 one day. (Maybe it was in the shop of something,which is unlikely because it ALWAYS works

) If it turned out to jam a lot,that would be OK too,because its just a toy to take to the range.
I guess if I only had 150 dollars to spend though,I would buy the cheap gun,run a box of ammo or two through it and carry it. Having a gun that will probably work if you find yourself needing it is better than having no gun at all. For awhile I had nothing but a single shot 12ga shotgun around the house. I kept a box of 3" 00 buck next to it. Reality is you live with what you have. If you have a single shot shotgun,then make the most of it. If all you had was a muzzle loader,you keep it loaded and make sure your one and only shot is going to hit its target. If you have nothing,at all,throw that big butcher knife in the night stand. Better to let out a defiant scream and go down lunging at the attacker with a kitchen knife than be shot like a cow being taken to the slaughter house.

Actually,thinking about it,I spent 70 dollars on my 1950s vintage Sears 12ga pump action. If your carrying,then you need a handgun,but if your defending your home,a cheap used shotgun may be the weapon of choice. Just the sound of the slide will send any halfway rational man running.

Delbert · « **Reply #24 on:** May 29, 2010, 12:00:01 AM »

Oh, here we go with Hi-Point debates about how they compare against Glock, S&W, Berettas, so on, so on. When Hi-Point came out in 1992, these guns were designed for a "WORKING MAN". Not for Military, Police, Security Guards or any other speciality group that required a gun for it's mission, BUT the simple common working man. That's why they're priced the way they are. However, a few Police officers in little communities ARE USING the Hi-Point "carbine" as they're backup, because they've found it to be very reliable. They aren't built with Titanium firing pins, stainless slides with highly polished nickel plated aircraft grade frames. They're made from some funny alloy called Zirmak with a simple blowback action, plastic triggers and plastic in the frames, WITH STEEL in all the correct areas for the working mechanisms. They might jam or they might not, but if they do, it's either from the ammo used, the magazine lips may not be correctly bent to specs(needle-nose pliers take care of this), magazine lips have burrs on lips that catch the shell to keep it from feeding correctly(dremel takes care of this), or shooter is limp-wristing the gun. But lets face it, if the gun works--who cares if it costs $100. If it goes BANG everytime you pull the trigger, it's the best investment you've made to help save your life or your family's life, regardless of whether it's used now, or in the future. There's no need to spend $1000 just to get the same BANG. Except, bragging rights on what the gun costs. As to carry/conceal, I think they are on the large size for that. Open carry--yes. Yes, I own Hi-Points. A 40JCP and a 995TS(9mm) and I WOULD BET MY LIFE ON THEM SAVING MY FAMILY. I also own a Bersa 380 and a Hi-Standard 22lr from the 60's. If that's not enough I have a Mossberg in 30-06, a Weatherby in 243, and various 22's. If anybody thinks a Hi-Point is CHEAP JUNK--I dare you to go with me to (my) gun range, to settle the issue. It's cheap on price and the alloys/plastic's used, and doesn't have the refinements that Sig, S&W, Springfield, and other makes have, but they also don't costs as much either. Besides, if somebody actually broke into your home, how long do you really think they'll stay around once you fire a couple rounds in their direction? I'm sure they won't ask--Hey what kind of gun are you using???
Del

bckskin2 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 07, 2010, 09:37:31 AM »

Gun Test has tested the .380 & 9MM handguns and the 9MM & .40 carbines. All equaled or exceed some much more expensive weapons. For concealed carry I would pick the Bersa over the Hi-Point, but to carry around the farm I'm just trying to decide between the .380 & the 9MM. There are more choice of 9MM ammo. Plus if I have to shoot a 2 legged pole cat I have more faith in the 9MM! The .380 grouped better than the 9MM, but if you find a load the 9MM likes it might be different.
The big quibble are a slippery grip and the trigger. The grip is an easy fix. The trigger?
FYI the most accurate 9MM I ever owned was the cheapest and ugliest! An old military Astra
The prettiest and most expensive was a Colt Combat Commander. When it would feed it was horribly inaccurate. A pistol smith said he could fix both for more than I paid for the pistol so I traded it in on a S&W revolver.
Wish I would have kept that Astra!

ratdog · « **Reply #26 on:** May 31, 2011, 09:38:03 PM »

what about ammo failure or a certain brand doesn't function in your particular gun you can't always trust factory ammo my ruger p95 now gone was particular what you fed it my high points haven't a problem after 500 rnds and counting haven't even cleaned them yet.even with reloads my buddies kimber would jam every 3 or 4 rounds he didn't think it was funny. no gun is fail safe.

hoopnitram · « **Reply #27 on:** June 01, 2011, 01:47:47 AM »

When I saw the .40 pistol I told my friend that it looks like a Polaroid camera, he had bought it in a group buy, I traded him a Star 9mm for it and a .40 carbine.
After having them for a year now,what a quality product, the pistol is very accurate ,not many feeding issues and a hoot to shoot. Now the carbine has become my carry every day rifle, I mow 145 miles of grass roads here in Missouri, it stays on the tractor every day, rain or shine, is very deadly on armadillos out to about 50 yards, most of them are within 20 yards. Every time I blow out the radiator ,I clean the rifle the same way. The only problem is the reciever tends to rust easy and the metal hand guard rattled, the clip is easy to fall out, I painted the reciever, hung the shield in the shop and made a lanyard out of a cable fishing leader and stung it through the trigger guard. Yes, I abuse these arms, I am not much of a purist, would I trust my life with one?, I haven"t been shot by an Armadillo yet..
Hoop

bckskin2 · « **Reply #28 on:** June 01, 2011, 02:17:49 AM »

That's kind of what I'm looking for to carry on the tractor around the farm. We don't have armadillo's, We have 'possums.

hoopnitram · « **Reply #29 on:** June 01, 2011, 03:20:46 PM »

Gotta watch them possums!!!!