Hi-Point 9mm Compact or Compensated?

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I have plenty of guns. And according to "Popular opinion" QUALITY guns. Sig, Dan Wesson, S&W, CZ, Springfield Armory, Colt, Walther, etc... I picked up a used Hi-point C-9mm a couple weeks back for $55. I figured, what the hell. Of course I've heard how they are cheap and crap; but the funny thing is: 99% of those who said they were cheap and crap, NEVER OWNED ONE. Yet, of those who DID own one, 99% said that they were reliable and accurate. So I figured I'd check it out myself. I've only shot 1 box through it; this weekend; but I have to say that the reviews from those who actually OWN ONE, is a lot more accurate and in line with what I found. I think those who say they are cheap and crap, and have never owned one, are simply rationalizing the money they spent on their guns. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that the Hi-point I bought is the exact same quality and build as my Sig P220 or Springfield 1911A1. But considering Hi-point has EXCELLENT customer service, life time warranty even if you're the 3rd+ owner, and are excellent at helping you, (I called them and tested their customer service), and the gun seam quite reliable; I would have no reservations about having one for self defense. It's ugly and hard to conceal carry; but it's fine for in my truck, in the garage, strategically placed in my house, etc... I would have no problem trusting it to work. Again; there will be those who rationalize their opinions. "Go ahead and buy a Hi-Point. If you want to RISK your life to it..... Bla, Bla, Bla". Well again; it seems that those who say these things never owned one. Of when they bought one new; they didn't read the part where it says it needs a couple hundred rounds to break in the magazine properly to allow for reliable feeding.

I have $1000+ guns. I know what it's like trying to rationalize the price tag. And I've definitely had first hand experience with JUNK guns like the Bryco/Jennings/Jiminez where I've shot hundreds of rounds through them and had many issues. As has MANY other people. But Hi-point doesn't seem to be in that same category. Just because the price is, doesn't mean the gun is. It's cheap, because it's a BLOW-BACK design. Normally, a blow back would never be used for anything over a 9mm makarov. But throughout the years, numerous companies tried making the blow back work for higher power calibers. Many had success, but obviously the gun has to be heavier, bulkier, and such to handle the recoil. Hi-point found a compromise between ugly, bulky, heavy, operational, and inexpensive. I have no reservations recommending a Hi-point to anyone.
 
So would say you are a convert or were you indifferent to them in the past? I've had very good luck with all my Hi-Points. I especially like the .40.

Now that you know you must spread the word. Or will could that actually cause the prices to go up on these bargain guns?
 
Not sure if "Convert" is the right word. I was more indifferent. I never owned one until now. I shot a couple, but only a couple rounds at the range. You know, here try mine.... Ok, here try mine. But my general impression prior, was that they were in the same category as the Davis, Jennings, Jiminez, Phoenix, etc.... And being I was on mostly the "Generic" gun forums; not brand specific; I heard mostly bad reviews. But when our local gun store won a bid for about 150 repossessed guns from the local police/sheriff departments, I looked through what they had. Obviously, mostly cheaper guns, rifles, and shotguns. But while there were about 5 Bryco/Jennings/Jiminez sitting there, there were only 2 Hi-Points. A 380 and a C-9mm. They originally wanted $69 for the C-9mm WITHOUT a magazine. But because they carried some magazines, they wanted $89 with a magazine. But I buy a lot of guns from them. And to be honest, they know that I know my guns, and actually they were shocked that I was even interested in the Hi-point. There were some other decent guns, but I really don't need any more. But after doing a lot of searching on the forums and reviews on the hi-points, I really started to notice the trend on Owners vs non-owners. So I went back. I had to buy some ammo and powder anyway, and chatted with them. With the magazine, she let me have it for $55. I figured I didn't have anything to lose. It's only money.

Well, so far so good. After I get back from Christmas vacation, I'll send the gun into Hi-Point to have them adjust a couple small things; give it a good cleaning and inspection. Then I'll give it a thorough shooting. At least 400 rounds. But if it performs like it did yesterday, then I definitely will have no problem recommending it to people interested in a gun. Obviously, the Hi-Point isn't the "Everything for Everyone" gun. I probably would never carry it because of it's bulk and size. Also, because of that, I wouldn't recommend it to a person with small hands. And whenever a person is looking for their 1st gun; which is going to double for home defense, I ALWAYS recommend a revolver. They are easier to use and require less mental involvement like a semi does. And considering most people who own a gun for home defense probably don't shoot it but once a year if they're lucky, a revolver is the best choice. But for those who want a 2nd gun; another gun for plinking; another gun for upstairs/downstairs in case of a break in; in their car/truck in case; etc... Then I feel totally confident in recommending the Hi-Point. No, it's not as good as my SigSauer P220, but that's the difference between a $150 gun and an $850 gun. But if all you want a gun to do is go BANG when you pull the trigger; hit what you aim at, at 30 feet; and not fall apart after the first couple shots; then the Hi-Point is definitely a good choice.

And I firmly believe that the majority of people who say that Hi-Points are cheap and crap, really have no idea what they're talking about. I think they are truly just rationalizing their high priced gun. And I can honestly have this opinion, because it seems that those with that opinion never owned one. And again, those who did own one and had these opinions, owned it for a very short time and didn't read the instructions about the break in period. Oh well. That's my 2 cents.
 
I like the Hi-Point Carbine. And I've only fired a Comp9 once. (well, one session). I wouldn't carry it. And I wouldn't want to depend on it if I could have a Kel-Tec, Glock, Sig, etc.....

That being said, if I function checked one to make sure it was really reliable, I wouldn't feel bad about having it as a backup, or a "spare gun" or truck/car gun.

Their Carbines are really fun to use. And the ones I've used have been quite reliable. I still don't know about a gun that doesn't take down without tools, but yeah.... good for the money. Just make sure your example works before keeping it for self-defense.
 
mordec; I don't think I follow your reasoning. You admit that you only fired a C-9 once, and it wasn't yours. Then you say you wouldn't carry it or depend on it. Why??? Because someone said so??? Someone on the internet???? And as for having it a backup; that too makes no sense. The only time you should need a backup is if your primary didn't work (That's comforting to know, considering the confidence you placed in it); or that your primary was somehow taken from you or made not available. Any gun you have, and plan to use, you need to have the same level of confidence in it as you do your #1 primary weapon. It doesn't matter if it's the primary or a backup. The only compromise you usually make with a backup, is caliber. (Because it's usually extremely concealed).

As for a gun that you can't take down without tools, that's totally irrelevant to it's reliability or capabilities. Sorry, but you are in the same category of those who seem to knock the Hi-point. You don't own one; you have little to no experience with one; and you have a Strong opinion of one. You are definitely entitled to your opinion. I'm just trying to understand the rational behind such an opinion. And to be honest, it doesn't matter what you've read, because I can spit out just as many articles that will say it's a pretty good and reliable gun. And that doesn't matter either. My opinion is owning one that I've torn apart about as far as it can go. I've personally spoken with customer service to see how well they'll support me. I've shot one box of ammo through the one I bought. Granted, that's not enough experience. That's why I said I would have to shoot at least another 400 rounds through it before recommending it. But you're saying you wouldn't depend on one, and you don't trust it, based on........ um, nothing. Sorry.
 
if you like a hi-point for the love of god buy it, they work.
if you don't like them, keep walking...and find something that works for you.

as for me... well i like them too.

 
sarduy; I agree with you 100%. It's definitely about liking it or not. I'm just curious as to why so many people; and mordech proves to be another one; seem so negative about a gun that they have no real experience with. If a person says: They're too big.... I'll buy that. If they say: They're too bulky.... I'll buy that. If they say: They're too heavy.... I'll buy that. Even if they say: They're too ugly.... I'll buy that. But any opinion on it's reliability, functionality, quality, accuracy, etc... either has to be first hand; or of the opinion of a trusted critic who has first hand knowledge. Even if I read a bunch of articles by trusted critics, I might tend to lean that way.

The problem I have found, is that outside of those people who have little to no first hand experience with these guns, I can't find any reputable critics who have written any negative reports. I can find somewhat reputable articles in magazines like Shooting Times; http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/hipoint_100605/ that say it's good. But I can't seem to find the negative articles.

I heard a lot of great opinions on Sig, CZ, Walther, S&W, Ruger, etc... But I always took those personal opinions; and then looked for "Professional" opinions to collaborate the opinion. I'm not saying anyone should buy a Hi-Point. I believe, like you, that a person should buy what they like. Unfortunately, I believe that there's a good chance that there's some people out there that need an extremely basic gun, and that they can't afford much, and they're being turn off of a Hi-Point by some very ignorant people. And those needing a gun, for some very serious reasons, are either going without until they can afford what they heard is a "Good" gun; or they're putting themselves in even deeper financial problems because they went out and bought the $500 glock even though they really couldn't afford it.

Personally; I love the feel, weight, accuracy, and performance of my Sig P220 better than any gun I've ever fired in my entire life. There is absolutely no way I would ever consider getting rid of that gun. No, not for $1000 or even $2000. But I also have to be realistic. When I am a formal function; tux or suit; etc...; the P220 is just not the right gun. I have a Walther PPK or an FEG 32acp for those conditions. I've also got a CZ for other times. But there are times and places that I can use a Hi-Point. I just have a difficult time with ignorance.
 
christcorp: I wouldn't want to depend on one if I had a better gun... and my opinion is that Kel-Tec, Sig, Glock, Springfield, Ruger, etc. ALL make a better gun.

That being said, to me they are the best of the cheap guns. I would rather have a Hi-Point than have a sharpened stick, or a long knife. Although some have jamming problems, most are quite reliable, and accurate.

And as I said, I like the carbine.

Here's what it boils down to. I believe Hi-Points are where it's at if you are one of the following:

You have enough money to afford better defensive weapons, but want an inexpensive plinker. They do have inferior ergonomics, and build quality, but it doesn't matter when you're only going to shoot a few rounds at the range, or have it as a backup, or secondary weapon.

You are poor. You have bills. But you need to protect yourself. If you get a lemon, the warranty will save your bacon. And any issues regarding ergonomics, or build quality are secondary to it working, and being reliable.


PS

The carbine is just fun. I love shooting 'em.
 
mordech; I totally understand and appreciate your opinion. My "ONLY" question is: "How have you come up with your opinion"? You don't own one. You admit that you barely shot one. The only negative reviews seem to come from people who also never owned one. Yes, articles such as http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/hipoint_100605/ say that the Hi-Point C-9mm is a very good gun. Not saying you aren't entitled to your opinion. But where do you get your information to say that the Hi-Point is simply better than a sharp stick? Or that's it's only for poor people or people who only shoot a couple hundred rounds a year. I am in no way saying you are wrong. You could be 110% totally correct. I simply would like to know "WHERE" you get your information from to base such an opinion on. That is all I ever ask anyone. That includes the other way around. When someone tells me that the HK is one of the greatest pistols in the world, I ask them if they own one. If they say yes, then I accept their opinion. If they say no, then I ask for the name of the "Expert" who made a review or whatever and they are basing their opinion from. Same with the Hi-point. To have an opinion, you either have 1st hand experience. (You admit yours is limited). OR: You've read some reviews by reputable columnists and firearm experts. (Most that I've read, had very good things to say about the Hi-Point - Please provide links to expert reviews with negative opinions). OR: You've gone to numerous gun forums, frequented by Hi-Point users, and have noticed a "Trend" of problems. (I personally frequent close to 8-10 firearm forums. Some are Hi-Point exclusive. Approximately 99% of all posts are Non-PROBLEM related. I.e. Same as S&W, Glock, etc... E.g. Look at my new toy; where can I buy mags, help we get a holster, etc...) In other words; they are PROBLEM related posts.

So; those are the main 3 areas people can form an opinion. I'm simply trying to determine which of the 3 sources you've based your opinion from. If neither; then you can't blame me if I'm not convinced that your opinion may not be fact based, but rather rationalization for your own gun purchases, or because some poster wrote something negative about the hi-point after staying at a Holiday Inn-Express one night.
 
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christcorp, I don't mean to defend one person on here over another, but you seem to just want to argue. Can we either bring it back on topic or let it die a quick and painless death?

and for what it's worth, common sense will tell you that anything that shoots a projectile is "better than a sharp stick". You don't need an army of scientist to prove that one. Just think on it.
 
My first gun after getting back into shooting was a used C-9. For a $100 if it was a POS I could just trade it in. I still own it. it is a reliable inexpensive plinker that works everytime i pull the trigger. Because of it's larger size I don't think you need the compensated version.
I would suggest a Houge slip on rubber grip and a 10 round mag. The only options needed to turn it into a great inexpensive plinker.
hipoint.gif
 
For a little more relatively, you can pick up a Ruger P89 used. That's probably the best decision you can make in this case.



just my .02
 
haha... I searched, and found a couple of threads... I was curious as to what other guns have a bad rep here... well I only looked at the first page of a couple of multi page threads (20+ pages each...) and I came up with the following list of junk to never purchase...

Glock
Charter arms
Kahr
Walther
Ruger
Glock
Taurus
Bushmaster
SW Sigma
Kimber
Heritage Arms
Sig
Hi-Point
Norinco
 
hi-points and the like are garbage. Why? They sure aren't made to last. Look at the materials. If you have one and it gets you all chummy downstairs, that's great. But they aren't guns that are going to outlive you. The more mainstream manufacturers have put more into their guns and the prices reflect it. There are occasional lemons, so don't go creaming your pants when someone posts how much they hate their HK, Kimber, Sig, Glock, etc because their extractor broke. It's a good feeling to own something that you know to be of undeniable high quality. Guns are an investment. Invest wisely so you have a collection you'd be glad to pass on to your critters.
 
christcorp:

I formed this opinion not only based on the 100+ rounds I fired out of one in an afternoon a while back. I also base it upon the observation of a few owners of them I've known and several forums, (including a Hi-Point forum). I do this with all firearms. Partly that comes from also (if it has been subjected) military testing of weapons (which of course has never happened with the Hi-Point. It's decent for the purposes I mentioned, but a couple of Hi-Point owners I've known have had them break around 5,000 rounds. A gun that won't last much past 5,000 rounds just can't compete with the higher quality brands. And when it's the size of a Hi-Point, it doesn't have the CCW capabilities of a KelTec.

Sharp stick was a joke. Kidding on the square. I'd rather have a Hi-Point than a Bryco, Jimenez, or Davis Arms as well. It's the king of the inexpensive guns, in addition to a sharp stick, bow and arrow, spear, knife, sword..... that being said, it's just not as high a quality as any of the pistols I mentioned in my prior post.

That's my case, my final word. Don't like it, fine. But, I think I gave it a fair assessment.
 
so i just got a hi point c9 9mm and i love it...but has anyone found a laser sight that will fit them for a decent price?
 
Have you tried cheaper than dirt for a laser? I just seen one on there this morning. I just bought the Hi-Point .380 acp and like it also. My purpose for it is home defence. Only problem I have is that here in New England the .380 ammo is HARD to find and if it is found they will only sell you two boxes at a time.
 
w_houle, instead of modding a seriously expensive silencer to mount with allen bolts, why not remove the comp and thread the extra length of barrel ?

id rather alter the $150 gun, than the $500+ silencer......

and with that being said, hi-point doesnt operate with a locked breech, too much gas ( and noise for that matter ) escapes from the breech in this manner. not a very suitable choice for a silencer.

i want to make it clear i'm not knocking hi-point, i've had mine for 9 years now and had only 2 failures, in about 10,000 rounds. they are ugly as hell, but they work. i love that they are all american made as well...
the same reason that they are so affordable ( design, Mfg. techniques, & materials ) is also the reason they arent a suitable supression platform.
 
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