Hi Point?

[Smoovbiscuit]

Hi everyone, so I am considering purchasing a Hi Point c9 for a target pistol. I have heard lots of mixed reviews about hi points, and I would like to hear from anyone who has used one before about what your experience was like with them. I have a very tight budget, and basically my decision is either buy a hi point or no gun at all. I already have a S&W .357 mag for self defense, I'm just looking for a 9mm to use at the range, and I'm not concerned with the weight of the gun or how ugly it is. Please don't post if you haven't shot one before.

 

[LawScholar]

The Hi-Point C9 is a pistol of great controversy in the gun community.

Here are things that are facts:
- They are ugly as sin (but then, some say that about Glocks)
- The slide is heavy

However, here are more facts
- They are extremely cheap
- Very few owners report problems
- The company stands behind the product
- They are utterly reliable

I will never own a Hi-Point. I'd rather save the money for something aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Even a Ruger P-Series is a drastic step up in quality for not too much money. That, however, is a testament to my view of guns rather than a comment on Hi-Point's quality. As a range plinker, you'll be fine with a C9.

Now, let the games begin...

 

[Smoovbiscuit]

Thanks for your response, I would love a Ruger P 95 I just don't think I can get the extra $100-150 right now.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

Moving this to Handguns, Autoloaders.

I shot my first Hi Point a couple of weeks ago (my BIL bought one). I thought it recoiled more than a .45 that size should, but that's likely a function of the blowback design. The controls looked flimsy and cheap, but they worked and, what the hey, you gotta expect cheap parts on a cheap gun.

I was favorably impressed. I think they make a great range gun, especially for the cost. Too large to carry, but I don't carry most of the handguns I own.

 

[iareConfusE]

Check out my thread on another forum about the Hi Point. It turned into 8 pages of drama and debate. I stopped debating about 1/4 of the way through the discussion.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=380450

 

[Onward Allusion]

As a bare-budget defense pistol, sure. As a target pistol - not really. It's a bit uncomfortable to shoot and has a cheap feeling trigger. It does go bang when you pull the trigger though.

Where's the popcorn?

Smoovbiscuit
Hi Point?
Hi everyone, so I am considering purchasing a Hi Point c9 for a target pistol. I have heard lots of mixed reviews about hi points, and I would like to hear from anyone who has used one before about what your experience was like with them. I have a very tight budget, and basically my decision is either buy a hi point or no gun at all. I already have a S&W .357 mag for self defense, I'm just looking for a 9mm to use at the range, and I'm not concerned with the weight of the gun or how ugly it is. Please don't post if you haven't shot one before.

[

 

[ET]

I've owned a Hi-Point for 12 years now. The things being said about Hi-Point pistols above are true. I would consider it more of a plinking gun than a target pistol. I own 9 pistols and of those I would catagorize only 1 as a target pistol...the Buckmark Camper. It is extremely accurate, has good sights & a long barrel. Of course it only shoots 22 caliber ammo, but that is what I prefer when I'm shooting 500 rounds at a time.

When I take my other guns to the range I am practicing shooting them in SD situations since that is how they are used everyday. The Hi-Point doesn't go to the range because it is heavy, big & uncomfortable to shoot. For a 9mm it does recoil more than one would expect it to. I let it stay in my big tool box in the garage just in case I need it in an emergency. Personally I think it is better suited for that roll instead of going to the range.

 

[Smoovbiscuit]

Hmm thanks for your input guys, I guess I'll have to go hold one and see if it's something I should consider. I see what you mean about it not being the best target pistol, a range plinker would be a better word for what I'm looking for, I understand its not a competition gun.

I like to use my SD gun(s) at the range too, but I only have one handgun where I live right now and I would enjoy a little variety when I'm at the range. But hell, if I had 9 handguns I wouldn't take a HP to the range either! I used to have a Glock 22 and S&W 44 mag along with a couple other handguns but I ran into serious financial troubles and had to sell them, man do I regret that. Maybe its worth waiting until I find a cheap used Ruger or something though.

 

[Mr_X]

If you already have the .357 for defense. How about just
getting a nice .22lr for range practice? Thats loads cheaper
than 9mm anyday.

The basics are all there minus the recoil. You can get some
great .22 autos for not a lot of money.

Just my .02

 

[pikid89]

if your planning on getting this for recreational purposes only, you obviously do not need it right away, thus, save up for that ruger....i think you will be much happier in the long run

 

[mgmorden]

if your planning on getting this for recreational purposes only...hold out for that ruger....i think you will be much happier in the long run

Seconded. Really, when you think about it, you're looking at $20-25 per trip to the range just in ammo to feed any centerfire pistol. If you're looking for a target pistol, I'd question any serious contention with being able to save another $100-150. Hold off another month or two and then get the gun.

The Hi-point works, but a giant crescent wrench will also drive a nail. Doesn't mean most people wouldn't be happier with a hammer though.

Heck, look around at the used market. While out and about just this weekend I saw several good used 9mm's marked $250 - which means with some wheeling and dealing they'll usually go a bit lower. One was a Ruger P-89. I've also seen several of the older Tanfoglio and Star 9mm autos going on Gunbroker for $200-250 as well.

 

[krazykeny]

Try the Hi-Point Forum
http://www.hipointfirearmsforums.com/Forum/index.php

 

[Smoovbiscuit]

I see your point, but I am a little weary to buy a used auto from a gun store because I couldn't test it first. One of the things that makes me want a Hi Point is the lifetime warranty.

My situation is I just turned 20, so I can't buy a handgun from an FFL on my own, but I currently live near a family member that will get one for me, but I won't live near them much longer, and I don't have monthly income so basically to get more money I would have to sell more of my stuff and I'm not very eager to do that.

And Mr X I have access to several 22s to shoot so a 22 is not on the top of my list of guns to buy.

 

[ThePunisher'sArmory]

Save up $150 more dollars and buy a Ruger P95. Better gun, equal warranty, and will eat every kind of ammo you feed it. I've had 2 for 2 years with thousands of rounds through them and have never had ANY failures! Well worth the $300!!!

 

[Smoovbiscuit]

Ruger has a lifetime warranty? Ill have to look into it more.

 

[mcdonl]

Smoov, buy the gun, I have a C9 and a 995 carbine and never had any issues with either. They are fine.

 

[writerinmo]

I have the C9 Compensated model and the JCP .40. Both have proven to be reliable and accurate due to the fixed barrel design. Some have noted they didn't like the trigger, Hi Point has made a new one that is skeletonized and has a larger pad area where your finger rests. I milled my own out of 3/8" aluminum with the rear cut down to the standard size, makes it feel like an entirely different pistol. Had some problems with the mags at first but tore them down and deburred them and set them to the specs a lot of the guys swear by over on the hi point forum, not a hiccup since then. Well worth the money in my opinion just for a range shooter, certainly not a carry gun at all, even with the 8 round mags they are still a bit bulky.

 

[russ45]

I know people who shoot them. They seem reliable and accurate, heavy and ugly. Uglier than a Glock, if you can imagine that.

 

[Deanimator]

Hi everyone, so I am considering purchasing a Hi Point c9 for a target pistol.

Then you're definitely looking at the WRONG gun.

If you get one that works, then some would find it acceptable as a cheap "throwaway" home defense gun. I wouldn't even consider it that, but far more so than a "target pistol".

Buy yourself a used Ruger MkII or a Browning Buckmark .22. They're better guns, ammunition's FAR cheaper, and you'll be able to learn to shoot properly without fighting the gun.

 

[Smoovbiscuit]

I actually don't think Glocks are ugly. Hi Points are ugly by comparison but I think I can get past the looks.

Deanimator, read my other posts. And "throwaways" are for criminals and felons, and I'm neither. If I shoot someone in self defense it wouldn't make any sense to get rid of my gun, how would you explain the gunshots and body to the cops?

 

[RugerNut9]

go for it! im about to go buy one for the simple fact that ive never shot one and hell i can get it for cheap and more than likely re sell it for about the same price or more depending on what kind of mood my gun guy is in today haha

 

[KingContraryMan]

I have a C9. The slide is polished. I mention this because the slide is hard to grip with sweaty hands and could be a game changer at the wrong time, but fine for the range, though I haven't taken it there yet.

 

[kayak-man]

Really depends on what you mean by "target pistol." If you're going to be shooting bullseye pistol matches, its probably not the gun you want. If you're just plinking, its just fine. The only thing I'd worry about is the cost of ammo, but if thats not a n issue, go for it.

I have the hi-point in .45 and I think its a great gun. I shoot it just as well as my Ruger MKIII target pistol, and I think the magazine is easier to load I don't know where you're at, but if you're ever in my neck of the woods, you're welcome to try my .45

The only two complaints that I have with that gun is that to field strip it, theres a pin you have to drive out. That being said, in all the years I've owned it, I have NEVER field stripped it for cleaning, just ran a brush down the bore. As a result, I also can't remember it EVER jamming. There was no break in period. It just shot. When I settle down and get my "final" place, I'm planning on picking up a few of these and hiding them around the house.

As for the second complaint that I have: Its not Dan Wesson 1911. In the Hi-Points Defence, it had no hand in choosing how it was born, so I cut it some slack

Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson

 

[aHFo3]

as a cheap "throwaway" home defense gun

I don't think he was speaking of criminal technique. I think Deanimator meant that if you ever had to use a firearm for home defense the likelihood of ever getting the gun back from the police is low.

I may be wrong.

 

[shiftyer1]

I've owned one for quite some time and tortured it pretty bad. Aside from one oops which was fixed and returned with 2 mags from the factory in a timely manner, it's been great.

I can't hit a fly with it at 20 yards but I sure scare the hell out of it! It's accurate for defense purposes and will probably shoot better than you.

It's ugly and heavy but you get what you pay for. In this case a little extra. I think its a great pistol in useful calibers that works and is VERY affordable.

If you can get another $150 or so in a short period of time then save it and spend a little more on a better pistol but if you have the cash now and want to buy something before you change your mind....the highpoint is a good buy.

I have several handguns but if I found another highpoint used for the right price, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. Actually i think i'm gonna start looking for another for a car gun

My truck ain't worth much and it sure ain't pretty but she does everything she's supposed to do just fine! The guns about the same but with a great warrenty.