Next step up from Hi-Point?

[Hans Esker]

I was wondering, what the next step up from Hi-Point is in handguns. I am on a tight budget, but Hi-Point does not seem like a very good handgun from what I have read, and I am willing to spend more for quality.
I am probably going to go with something in 9mm as a first handgun.
Would be for Concealed Carry.

 

[Hoppy590]

9mm?

you can get a nice Surplus SIG for cheap. you get a really good gun at a cheap price
http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Sig_Sauer_P225_P6_9mm_Pistol.html
http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...-several-weeks-/cPath/16_234/products_id/1903

another good choice is the S&W Sigma for under 300 normaly with a rebate, free mags, or both

 

[chris in va]

What price range are you looking at? $400 will really open up your options.

 

[JeepGeeek]

Keltec is a fine weapon for CCW.

Nothing wrong with the HiPoint if that's all you can afford.

Don't go with what you've read- that's mostly folks that don't own the weapon.

 

[jlh26oo]

I'll 2nd the Sig P6, best buy for under $300.

But if it must be N.I.B., you could get a Ruger P95 or S&W SW9VE for $300 shipped, and a Kahr CW9 or Taurus 24/7 for not much more.

 

[Thernlund]

You can get a Sigma on Gunbroker pretty cheap.


-T.

 

[jlh26oo]

SW9VE Sigma

As in N.I.B. under $300 shipped pretty cheap.

 

[Disaster]

The next step up is a pretty big jump...in cost, ergonomics and concealability. For between $250-$400 you can find deals in used LEO guns, clearanced guns, and a couple lower end models. Here are some likely suspects.

new Ruger P95. $280-$320.
used Sig P6 German police. $250-$300.
used S&W steel and alloy framed police. $260-$350.
used Glock police. $320-$380.
new CZ40b. $290-$340
new FNP9m $390-$420
new Steyr M9-A1 $330-$360.
new Taurus 24/7 $340-$360.
new EAA Witness $340-$380.

CDNN Sports has a lot of good deals on the above mentioned guns and always gets new deals on used LEO's.

 

[Storm]

If it's for carry I'd strongly consider the Sig P6. I conisder the P6 to be a whole bunch of notches up from a Hi Point, but in terms of price it isn't that big of a jump.

 

[bestseller92]

Ruger P95.

 

[tinygnat219]

Starting with quality and cost:

Taurus (lowest from both points, although I'd own a Hi-Point sooner than a Taurus).
Kel-Tec
Ruger.

 

[Thernlund]

...I'd own a Hi-Point sooner than a Taurus...

You don't hear that everyday.


-T.

 

[skinewmexico]

+1 on CDNN, call for a catalog. A guy I work with has a Hi-point 45, and we just can't make that thing quit working. I hate to even admit how reliable it has been. And it came with a map to all the local liquor stores.

 

[Rex B]

You can buy a Keltec P11 for around $225 if you shop it, cheaper good used.
I'm on my 3rd one, nice gun. Fits the hand well, shoots to point of aim.
Comes with a 10-round mag, but Keltec sells a 12-rnd that fits flush, or you can use 15-rnd S&W model 59 mags. For the 10 or 12 rnd, get the pinky extension.

For a little more money get a PF9. It's thinner, but holds less ammo.

 

[QwikKotaTx]

"what the next step up from Hi-Point is in handguns."

Kitchen knife?

Seriously though, a Kahr CW is a good budget pistol. Used Glock is a no brainer as well. Springfield XD etc. I sold my Hi-Point before the check hit the bank.

 

[FireArmFan]

I bought a used Springfield XD-40 subcompact for $400. It's great for concealed carry, it's reliable, and accurate. There are a lot of options for $400 or less.

 

[Mark K. C.]

Don't overlook used and trade-in's. There are some good deals out there.

 

[basicblur]

As far as features, size, etc, Taurus Millenium Pro?
(I'm talking new, with an eye on holding the price)

I can't vouch for quality-do your own research!
I've got one (my "cheap" gun) and like the grip/size/features (PT145), but could not hit squat with it (only gun I can't shoot)!
Ran out of range time before I could narrow down the problem-I'm hoping the sights just need adjusting.
It functions fine, and recoil ain't bad at all.

Going up one step from the Taurus, I'd try an XD SC?
Never been a big Ruger fan (although I have been eyeing the SR9), but I do have one of the LCPs on order!

 

[Browning]

Good self defense handguns for less than $300

In no particular order I'd look at the....

Hungarian FEG PA-63 in 9X18

Sig P6 in 9mm

S&W Model 10 in .38 Special

S&W Model 65's and 66's in .357 Mag

CZ-52's in 7.62X25

Ruger P-89's in 9mm.

S&W Sigma 9mm or .40 S&W.

Argentine FM's (Browning High Power Copies) in 9mm.

All of these can be found for less than $300, some of them for as cheap as $150.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

There are also used and factory refurbished Glock 17's and 19's, but they usually go for around $350 to $400.

 

[Lashlarue]

kel-tec p11, I've owned one since they were first introducked, 15+ trouble free years.I have the hi-point carbine, gussied up a bit, also a great shooter.

 

[makarovnik]

In all honesty, probably a Bersa, Makarov or Polish P64. I did buy a Hungarian PA-63 but didn't like it and traded it for a Hi-Point compact 9mm. The recoil was nasty with the PA-63 and it jammed frequently. I put in a spring kit and rubber grips on the PA-63 and it helped a little but the recoil was still a bit much and it still jammed. I did the same thing on my P64 and it shoots nicely now.

The only problem I have with the Hi-Point is I wouldn't feel safe carrying it with a round in the chamber. A little top heavy but still a good shooter.

 

[larry starling]

All the corner thugs in Charlotte swear by the Highpoint. IMHO if thats all you can afford then get it. What the heck if it ever quits working u=you can always use it as a hammer.......

 

[makarovnik]

Or a cordless drill.

 

[Don357]

+5 on the Bersa/Firestorm 9mm or .45, Taurus "Mil-Pro" 9mm, .40S&W or .45, Kel-Tec P-11 9mm or P-40 .40S&W(if you can find one). In my opinion, these are my first choices for a CCW at an affordable price. Just check with your local gunshops and pawn shops, they can be treasure troves for inexpensive used firearms.

 

[larry starling]

makarovnik Or a cordless drill.

LOL! Good one...