With the many firearm brands on the market, picking the best option to meet your expectations and situation may be challenging.
Hi-Point Firearms is one of the many options available, but how do they stack up to other brands in terms of affordability, durability, performance, and reliability?
Welcome to my in-depth review of Hi-Point Firearms, where I will shed some light on “The Goods” and “The Bads” with a well-rounded perspective.
The following guide will provide valuable insight into whether a Hi-Point firearm is your best option.
So, holster your expectations, load up on information, and delve into the world of Hi-Point Firearms.
Below is a review of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Hi-Point firearm.
Table of Contents
Who Is Hi-Point Firearms
Hi-Point Firearms is a firearm manufacturer that is based in Ohio.
They are known for providing 100% American-made carbines and pistols at a price that can fit any shooter’s budget.
The company was founded in 1992 and has provided affordable firearms for over 30 years.
Starting out as engineers, the company quickly began selling their own firearms with the mindset of creating the working man’s gun.
They manufacture affordable weapons, but they are built to handle any scenario.
Their promise is to provide a lifetime warranty for their weapons at a price that nobody can beat.
The Good
So the question is, does Hi-Point Firearms live up to their promise, and what makes them an excellent weapon?
Affordability
If you would search the firearm market, it would be difficult to find a more budget-friendly option than a Hi-Point firearm.
You can easily find a pistol for just over $100 and a carbine for under $400.
Their affordability makes them an excellent option for a first-time gun owner.
Options
In the Hi-Points catalog of weapons, you can find affordable pistols and carbines in almost any caliber.
The .380 ACP options are perfect for shooters who want a precise low-recoil weapon, and for those who want more power you can buy .45 ACP or 10mm firearms.
Simplicity
Hi-Point firearms are simple and straightforward without all the bells and whistles of other brands.
American-Made
If you want to support domestic manufacturers, Hi-Point firearms are 100% American-made and based in Ohio.
Lifetime Warranty
Hi-Point Firearms offers one of the best lifetime warranties available.
With some restrictions, Hi-Point offers a robust warranty that covers damage, age, and wear and tear.
Another benefit of their warranty is that it is transferable, which means it does not matter if you are the first or fourth owner, their warranty still covers the firearm.
The Bad
With all the pros, you may want to buy one right away.
However, there are a few things to consider that may affect your choice.
Weight and Size
Compared to other brands, Hi-Point Firearms are often heavier and bulkier.
Their size and weight may affect their comfort and handling for concealed carry.
For their size, its models tend to have a lower capacity.
Limited Selection
With fewer options on firearms and models than other manufacturers, you have a more limited selection of weapons to choose from.
While the company offers a model for most calibers, they have limited models for each caliber, but they provide various finishes for a custom look.
Aesthetics and Ergonomics
Some users, including myself, find Hi-Point firearms less aesthetically pleasing than other brands.
The brand is often criticized for its ergonomics.
While their weapons are affordable, you can feel it with the ergonomics of their guns, giving you budget grips, which make them less comfortable and more challenging to get a good grip.
Features
With its lower price point, you can expect fewer features than more expensive brands.
But you get what you pay for when it comes to features.
Reliability
Many critics write off Hi-Point as a bad brand just because of its lower price tag.
While most users are happy with their Hi-Point pistol’s performance and reliability, some have experienced malfunctions, which can happen to any firearm.
However, you can always use the lifetime warranty if the malfunction is related to damage or wear and tear.
Models
With the benefits and disadvantages out of the way, let us get into a few of the best Hi-Point firearms you can buy.
#1. Hi-Point 45 ACP Handgun
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 9 Rounds
- Overall Length: 7.75”
- Barrel Length: 4.5”
- Weight: 35 oz.
If you are looking for an affordable high-caliber pistol, the Hi-Point 45 ACP handgun is an excellent choice.
It is a full-length handgun with a large 4.5” barrel for a better sight radius, and the rear sights are fully adjustable to get a pinpoint zero.
Being chambered in .45 ACP gives it the power you would want for a home defense weapon.
Since the round is larger, it has a lower velocity, giving you less penetration.
This is a benefit for a home defense handgun, since it is less likely to go through a wall and hit an unintended target.
It also features a last-round lock open bolt to ensure you know when to reload.
A 9-round capacity gives you enough ammunition to defend yourself and your family.
I would suggest the Hi-Point 45 ACP Handgun for those who want a budget-friendly home defense weapon.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. Hi-Point C-9 9mm Pistol
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 8 Rounds
- Overall Length: 6.75”
- Barrel Length: 3.5”
- Weight: 29 oz.
The Hi-Point C-9 9mm Pistol is perfect for those who want a balance of power, penetration, and recoil.
Since it is chambered in 9mm, it gives you plenty of load options to match your desired use.
It has an 8-round capacity, which is not great, but it can get the job done, and in states like California, you are limited to 10 rounds anyways.
It is constructed with a black polymer frame and grip and includes an adjustable rear sight.
Other features include a last-round lock open, a manual thumb safety, and like all Hi-Point Firearms, a lifetime warranty.
If you are looking for a versatile 9mm handgun at an excellent price, the Hi-Point C-9 9mm Pistol will get the job done.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#3. Hi-Point Compact 380 ACP Handgun
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Capacity: 8 Rounds
- Overall Length: 6.75”
- Barrel Length: 3.5”
- Weight: 29 oz.
The Hi-Point Compact 380 ACP 8+1 Round Semi Auto Handgun is the lowest caliber handgun the brand offers, which I feel hits the sweet spot for those who want more power than a .22 and have less recoil than a 9mm.
The .380 ACP’s lower recoil gives you better control for faster follow-on shots.
It can hold up to 8 rounds and is rated for +P ammunition.
Its high-impact polymer frame and grips provide enhanced durability.
Besides the manual thumb safety, the .380 ACP model comes with a magazine disconnect safety for added protection against accidental discharges.
It also includes a hard case and a trigger lock, which is nice for easy transportation to the range.
I recommend the Hi-Point Compact 380 ACP 8+1 Round Semi Auto Handgun to shooters who prefer less recoil or first-time pistol owners to get comfortable with the weapon before using a larger caliber weapon.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. Hi-Point JXP10 10mm Pistol
- Caliber: 10mm
- Capacity: 10 Rounds
- Overall Length: 8.5”
- Barrel Length: 4.5”
- Weight: 49 oz.
The Hi-Point JXP10 10mm Pistol is my favorite Hi-Point pistol out of the bunch because of its additional features and the power of a 10mm.
The 10mm is one of the most versatile calibers you can buy and is perfect for anything from home defense to backpacking in the wilderness.
A 10mm is one of the recommended rounds to take down large predators, including bears, and with a 10-round capacity, it can handle anything you throw at it.
The magazines are interchangeable with the 1095 carbine magazine, and it includes a Picatinny accessory rail to add a laser or flashlight.
I also like that the sights are fully adjustable, the slide is optics-ready, and the front sight is compatible with Glock sights.
The downside to this weapon is that it is heavy and weighs 4.5 lbs, and has an overall 8.5” length, which makes it not the ideal choice for concealed carry.
With its extra features, serious firepower, and excellent price, it is hard not to recommend the Hi-Point JXP10 10mm Pistol.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#5. Hi-Point JCP .40 S&W Pistol
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Capacity: 10 Rounds
- Overall Length: 7.75”
- Barrel Length: 4.5”
- Weight: 43.2 oz.
Hi-Point JCP .40 S&W Pistol is another excellent option for shooters who want more features at an excellent price point.
It is chambered in .40 S&W, making it an excellent home defense weapon, and has a 10-round capacity to stay engaged with your target.
This model comes equipped with a 4.5” threaded barrel, allowing you to attach a muzzle device for enhanced performance, and the JCP is rated for P+ ammunition.
Like other Hi-Point models, it is constructed with a high-impact polymer frame and grips for increased durability.
It is also equipped with adjustable rear sights, and this model has a magazine disconnect safety and comes with a trigger lock.
Like the 10mm, it is pretty heavy and large, making it not ideal for concealed carry.
For shooters who want an affordable pistol with a threaded barrel, the Hi-Point JCP .40 S&W Pistol is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
Final Verdict
If you are looking for an affordable pistol for self-defense, home defense, or to practice at the range, Hi-Point pistols are an excellent option.
Hi-Point offers models in the most popular calibers at a price other brands can not beat.
However, if you are looking for a lightweight weapon with advanced features or a high capacity, you may want to look at another brand.
Their pistols are heavier than other options on the market and are not as ergonomic as brands such as Glock.
Overall, I would suggest a Hi-Point pistol for beginner shooters who want something to get into shooting or those who want an affordable defense pistol.
References
Hi-Point Firearms Official Website
See Also
10 Best Glocks For Concealed Carry (CCW)
Here’s What Pistol Each Military Branch Uses
9 Best Handguns For Bear Defense
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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