There are many things to take into consideration when choosing a firearm for a specific purpose. Power, concealability, range, durability, price, familiarity, and ability to customize are the most common concerns. But, suppose you only cared about two things; durability and price? What kind of gun might we be talking about?
The gun we’re about to discuss is possibly one of the most hated guns in the world of firearms. But when it comes to durability and price it cannot be beat. Literally, you cannot beat this gun. If you haven’t guessed already- we’re talking about the Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol. Underwhelmed? Just wait.
The reason we’re telling you about this, we’ll just say unique, gun is because of the extreme- and we mean extreme- torture testing that this gun can take. One of our favorite firearms channels on YouTube, Demolition Ranch, put this gun through hell- and when they were done it still worked.
But first, some specs.
Barrel length: 4.5″
Overall length: 7.75″
Weight: 35 oz.
Frame: High-impact polymer (very high impact)
Finish: Black powder coat
Capacity: 10-shot mag
Sights: 3-dots, adjustable rear sight
Hi-Point includes all of the following;
+P rated
High-impact grips
3-dot, adjustable sights
Extra rear peep sight
Last round lock open
Trigger lock
Magazine disconnect safety
On-off thumb safety
Lifetime warranty
You might have noticed the last item on that list is a lifetime warranty. Now, most lifetime warranties mean that it is guaranteed for the expected life of the item. We’re not sure what Hi-Point Firearms means by “lifetime,” but we’re pretty sure that it will last longer than you- no matter how badly you treat this ugly, ugly gun.
We also said it’s cheap, and at $219.00 USD- we’d say it’s pretty dang cheap.
It comes with a single stack magazine and it doesn’t particularly feel good in the hand. But there are some mixed user reviews out there. It’s also pretty heavy- which, combined with the price and durability, might make it a good first gun for new firearms owners. Some people say it shoots very nicely, and some people say it’s terrible. Many reviewers also say the trigger is heavy, long, and just indescribably unpleasant. Considering the fact that it looks like a badly made Chinese toy gun- it’s fair to say that some folks will just never get beyond the Hi-Point’s severe handicap in the area of aesthetics.
It runs somewhat better than you might expect at first before it’s properly broken in. That means it might actually be a decent shooter after putting a few dozen rounds through it. A lot of people complain about a feeding issue. But if you break it in, and use high-quality ammunition- this may not be a problem at all. Of course, if you’re buying it because you’re on a budget- paying for good ammo is counter-productive.
Now, onto the one overwhelming “high point” of the Hi-Point. You cannot kill this gun. It is super SUPER durable! If you’re looking for something to wade through a swamp with or use after an impromptu demolition derby in a rock quarry- you want a Hi-Point.
On Demolition Ranch, they tied a Hi-Point .40 cal to the back of a pickup truck and dragged it through the dirt, kicking up dust, banging over rocks at high speed- for about five or ten minutes- it seemed. The gun survived, and still ran even with a receiver full of dust and crud. It shot and fed with no problem.
No jams. Really.
Then, they threw it into a mossy pond, left it in for a few minutes- and retrieved it. Then, while standing in the water without even dabbing it down- the gun was loaded and shot. Before the magazine was finished, the shooter dipped it and shot it again. Then he dropped a wad of pond scum into it, and shot it. No jams. Honestly.
Then he ran it over with a truck and shot it. It did not jam. It did not fail. Sold yet? Just wait.
To finalize the demonstration, the guys at Demolition Ranch shot the Hi-Point- no…shot the Hi-point. He shot it in right in the receiver with a 9mm pistol. The damage to the Hi-Point was quite visible with a deformed slide and a bullet dent in the chamber. It took some work to rack the gun, but it still shot. It did not jam.
If you’re looking for a rugged truck gun that’s cheap- well, you’re welcome.
~ American Gun News
I have owned the 45 caliber,which was eventually stolen from me along with everything else that I owned. I can attest to everything said above about the hi-point. I can can also attest to the warranty. I would also state that it is very accurate. Probably one of the most accurate handguns that I have ever owned. Probably because the barrel does not move, only the slide does, and the gun does not recoil as much as many do. I have had acquaintances at the range who were firing their own high end 45’s and they too were more accurate with the Hi Point than their own much more expensive handguns.
how can i get a gun like that, that getting in my hands bordering legal way/not legal. have been denied for reason 100DCCJT6. have sent question of meaning to Feds and no reply. my life and family may be threatened, which be no reason for Feds
I own 2 hi-point .45 caliber pistols as well as 2 hi-point 4595TS .45 caliber carbines and 1 hi-point 995ts 9mm carbine. For my money you can’t go wrong with Hi-point I’ve never had a problem with any of them. what I like is the fact that the magazines for the .45 fit both the pistol and the carbine so should the need arise to bug out you have 2 weapons with one set of mags and one type of ammo. I’ve heard a lot of people bad mouth the hi-points but I’ve found most of them have never shot one or owned one. You can buy a .45 pistol and a .45 carbine both for under $500. Which on a budget is a lot less then many pay for an AR-15. They also make an after market 14 round .45 mag that will work in both. and a company in south korea makes a 28 round drum mag. Before you knock them at least try them I’ve converted many people on them.
A very versatile hand gun. I would love to own.
Love my HiPoint 380 pistol and carbine. Heavy yes but virtually indestructible.
i have a high point 380 carbine and I love it! its a brute!
I have one it is awesome no issues . no jams no stove pipe. No problems not as sharp looking as my 104 year old colt 1911 but damn fun to shoot