Hi-Point C9 9mm Review: The Cheapest Pistol That Still Works

Published on March 29, 2018
Duration: 10:33

This review of the Hi-Point C9 9mm pistol highlights its primary selling points: extreme affordability and surprising reliability, with an estimated 95-98% success rate. Despite its low cost, the C9 is presented as a functional firearm suitable for basic defense or as a 'truck gun' where loss is not a major financial concern. However, significant drawbacks in ergonomics, shootability, and accuracy are noted, stemming from its heavy trigger, poor sights, and high bore axis, making it challenging for average shooters to master.

Quick Summary

The Hi-Point C9 9mm pistol is known for its extreme affordability, often costing around $100, and surprising reliability, estimated at 95-98%. However, it has significant drawbacks including a heavy trigger, high bore axis causing recoil, difficult slide operation, and a problematic sight system, making it challenging for average shooters.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction: The Hi-Point C9
  2. 00:14Hi-Point C9 Specifications
  3. 00:35Why Buy the Hi-Point C9?
  4. 01:23Reliability Assessment
  5. 02:15Durability
  6. 02:34Shootability & Ergonomics
  7. 03:28Trigger Quality
  8. 03:46Sight Design Issues
  9. 04:38Grip and Traction
  10. 04:54Takedown Process
  11. 05:10Weight vs. Capacity
  12. 05:34Safety and Magazine
  13. 06:05Holster & Accessory Availability
  14. 06:37Accuracy Performance
  15. 07:26Overall Opinion & Recommendation
  16. 08:34Alternative Budget Pistols
  17. 09:41Final Thoughts on the C9

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of the Hi-Point C9 pistol?

The Hi-Point C9's primary advantages are its extremely low price, often found for around $100, and its surprising reliability. It's considered a functional firearm that can perform its basic duty of firing an appropriate caliber when needed, making it a viable option for those with very limited budgets.

What are the significant drawbacks of the Hi-Point C9?

The Hi-Point C9 suffers from poor ergonomics, including a heavy and long trigger, a high bore axis leading to significant recoil, and a difficult-to-operate slide. Its sight system is also a major issue, with a camouflaged front sight on some models making accurate aiming very challenging.

How reliable is the Hi-Point C9?

The Hi-Point C9 is estimated to be about 95-98% reliable, with approximately 2 malfunctions per 100 rounds. While not as reliable as more expensive firearms, this level of performance is considered acceptable given its very low cost.

Is the Hi-Point C9 suitable for concealed carry?

While technically a compact pistol, the Hi-Point C9 is noted as being somewhat heavy and wide, making it less ideal for comfortable concealed carry compared to other options. Its ergonomics and sight issues also present challenges for quick deployment and accurate shooting in self-defense scenarios.

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