Hi-point Firearms - opinions?

http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com ^ | 2-5-07 | Self

[Bat_Chemist]

So I'm looking over the web for a new handgun (the only one we own is my wife's 9-shot .22, a pretty little piece, but not much for home defense). I came across the website for Hipoint firearms, makers of "polymer frame" handguns, and I thought, "Wouldn't that be really unstable and fragile?" I wanted to get the opinions of the "strangers I trust" here at FR before I actually go drop a couple hundred there. And that's the other thing...these guns are American made and inexpensive. Are they too good to be true?

[Bat_Chemist]

Thanks!

[Bat_Chemist]

Thanks, but I want something I can take to the range. Something I can get familiar with.

[Bat_Chemist]

Thanks!

[Bat_Chemist]

I appreciate the opinion!

[Bat_Chemist]

Thanks for that!

[Bat_Chemist]

I greatly appreciate all the info and opinions on this. FReepers are the best!

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

For Home Defense I prefer my Benelli M3 super 90. 8 rounds semi auto (or flick a switch and its pump action)

[conservativeharleyguy]

You're quite welcome. Some of the other contributors made some good points as well. If you are strictly looking for a "home defense" gun, and don't need something to carry in public, then your best bet is probably a good pump-action 12 gauge shotgun with about an 18-20 inch barrel. It's drop-dead reliable, works really well at the distances you'll encounter in your home, and stops what ever you shoot it at. Plus, with additional barrels, you've got a gun you can hunt and shoot clays with. I've got a safe full of guns, but it's my shotguns I use the most. You could probably find a good Remington 870, Winchester, or Mossberg used at a pawn shop or gun store within your budget.

If you need something to carry around outside of the home, then any of the quality pistols recommended here would be fine.

If that's the case, keep in mind that a lighter gun (not necessarily smaller caliber though) that you are willing to carry, will be better than the big gun you leave at home because it's too cumbersome to lug around.

Polymer frames do alleviate that consideration somewhat, because they are typically lighter for a given frame size, and the good ones are generally very good (Glock, Springfield, Taurus, even S&W), but they could be more costly. Maybe you can find a reasonably priced used one.

For ease of use, nothing beats a good revolver (S&W, Ruger, Taurus, etc.), and they are easier to learn to operate (particularly under stress), but are limited in capacity.

One final note, and this is strictly my opinion (30+ years in Federal Law Enforcement/Nuke Security, ex-SRT officer). Never bet your life on a pistol caliber that starts with a number smaller that 4 (and that also means 9mm, It's a good round for a submachine gun, but I wouldn't carry it in my primary self-defense gun), and a rifle caliber that starts with a number less than 3.

Good luck with whatever you buy, practice (a lot!!!), get some quality training in both the gun itself and tactics, and remember to have fun. And teach your wife to shoot, and shoot well. Statistically, she's the one who's most at risk.

[Shooter 2.5]

Other posters pointed out you can buy a Mossberg 500 for less than 200 dollars. I have already bought cheap guns just for fun since I had others to fill the self defense mode.
If someone can only afford one gun and one gun only for self defense, I think they should buy something that has a level of quality since even known gun have a chance to fail. Quality also holds it's resale value.

[Bat_Chemist]

Thanks, but a shotgun just isn't as fun at a range...

(C8

[Bat_Chemist]

Thank you for that information and encouragement.

[Bat_Chemist]

Thanks. I enjoyed the gun-bible quotes!

[Bat_Chemist]

Holy moley, I think you're right!

Thanks, though!

[Bat_Chemist]

Thank you for your input, and for your service.

[FreedomPoster]

Craptacular is exactly right on the Tec-9. My cousin had one, years ago. We went and shot it out back at the grandparent's farm. I swear rounds left the barrel at about a 20 degree angle. Couldn't hit squat with it, and I'm normally in the black immediately with a new pistol.

[Bat_Chemist]

Concise and to the point. Thanks!

[Bat_Chemist]

My daughter would love it. My wife? Not so much...

Thanks!

[Bat_Chemist]

I love the feel of a .45 in my hand, but I'm a large guy. My wife and daughter will also be shooting, so I'm thinking .40.

Thanks!

[KoRn]

Every one of them I've ever encountered has been total crap. It's been a few years since I've seen one, but if nothing has changed I would be more inclined to throw it at a target rather than use it for shooting.

[R. Scott]

Most ranges I am familiar with have guns you can rent to shoot. Try several different models and go with what you are comfortable with. Don’t disparage the little .22 - it is the favored caliber of professional hit men, and at close range it is deadly.