Hi-Point C-9

Hi-Point C-9
Type	semi-automatic pistol
Land of Origin	USA
Specifications
Frame	polymer
Length	6.75 in (171mm)
Barrel length	3.5 in (89mm)
Weight	25oz (709g) unloaded; 29oz (822g) loaded
Cartridge	9 mm Luger
Action	Blowback
Muzzle velocity	1,280 fps (390 m/s)
Feed	8-round or 10-round detachable box magazine
Sights	3-dot; blade front, notch rear (adjustable)
Production History
Unit Cost	MSRP US$155.00

Model C-9

(Also known as C-9 Compact; not to be confused with C-9 Compensated)

The Model C-9 is the compact version of Hi-Point's 9 mm Handgun. It consists of a Polymer frame, and steel moving parts. Its low price and small and compact design prompted many to purchase it for Concealed Carry. However, some decline to carry the C9 in Condition One ("cocked and locked" - generally considered to be the preferable condition for carry) because of the striker fired design which lacks a firing pin block.

Hi-point's handguns use a simple yet reliable "Blowback Design" similar to that used in the Walther PPK and Russian Makarov PM. In blowback weapons the return spring and mass of the slide absorbs the rearward force generated by the propulsion of the bullet. As the slide moves back, an extractor hooks the empty casing and pulls it out of the chamber after which the case is ejected from the weapon. When the slide has completed its rearward travel, the spring moves the slide forward, chambering another round. Many modern handguns use other mechanics to help absorb some of the energy created, and therefore do not require the amount of mass that the blowback design requires in order to remain comfortable to shoot, and easy to control during the firing process.

Model C-9 Comp.

(Also known as Model C-9 Compensated)

The C-9 Comp is the larger version of Hi-Points 9 mm handgun. Its major difference from the C-9 or C-9 Compact is that it has a specially designed "compensator" attached to the end of the barrel. The compensator works by forcing some of the hot gases, escaping behind the bullet, to go upward through specially drilled holes in the top of the compensator. The escaping gases push the end of the gun downward; helping to eliminate some of the upward motion caused by the natural recoil of the gun. The Compensator has also been machined on the underside to accept laser sights, or "tactical lights" for better target identification in a self defense, or tactical situation.

Another difference between the C-9 and C-9 Comp. is the barrel length. Its 4" barrel is 1/2" longer than its sister weapon's providing for better accuracy and balance. The compensator and extra bulk also increase the weight. Weighing in at 35 oz., it is fully 10 oz. heavier than the new model, and 6 oz. heavier than the older model of the C-9 Compact.

Criticisms

Though the C-9, C-9 Compensated, and other Hi-Point handguns have been criticized for their weight, the weight of C9 has been trimmed to 25 oz. by a polymer frame (previous models weighed 29 oz.), making it only 5 oz. heavier for its 8+1 capacity than the Glock 26 with its 10+1 capacity.

Some consider the lack of a firing pin block safety mechanism in the striker fired design to be inherently less safe than other designs and, therefore, not safe to carry Condition One.

Hi-Point handguns have a reputation for ammunition feed and ejection problems. These can often be traced to out-of-spec magazine feed ears. A simple adjustment of the ears can often solve the problem. Other feed issues are often solved by polishing the feed ramp, switching to another brand of ammunition, or simply honoring the industry standard "break in period" to give both the firearm and magazines a chance to properly break in and mate moving parts. The suggested break in period for Hi-Point pistols is between 100 and 200 rounds. If this does not solve the problem, customer support for Hi-Point will send a replacement firing pin and springs which will solve some of the "feed" problems free of charge.

A smaller complaint regarding the C-9 is that its no-frills utilitarian design does not offer the same aesthetic properties of some other modern handguns. It consists of a simple flat black, steel and polymer design. While many appreciate its simple and "business only" look, similar in design philosophy to Glocks, others find the design too simple and ugly.

Resources

Gun Owners' Resource has the following relevant documents available for free download for the Hi-Point C-9 and/or its variants:

• Hi-Point C9 User's Manual (.pdf)

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See also

• Hi-Point Model 40SW
• Hi-Point .45 ACP