Hi-Point Firearms
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Hi-Point Firearms | |
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Logo Not Available | |
Type | Private |
Founded | February 18, 1992 |
Headquarters | Mansfield, Ohio, United States |
Key people | Thomas E. Deeb, President |
Industry | Firearms |
Products | Pistols, carbines |
Parent | Beemiller, Inc. |
Website | www.hi-pointfirearms.com |
Hi-Point Firearms, also known as Beemiller (Distributed by MKS Supply), is a firearms manufacturer based in Dayton, Ohio. However only the CF.380, C9 .9mm & the carbines are made in Dayton. They manufacture low-cost pistols and carbines, in the following calibers:
- .380 ACP - Model CF-380 and 380COMP
- 9 mm Luger - C-9 and C-9 COMP pistols, Model 995 carbine The following are produced at: Iberia Firearms 3929 St. Rt. 309 Galion, Ohio
- .40 S&W - Model 40SW pistol, Model 4095 carbine
The following are produced at: Haskell Mfg. 585 E. Bluelick Rd. Lima, Ohio
- .45 ACP - Hi-Point .45 ACP pistol, Model 4595 carbine (unreleased)
Hi-Point semi-automatic pistols are polymer-framed and generally regarded as simple, inexpensive handguns, which trade-off aesthetics for lower manufacturing cost. Based on a blowback design, Hi-Point pistols have larger slides to produce the greater mass required for proper function. This results in a somewhat heavier gun that may be less aesthetically appealing than designs employing recoil operation.
Most self-loading pistols can be field-stripped without the use of any tools; Hi-Point pistols require a punch or a small screwdriver to remove a pin in the receiver, in order to permit slide removal (and thus enable field-stripping). Hi-Point products generally retail for one-half to one-quarter the cost of a comparably chambered gun from most other manufacturers.[citation needed]
The slide is die cast from a zinc-family alloy that includes aluminum, magnesium, and copper and is called ZAMAK-3, rather than machined from forged steel. When asked why die-casting was chosen as a manufacturing technique, a Hi-Point representative responded, "In the area of Ohio where we are located, there are many shops that specialize in die casting for the auto industry. We utilize this resource."[1] Uncommon for this construction, they are rated for +P ammunition in calibers up to .45 ACP. Blowback designs are generally simpler and easier to produce than locked-breech recoil-operated firearms. Though the fixed barrel generally will contribute to improved accuracy, direct blowback firearms sometimes have a greater level of felt recoil, and often are larger and heavier for a given caliber.
Hi-Point carbines use a polymer stock, stamped sheet metal receiver cover, and a receiver and bolt cast from ZAMAK-3. The barrel is steel and button rifled using a 1-10" right hand twist. They are also blowback action, which is typically well suited to a low-pressure carbine.
Hi-Point carbines have a generally better overall reputation than the pistol line, although the pistol line has been gaining popularity as of late, and are fairly popular with budget-minded firearms enthusiasts.
Some people are wary of Hi-Points because of the use of Zinc alloy (ZAMAK-3) castings in much of their construction[who?]. However, parts made from ZAMAK-3 in Hi-Point guns (receiver and bolt/slide) are low-stress components that do not require the strength and expense of steel. Higher stress components in Hi-Points, like the barrel and other small parts, are made of steel.
[edit] Magazines
Hi-Point magazines are metal, with plastic bases. They are generally available in 8 to 10 round capacities for pistols and 10 rounds for the 9 mm carbine and .40 S&W. The .45 holds 9 rounds in the magazine. Except for the Model 995 carbine, magazines will exchange between Hi-Point pistols and carbines of the same caliber. It is possible to use the magazine from a Carbine in a pistol of same caliber. It is not safe and not recommended by Hi-Point. The carbine magazine does fit well and is very unstable and will cause Failure To Feed(FTF).The pistol magazines will not function in a carbine. It is too short and will not even latch in place. Mr. Deeb has also stated many times he has no interest in his company producing higher capacity magazines for any of their products.[citation needed]
[edit] Warranty
According to the companies website as of 2008 all Hi-Point firearms come with a lifetime "no questions asked" warranty. While older manuals have stated that the lifetime warranty is available to the original purchaser only, Hi-Point has since retroactively extended the warranty to include third-hand owners. Under the warranty, Hi-Point firearms are repaired free of charge. All Hi-Point firearms can be sent back to their respective factories and will be repaired and shipped back free of charge. they have the best warranty in the firearms industry.[citation needed]
[edit] External links
- Hi-Point firearms website Company homepage.
- Hi-Point firearms sister site.
- MKS Supply's website - Marketer and distributor of Hi-Point firearms.
- Hi-Point firearms forum A plethora of useful information on Hi-Point firearms