Considering buying a semiauto handgun. I'm not a range or target shooter enthusiast. Just something for protection. Would like some input about these pistols. I see they are cheap. What about quality?

I'm going to get flamed by the hi-point "dudes" for this but I would STRONGLY suggest saving your money and buying a "real" gun. They're made of pot metal (slide) and are blowback operated instead of being recoil operated. They're also a PIA to field strip, requiring a roll pin be pushed out while holding the slide back. I've had a BUNCH of people want me to work on them since some people would rather have their guns fixed right there instead of being sent off to the factory for repair (a trust thing apparently).

Having said that, they do offer a lifetime warranty and if you happen to get a good 1, it'll be pretty reliable & accurate. Just don't expect to get the same level of performance or lifespan as say a 1911 or Glock for example.

Thanks for the reply.

I have a hipoint 9mm. I bought it just to have something in the yota. Like stalkingbear said they are pot pistols but mine has never jammed. But if I were you I would save or put the 100 dollars down on lay a way for a nicer pistol. You can get a S&w sigma for 379, Bersa for 280$, or even a Taurus which I'm not to fond of.

For protection? A HiPoint?

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Is it something you really wanna trust your life to? No. That being said I have a few hi-points that I got in trade for either work or stuff that I just didn't want or need. They have all shot and worked well. No Jams....even if it did jam it's big enough to use as a club. If you are actually buying for self-defense, I would not get a hi point. But if you want something cheap to just plink around with, go for it...the lifetime warranty is nice too.
-Jake

Hi Point? OMG... Run. Run far away. [:'(]

My brother-in-law (a LEO) has told me about Hi Point handguns. They are popular with the gang bangers because, well, they're incredibly cheap.

I wouldn't trust one for anything. Save your money and buy a nice reliable handgun that full function 100% of the time.

Thanks for the replies.

I'd honestly stay away from a Hi-Point.Ever watch"The First 48"?The gang banging murderers' weapon is always a .380 or 9 mm Hi-point.It's a Saturday night special.Save a couple of months and get quality,accurate pistol.Just my opinion.

If you ever have to use it self defense shoot it until it jams, throw it at the intruder, then run like hell..... Save your money and get something decent. I got this H&K USP 40, 500 rounds, and two extra magazines from my brother in law. He bought it from the estate of his old boss that passed away. I gave my brother in law what he paid for it. $400. The gun alone is worth about $750-$800.