Hand-Picked Daily GUN DEALS, and Exclusive Coupons Codes >>>
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.

[Review] Hi-Point .45 ACP : Clunky But Runs

Vienna hi point
It's ugly...it's cheap...but it's effective. See how we rank the Hi Point 45 in terms of reliability, cost, upgrades, shootability, and more.
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.
JUMP TO SECTION Jump To:

    When I originally got the idea to test a Hi-Point pistol, I figured I would be able to make a bunch of clever jokes about the poor performance of a cheap and horribly ugly pistol.

    There’s plenty of that in our video review:

    But it’s also surprisingly not bad…

    funny hi point
    Hi-Point starter kit

    I’m going to let you know right off the bat that this gun was very surprising.

    Read on to find out why…

    The Hi-Point .45 JHP

    First, a little bit about the Hi-Point line.

    This pistol is designed around a particular concept: being an inexpensive and decent pistol.

    Hi-Point C9 with Mag
    Hi-Point C9 (9mm) with Mag

    Everything from the design to the materials is to keep costs down and they certainly did a good job of that.

    The most expensive Hi-Point pistol has an MSRP of $199 and can be found in stores for around $150 and under.  This doesn’t mean it’s some flimsy NERF gun, though.  This gun is sturdy and even rated for +P ammunition (something that turns out to be rare among inexpensive guns).

    Even though the slide is made of a zinc-like alloy, it is very heavy and strong enough that I feel like I could probably build a deck using this thing as a hammer.

    Functionality wise, these guns use a blowback system.

    Vienna hi point

    The slide is very heavy and this holds the slide in place until the pressure of the expanding gases moves the slide back to cycle the next cartridge in.  It’s a subtle difference from an inertia based system but it’s still notable because there’s another advantage to having that big, top-heavy slide: recoil.  That heavy, ugly slide counters some of the muzzle flips from the shot.

    $171
    at Palmetto State Armory

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Now, there’s a bit of an elephant in the gun range here.

    I’ve mentioned it in passing a couple of times but it needs to be said in a bit more detail: this is an ugly freaking gun.  This gun is so ugly that you’ll find yourself looking around at the range to make sure no one is watching before you take it out of its case.

    You’ll find it difficult to shoot because you want to keep your eyes closed while shooting in order to keep from looking at it.

    Again, this is because of a necessity for the blowback system as well as saving money for trying to improve the design.  Ultimately, though, this isn’t a beauty contest.

    Hi-Point C9, Side
    Hi-Point C9, Side

    Yes, it’s nice having a pretty gun.

    When your life is on the line, it won’t matter how your gun looks but how it works.

    So with that in mind, how does it work? Time for the tests…

    Can you disassemble it?

    Yes, but it isn’t easy.

    Pull the slide back and lock it in place with the safety, use a punch and a hammer to push out a pin, let the slide go all the way forward then slide it back a little bit and then lift.

    First and foremost, I really, really dislike that you need tools to take this thing apart.

    Thankfully, I had the right sized punch, gunsmith block, and a soft hammer from building my AR.  I still had to beat on this thing like a lunatic to get the pin out.  Just before the pin gave, I was seriously wondering if I had misread the instructions.

    chainsaw hi point

    Nope, it’s just that crazy.

    Let’s put it this way: if something goes wrong at the range, you’re done for the day unless you’re willing to carry a toolbox with you.

    Because you need extra tools…and some brute force to break it down, the Hi-Point gets a 2.5 out of 5

    Once the Herculean task of breaking it down is done, it’s pretty easy to clean.  The barrel is fixed to the frame and the slide is pretty simple in design.  There weren’t any crazy nooks and/or crannies to navigate.

    Nothing really remarkable here in either direction, to be honest.  4 out of 5.

    Reliability

    I’ve spoken at length of my tendencies to buy the cheapest junk ammo I can find.

    I literally skip to that counter at gun shows that sells those super-discounted reloaded ammo packs.

    good pic hi point

    This thing ate them all.

    That’s kind of a benefit of this design, it’s pretty forgiving when it comes to what it eats.  I have heard some reports of faulty magazines causing some issues but I can’t really blame the gun for that.

    This thing eats (and looks) like a warthog and it gets a Hakuna Matata 5 out of 5.  Somehow, that sounded funnier before I typed it out.

    Safety?

    There’s a frame mounted safety that’s easy to manipulate with your thumb.  There’s also a magazine disconnect that keeps it from being able to shoot unless the magazine is inserted.

    It also has a last round hold open feature BUT it doesn’t have a slide release lever.  When you’ve reloaded, you just pull the slide back a bit then let go.  Many shooters (myself included) prefer this method to use the slide release anyway.

    manual safety hi point
    Note the manual safety

    It also has a viewing port to see if the gun is loaded or not and a couple of safeties specifically for keeping people safe if the gun is dropped.

    Beyond that, you don’t get much else.

    By The Numbers

    Reliability 5/5

    Say what you want about the Hi-Point, it shoots every time you pull the trigger. Bad ammo, good ammo, doesn’t matter – this thing RUNS.

    Accuracy 3/5

    Loss of accuracy is mostly due to how poorly it fits in your hand and how top heavy it is.

    $18
    at GunMag Warehouse

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Plus, the trigger is literally worse than a Nerf gun’s. Not kidding, we tested them side by side and Nerf won every time.

    better than a hi point
    Better trigger than a Hi-Point

    Ergonomics 1/5

    Top heavy, totally unbalanced, thick grip, there really isn’t much in the way of ergonomics that was designed into this pistol.

    Looks 1/5

    The wraps are fun, you can get a Hi-Point in “100-Dolla” wrap, digital camo, and a couple of other options. But the wraps are just lipstick on a pig.

    100 dollar hi-point
    This is a real thing. Honest.

    Customization 1/5

    There is nothing you can do to improve this gun. But really, this isn’t designed for the DIY market.

    $32
    at OpticsPlanet

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Bang for the Buck/Value 3/5

    Even with the shortcomings of the Hi-Point, it’s cheap and it works. If that is what you need from a pistol – then this is a good value. But if you can scrap together more than a pair of C-notes, you’re better off with almost any other handgun you can find. That said – it works.

    Overall Rating 3/5

    Conclusion

    The Hi-Point JHP .45 ACP simply runs. You can make fun of its sub-$150 price point, its terrible trigger, or its looks. But when it comes time to press the trigger it will always go bang. Perfect for something affordable to keep on the nightstand.

    Let’s think for a moment about who this gun would be best for.  Some person just got their apartment broken into.  They feel unsafe there and being on a budget, can’t afford a Glock or the likes.  

    $29
    at Lucky Gunner

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    They have no intention of turning shooting into a hobby or spending hours at a range perfecting their technique.  They’re only going to go to a range once, if at all.

    They’re not going to carry it as a concealed weapon because there is no way in hell someone is going to carry this thing in their IWB holster.  They just want something that they can load, put in their nightstand and make it go “boom” if the need arises.

    This is the firearm equivalent of a teddy bear or security blanket.  It makes you feel better at night.  The fact that, if you do shoot it, it’s a good and very shootable gun is a bonus.

    In the end, the price of Hi-Points mean that they’re a lot of people’s first guns.  Some people stick with their one, cheap pistol while others get the bug and will expand their collection later.  Either way, if you feel you absolutely need a gun but can’t justify the price of a Taurus or Glock, then this isn’t a bad choice by any stretch.

    Final Score for the Hi-Point is 3 out of 5.  That lack of accessories and such had the biggest impact.  If you don’t care about that then go for it.  You could do better, but you could also do way worse.

    Want to see what we think is the Best Beginner Handgun?

    Do you have a Hi-Point? Tell us about it in the comments! Want more Hi-Point? Check out our Hi-Point Carbine Review.

    The Best Gun Deals, Coupons and Finds

    Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email.

    67 Leave a Reply

    • David Zinetti

      I got my first hi points C9 and JHP45 about 9.5 years ago and still going.. when we got PTC for NJ 2 yrs ago, all I had were those two guns to qualify and qualified with a 94% score for both. Later I had bought couple more more expensive guns but it was too late to qualify with those. Just last week I bought another JHP45 in case the first one some how breaks, I have a backup. As for conceal carry, I also wear suspenders otherwise my pants will fall also like the other guy said and wear a Alien gear Cloak& tuck 3.5 IWB. Believe it or not, nobody can tell if you're carrying that thing. Also with how heavy it is, you don't have to check to see if your gun is still on you like with the lighter one.

      April 9, 2024 4:43 am
    • jtees

      how to remove grip extension high point jcp40

      February 22, 2024 2:07 am
    • Antonio

      I own a Hi point 45 and it's the only large caliber pistol I can fire comfortably. I have arthritis in my thumb knuckle and the heavy slide absorbs the recoil. Oh and I do carry mine everyday, but I'm a big guy who wears suspenders. Without them that heavy sucker would pull my pants down.

      January 27, 2024 10:11 pm
    • Robert William Hough

      I have owned a Hi-Point .45 ACP ever since my wife bought it for me. (10 yrs plus) During that time I have run tons of rounds through it, taught all of my of age grand kids and nieces/nephews how to shoot with it and deemed it a legacy weapon to my oldest daughter who has purchased a second one. It is as described, ugly, heavy and sans bells and whistles. It does however go Pew when it is supposed to. Only FTF or FTE problems have been caused by not keeping a stiff wrist when shooting. Do I love it? No. Do I trust it? Yes. Is it on the night stand? Yes.

      June 14, 2023 9:33 am
    • David SIEGEL

      I do not own one but in terms of needing a punch to remove the pin to disassemble. I expect after the first time you remove it it is far easier the second time. Field strip at the range? Far easier to clean your guns at home. Dropped parts etc, you have a far better chance to find them. At under $200 it is like half a better option. Not buying one. I already have too many guns. Confession, it is not the gun I am a lousy shot.

      May 23, 2023 6:55 pm
    • Michael Galey

      This year I bought the HP JHP45 due to it's ugliness! I looked up on the net to get the d l on this oddball pistol. Being .45ACP+P has my admiration for a "Cheap-O" 9 rounds and 1 in the pipe is all I expect in a home defense weapon. There's no way that I'll carry it it goes near by for rapid response to someone with the poor choice to enter my domicile unannounced. Firing this beastie is something to get used to, I'm an expert pistol shot both the Navy and Army plus Pinkerton Security, btw. It's heavy, extremely heavy but in a good way. It goes bang and hits the target from 25 yds. near center of mass. I really wanted a .410 gua.,.45LC and .454 Casul Tarus Raging Judge however, the raging price gives it a no joy. All in all it's the better than a 5.56 AR and fits the bill just fine. Hope this helps. regards M. G. SGT USA (RET)

      February 10, 2023 3:57 pm
    • Michael Edwin Bryant

      Just got my hi point 45. Bought it on a lark, but have kind of fell in love with this ugly duck. Mine Shoots very straight. Ive had Gold Cups and Safari Arms and this Hi Point is not even close, but for $200, for home protection, it is perfect. My wife (using a two hand grip) likes it because it doesnt buck so hard and she likes the 45 acp round due to its stopping power

      May 16, 2022 9:57 am
    • Andy Williams

      I have a 45 and i have no problem with accuracy at 20 yards
      It's a good gun for the price and it has a good safety that most don't have
      It is big and heavy and that actually helps it shoot nice.

      April 28, 2022 6:03 pm
    • Adam Chisum

      I had a HI-POINT and I loved it wish I still had it. Looking too get another one soon.

      April 26, 2022 12:36 pm
    • Jack Toffmore

      The C9 is the least expensive 9mm on the California roster. For broke folks in Cali this is really your only option. I have one. It's good for what it's intended to be; an inexpensive tool for basic functional usage.

      March 11, 2022 9:37 pm
    • ko

      Just put a .45 on order. Shouldda ordered two. At 150, it's perfect for outfitting peripheral sheep relatives when the S inevitably hits the F.

      April 21, 2021 10:59 pm
    • Ron McDonald

      Agree with you for the most part but both of my .45s and 40 cal was just as accurate as any other pistol I ever had. Just like cars you can get a lemon in anything. Yes they are heavy but fits my bigger hands better, and if you run out of ammo you can beat them with the gun lol. Ugly yes but it the real world who really cares, have you seen some of the new cars. It works bottom line.

      April 8, 2021 8:52 pm
    • Steve-O

      I bought the 9mm...I have put through over 4500 rounds factory and reloads, other than occasional wiping of the barrel, this has never misfed, I am a reloader with a Dillon progressive...took it to +P loads...at the range no problem. I'm a retired IHMSA (International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association). I know how to build rounds. I typically shoot the .357 Remington Maximum through a 14" TC Bull Barrel. I can't get the 9mm to fail...Might be time for another 'play gun'.

      December 8, 2020 3:43 pm
    • Bp

      I know everybody has their opinions. I'll tell you mine. I own a Ruger P85 9mm, a Kimber 40, a Taurus g2c and a Hi Point .45 and the Hi Point .45 and the Taurus g2c shoot every bit as well as the high dollar guns. They've never failed me even with cheap ammo. The Hi Point is as basic as it get and no mods available for it and the g2c has a lot more mods available now. I would put either gun in my hand in a self defense situation and know without a doubt that its going to perform. If your looking for a tack driving target competition pistol then you'll want to look somewhere else. But you'll also want to open those wallets up and dig really deep. Because thats not going to happen for less than 800 on a good deal and they go way up from there. Versus the Hi Point I payed 160 for 2 mags the gun a bulldog holster and 2 boxes of 45 rounds and the Taurus g2c was 250 came with 2 clips and both came with liferime warranties. Cant ask for much more than that. The hi poimt is a home defense gun and the Taurus is a perfect 12 and 1 double stack compact and I've fired a ton of rounds with not one failure through either gun.

      September 6, 2020 11:19 pm
    • TJ Bull

      I bought one based on price as I couldn't then afford to replace my father's 1911 that was stolen years ago. Just went to the range over the weekend to see if it "worked". Yup. I was delighted. I do not care about ugly - heck, it's "purtyer" than I am. Shoots well, surprisingly accurate and cheap enough that I won't cry if it breaks. Now, the search for the museum piece 1911... :-)

      May 12, 2020 12:11 pm
      • guess

        Hipoint .45?

        May 15, 2020 4:14 am
      • stoney

        your father didnt live on A1A south of Melbourne Fl.in the late 60,s I hope??

        October 7, 2021 4:36 pm
    • Tiny Phat

      I shoot at stuff over a mile away with mines.

      February 1, 2020 11:50 am
    • david l davis

      In my youth I had a Stainless steel AMT hardball-er that I stupidly sold. Love a .45 but they were out of my price range. I really like except for it being so damn heavy. Reliable and cheap, and if you run out of ammo you can beat the bad guy do death with it.

      December 27, 2019 3:35 pm
    • JAMI HACKWORTH

      I recently purchased a Yeet Cannon. I train with Highway Patrol officers twice yearly on Sig Sauers, I love my Hi Point Yeet Cannon C9. Recoil not bad at all, I can rack it back with no problem. I love the feel, and the sights. No complaints here.

      September 30, 2019 7:44 am
    • dutch

      my hi-point lives on a farm, dirt, manure, hot, cold, truck floor. shoots every time hits what i aim at. LOVE it.

      September 1, 2019 5:39 am
    • O. Youssef

      Accessories at Iberia Extras. Pops up under a Google Search. I have the Optic Mount that attaches to the underside of the slide. It encircles the slide and allows to you get crazy with optics above the slide. I run a simple Burris Fastfire 3 on it. I also have the paddle holster for it which fits snugly and is easy to pull. They also make a number of lasers and such for underslide mounting. The only reason I got the JHP was for CCW. After reading the fine print of my CCW, I realized that I needed something that would run and that I wouldn't miss when the police put it in an evidence bag. You can simply hit the rail release on the Optic Mount and put it in your pocket while you place the JHP on the ground when the police roll up. Easy peasy.

      August 2, 2019 10:37 am
    • Don

      I have a Hi-point in 45acp. I am a large man with large hands and the pistol fits me well. I sprayed the slide and grips with textured paint. The pistol is now 2 tone, looks OK, and I hit what I am shooting at. I agree she is not the prettiest girl at the dance, but she is faithfull.

      July 4, 2019 6:13 pm
    • Chet Lockwood

      I have a diverse selection of firearms, three of them are Hi Points. A 4095TS Carbine, a 1095TS Carbine and a JCP 40 S&W, All reliable, all fun and didn’t cost an arm and a leg. They are among the funnest guns I own and YES, they are customizable to a degree. I have re-profiled the trigger on the two 40 S&W’s, as well as tweaked the springs and they have a decent trigger now. The 40 JCP started life as a poor black pistol, I bought the accessory Digital Desert Camo grips and sprayed the frame and slide in Krylon FDE. It’s capital P Purty. They may be inexpensive, but they are guaranteed smile makers, and YES, I would trust one with my life. Hi-Point was a curiosity project, I had to see for myself if they’re as bad as what the Haters say they are, I have been pleasantly surprised by what I found.

      June 22, 2019 5:31 pm
    • Johnnie davis

      I have the Hipoint 45 40 9mm and 380, they are great guns for the price.

      June 22, 2019 1:39 pm
    • vic crawford

      nobody likes to admit they lost a gun or had one stolen, which is why I bought my 45. I carry this in my pickup and motorcycle because it's a sturdy gun! and if I do lose it or if it is stolen I'm out 150.00 bucks instead of 800.00. It is an ugly gun but I've become pretty fond it. It has never failed me,

      May 31, 2019 2:13 pm
    • matt

      Bought my Hi Point about a year ago, 45 cal. Love this gun, never has misfired. Yeah it's not the most attractive gun out there, but guarantee this gun won't let me down in a pinch.

      May 25, 2019 12:36 am
    • Brad Senne

      The wife and I shoot the Hi Point 380 and we both are very pleased in the recoil for shot after shot to control accurate hits. I will be purchasing the 45 next for my toy - Happy Shooting !!!

      May 4, 2019 2:49 pm
    • Jamesanthony Wells

      Hi Point c9 is the 9mm the best pistol I've ever owned. For a low price almost zero upkeep costs. The extra heavy slide keeps recoil to a minimum, bad mags are a problem but not really. Broken parts are common but are usually due to a bad mags, and with a lifetime warranty is awesome if you can't fix it yourself. The only real problem is using too low or too high grain ammo, will shoot anything but loves round and flat tips. A little hard on cocking but you'll get used to it, it's good as a daily carry or just plinking targets on the weekend. One problem is that they aren't customizable. Would love a steel trigger and harder internals. All that said, it works when you need it to work. Cheap pistol means you can afford good ammo. It'll run like a Chevy.

      May 1, 2019 6:36 pm
      • Justin Haydock

        Google search thingmeister. He has grips and a few other customizable options.

        Hi-Point jhp 45 owner!! Love the gun it has never failed me.

        June 1, 2019 10:30 pm
    • Alaska Gun Dad

      I am shooting one of those in my local ranges 10 week long shooting league. I normally shoot Glocks, revolvers, 1911’s, PCC’s, or rim fire guns but for 10 weeks this spring it is all Hi-Point jhp 45. My entire competition setup cost me $380.00 not counting ammunition.

      April 18, 2019 10:21 pm
    • Ronald Dunne

      Sounds like HiPo is getting it's act together... I bought a .40 @ 20 years ago and it malfed right out of the box.. took it back to the dealer and never looked back. I like the grip safety and the ability to mount a laser or light.. and AMERICAN-made is a big plus, all other things being equal. AND if, God forbid... one is involved in a self-defense issue, it wouldnt hurt so much if the authorities take it as evidence- and then forget to return it when the case is closed. Not that it should be an issue- just sayin, it has happened. And still under $200? That in itself is incredible. And a lifetime fix-or-replace policy? One wonders how they stay in business! Says a LOT about the confidence they have in their product...
      I've considered a 9mm carbine for some time, I think it would be a good idea to look into one now, with the improvements. Have been told on good authority that some local police find them useful "trunk guns"... which is a pretty good recommendation here in rural Colorado.

      April 14, 2019 2:20 pm
      • Jamesanthony Wells

        Hold on bro, you do know that a police trunk gun is the one in a ziplock bag that you put in suspects and say I found his gun

        May 1, 2019 6:41 pm
    • John

      I do have ... well quite a few Hi-points.
      I have bought all of them used, usually in the not working category. Most were minor or NTF fixes. Those I felt non-repairable, I sent back to Hi-point. They either fixed them or sent me a new gun.

      April 11, 2019 12:23 pm
    • Nicholas J Hunt

      Its a heavy gun I'll agree on that! I own the .40 caliber carbine and pistol as well. Interchangeable magazines along with low price is a no brainer! Carbine has almost no kick. Unlike its big boned sibling of a sister that just throws her weight around! The pair was under $500 new and came with a red dot sight also. Plus made in America! I mean who does Big and Ugly better then U.S.A.? Nobody.....we got that on lock!

      April 3, 2019 5:56 am
    • Norman Copeland

      bought a 380 at a pawn shop for 100 bucks spent 35 dollars and got a C9 slide, barrel, and recoil spring about 5 minutes to swap calibers (yes they interchange) so what ammo is on sale and i'm banging.... put the glock springs in the mags and no misfeeds at all love it.... don't like the color paint it it will not care...

      April 2, 2019 5:28 pm
    • Thomas Stephen Lewis

      Dear Gun Snob,
      I have this gun and I doubt the person I shoot will ever see this gun ... it DC oes what I bought it for and after working with the magazines, never had a jam ... at 25 ft can keep all rounds in a 6",pattern, center body mass ... I carry it daily in a M7 shoulder rig from my tanker days ... hides under a Wranger work shirt and no one has ever detected it ... carry loaded, 1 in chamber and magazine full with extra mag ... I know people with high dollar guns that can't hit squat ... seen one of these guns fire after being run over in mud by a truck ... best thing that you did not mention is the warranty ... they fix it for free or replace it ... who else does that ...

      April 2, 2019 1:48 pm
    • James Withee

      I run and carry the Hi-Point 9mm. After taking care of the mag issues, the gun runs great. I like it better than the larger 40 or 45. Just got hands better. Give it a try and maybe be surprised.

      April 2, 2019 7:33 am
    • Maury Alston

      I love my 45! I don't care about looks or accessories. It goes bang every time! Don't give a shit about the gun snobs opinions. I am big so a big heavy gun is OK with me. Love it!

      April 2, 2019 6:29 am
    • James

      Sold them for a time when I worked at a Gun Store. After some increadable customer service and a "no holds barred" warranty I have always had one....look at it this way want to have fun at the range shoot it all day long don't bother cleaning it,toss it in the box until next time (repeat endlessly)

      April 2, 2019 1:14 am
    • Steve

      My first gun was a Whalter. My second gun is a Sig, my thrid is a Mossberg. My fourth gun was a Ruger. My fifth gun is a Hi-point. My sixth gun is a Hi-point. My seventh gun is a Merlin. My eighth gun and my newest is a Hi-point. What more can I say?

      April 1, 2019 7:29 pm
    • Jon Burton

      Love mine! I have the 45 and a 380 and they are great guns. Going to purchase their 10 mm Carbine in the near future, it is one of the few low budget 10mm options out there and is the usual high quality you expect of them. Last but not least is the fact this is a great Ohio made product and I am proud to be a native Ohioan!!

      April 1, 2019 5:43 pm
    • DJ Weston

      This is great! I can leave it in my cash box & no one will ever notice it!

      April 1, 2019 3:48 pm
    • Steve

      Great guns. Had a C9 9MM and the carbine in .45 ACP. I didn't care much for the C9, but the carbine was awesome. I am debating picking up the .45 carbine again, now that there are reliable 20 round after market extended magazines. And the accessorization options are pretty cool. The purpose of the carbine for me is as a home defense weapon or maybe in the truck storage under the back seat. I am also debating the .45 pistol, because again a 20 round magazine of .45 whoop ass on an economical and reliable handgun makes a lot of sense. For about the same as i'd spend on a higher cost option, I can get a few 20 round magazines, a bunch of cheap practice ammo, and defense ammunition.

      March 3, 2019 8:49 am
    • Mike

      I have a hi point .45. It is ugly, heavy, & durable. I have put 400 rounds through it; a mixture of high quality ammo & reload rubbish. 3 misfires out of 400. I wish they had more accessories. Great weapon for the money!!!

      March 2, 2019 2:38 pm
    • Scott N

      The C9 was my first pistol, and when I went to my CCW class, there was another guy there who had one, and guess who's guns didn't jam or malfunction? That's right, the Hi-Point guys. Later I bought the 45 and had fun with it too. Good starter gun, I only recently switched to the Ruger Security 9 for my carry piece. I did carry the 45 on occasion, just don't expect to be able to do any Barishnikov dancing while wearing it.

      February 24, 2019 2:51 pm
    • Ron

      Thank you so much, I just purchase a Hi-point .45 and .380 after examining them at the store was thinking and surprised for the price these seem like decent pistols for (as you say) bed side protection. Thank you for your review and reasurance of my thoughts and purchase.

      December 23, 2018 11:05 pm
    • Norm Youngblood

      I have a jhp 45 ACP, Colt and Springfield .45 ACP.I modified it with a 1911 clip and release and put wood grips on it. I did this because it was an ugly pistol. I've taken all three of my 45s to the range and the hi point is just as dependable as the others..goes bang everytime and I actually have a better group with it than the others probably because of the weight..it's a gun I don't want to carry but for the price it's an excellent home defense gun for someone on a budget. To make mine un_ugly I paid more for the mods than I did for the gun.

      November 21, 2018 9:07 pm
    • Robert

      I agree. I think a lot of the disparaging comments are from those who are simply of the mindset that if it's not fluffy gun, it's no good. As a career shooter and ( soldier ), I'd rather be in a gunfight with a poorly ( non-tactically) trained guy with a "high end" weapon than a good gun-hand with a Hi-Point.

      September 2, 2018 7:45 am
    • Adam Johns

      I have the highpoint jhp 45 I have only put about 150 rounds through it with no problems I luv this gun and use it as my carry gun

      June 11, 2018 6:59 pm
    • Ted Ottinger

      I’ve had two Hi-points, one in 380 and one in 9mm. Ugly and heavy but darn near indestructible. A Hinpoint will never be my main gun, but I’m planning to get one in 45, as a fun range shooter and truck gun.

      April 17, 2018 3:14 am
      • Matthew Collins

        I also wouldn't carry one unless something went "bad wrong" to quote an old instructor, but I'd certainly take it over nothing, and for a beater gun it's hard to top it for the price.

        April 17, 2018 7:49 am
    • David Dyal

      I bought a 45 pistol and shot 500 rounds through it. It got really dirty but kept on firing. No problems at all. I like the 45 over the 9. Less kick. I am a combat vet and just wanted something to defend life.and property with. Couldn't ask for better than this ugly, heavy, 9+1 shot weapon. I have shot many weapons because of military and federal law enforcement. This Hi-Point 45 is definitely my favorite. I plan on getting more of them. My girlfriend has a Hi-Point 9. The only thing I don't like about it is that the hand trip is not long enough for my hands. Other than that, I love it too. Highly recommend these heavy, bulky, ugly ass guns...lol

      March 8, 2018 7:23 pm
    • Sterling Wrencher

      I'll buy it from sumbody right now for two hundred

      March 8, 2018 4:13 pm
      • Jill

        Wen yu want one

        April 2, 2019 12:01 am
    • Mark Barnwell

      I purchased a hi point 45 acp, and thought to increase the looks of it, but wound up ruining the gun. I sent it back to Hi point, and just as they claim, no questions. in replacing the gun, I only had to pay shipping. That to me is standing by your product. I have better pistols, but I wanted a cheap 45, I believe you can't go wrong in owning one..

      October 31, 2017 4:33 pm
    • dave

      After carrying a S&W 1911 for 10years in the military (pre 9mm) I shot 40 out of 40 every time, my point is I know how to shoot. for kicks I picked up a Hi-point 45 I will tell you one thing that thing is a tac driver the most accurate 45 I have ever fired. You are correct it's bad to break down.

      October 11, 2017 10:26 am
    • Travis Ramsey

      Definitely finicky with the aftermarket magazines. My buddy had a Hi Point 9mm and the cartridges were very loose in the mag so you had to kind of push up on the first one or it wouldn't feed. I only shot it about 5 times and had a failure to feed and a failure to eject.

      July 31, 2017 5:51 pm
    • estel r rose

      love these hi/points my wife,, daughter, and two sons own one ,,they work all the time easy to clean/up..not pretty a bit on the plain side but who cares i dont..with a life gurantee as well...the price is reasonable shoot good to..

      May 27, 2017 7:34 pm
    • Dave

      Well I was a sniper in the Marine corps and own a lot of weapons, I bought the C9 more less out of curiosity just to try it and I have fired around 5 boxes & not one misfire it is just like my Glock, Browning, Smith, Beretta, it fires every time it might not be as pretty but it doesn't matter when your ass is on the line. The weight is great for low recoil, the little lady likes that. If you are looking for something just to look at go spend 6 to 8 hundred, if you're look for something to protect your self try one.

      March 25, 2017 8:10 am
    • Al

      Glad to see a decent product get an objective if tongue-in-cheek review. It's not THAT ugly. If it goes bang when needed its good to go at that price.

      November 24, 2016 6:09 am
      • ehung

        Thanks Al!

        November 24, 2016 10:34 am
    • Lester

      The Hi-Point customers are not worried about accessories- it's a good heavy ugly gun for night stand or truck. Less likely to be keeper from law &
      if stolen it's not expensive.

      November 19, 2016 8:29 pm
    • Andrew Miller

      I agree with the other guy that this is like the perfect gun for people who just wants a gun that will shoot when they need to shoot. Its like buying those cheap Korean cars, it may be ugly but they do the job and for some that is quite enough.

      August 15, 2016 3:54 am
    • Haney

      The highpoint 380 is the only gun my wife will even shoot! I bought her a taurus pt738 it mine now. The 380 has almost no recoil and is very accurate. You can purchase pink camouflage grips from highpoint for 17 dollars no shipping!

      June 5, 2016 3:28 pm
      • ehung

        Nice, Cray! Haven't tried out the 380 version but it seems to be a blast.

        June 5, 2016 3:32 pm
    • zenith

      The highpoint line of firearms ...are grrrrrrrreat !!!! Price , reliability , built like a tank , will eat any ammo you feed it ... I'm buying the whole dam line of highpoints ...

      February 17, 2015 3:33 am
    Join the community! Log in
    Please provide a valid email address.
    Password is required.
    or
    Register
    Please provide a valid display name.
    Please provide a valid email address.
    The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character.
    Please accept in order to continue.
    By unsubscribing, you will not be able to access exclusive training courses in your profile. You will still be able to save and access your products and articles.
    or
    Trouble logging in?
    Type your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password.
    Please provide a valid email.
    Password
    Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it.
    Field is required.
    Account already exists
    We already have an account registered for email address () which is linked to your Facebook account.
    To log in type your Pew Pew Meter password below.
    Field is required.
    Account already exists
    We noticed that you have previously logged in with your Account which is linked to the same email address () - we can link both of your accounts together.
    In order to link your accounts, hit button below and log in to your Account with the same email as above.

    Account in Pew Pew Tactical means more.

    Login or create a free account to get the following
    Access and save hundreds of reviews, gun guides, and articles!
    Find the best daily deals on guns, gear, and ammo
    Manage your newsletter subscriptions and comments