Hi Point Carbines

[CanuckZ]

So what's the word?  I want one and people mostly slag them because of their looks.  Do they work OK?  Please, if you own one, or have shot one, let me know.

[Walt-Sherrill]

Everyone I've talked to who has one likes them.

Several gun mags (including Gun World, which I think gives more balanced reviews than some) have said they're fine weapons.

I know of some cops who have bought them with their own money, and stick them in the trunk of their patrol cars.

(I prefer the Kel-Tec Sub 2000, but it costs about twice as much.)

[Grendel]

For 169 bucks out the door, they cannot be beat. The finish is what you'd expect, but mine has functioned flawlessly. They are not the simplest to tear down for a full clean, but nothing a little time and patience can't handle. I consistently hit what I aim at out to 100 yards, and the trigger, tho crude, is easy to learn. Accessories etc are cheap as dirt, and they come with a no questions asked lifetime warranty.
In short, they are not a Beretta Storm, but they are a great deal for the money.

Ps, I would not apply my comments to their handguns, since I have not fired any, but they are really ugly!

[KingPolymer-III]

They are exceptional.  I now have three, and they are coming out with a .45ACP version in November.  I have two 9mm and one .40SW.  All the statements above are true, they are an exceptional value for the money.

[CanuckZ]

Widge et al, what dealer sells them for $169?  Do they have a website?  Phone number?  I would like to export one to here...Canada.  I am so tired of people calling them POS.  They are very ugly I know, but I don't care.  I am looking for the very cheapest source since I have to add $100 for the export import permits.

[Grendel]

The dealer I bought from does not have a web site, but these are his details:

Kjergaard Sports
Phone: 1-507-368-4696. He's in Minnesota.

The one I bought from him had been in the store for a while so I may have got an exceptional deal (as I see the Hi point website lists them at 199). There are numerous other dealers listed on the Hi point website:
Here

You can probably find them cheaper if you search online.

[CZJedi]

I have heard nothing but great things about this gun... cheap and reliable. The looks can leave something to be desired, but this isn't a safe queen.

I actually have one interesting story about Hi-Point customer service. My cousin had a 9mm pistol from them (the one that has the compensator) about 5 years ago. He had some problems with it, and sent it back to the company for repairs (pre 9/11 when you could mail pistols to an FFL even if you did not have one). He got it back and later had other problems. This was after some of the shipping laws changed. So he brought it to the store he originally got it from and they sent it back. He eventually got it back a second time and still more problems. He then called the company and told them the history. They let him talk to the company owner, who said that at the second repair they usually replace the gun, but did not relize it was the second time becaue they were recieved from two differant shipping addresses (serial numbers, anyone?). Anyway, my cousin brought up the lifetime warrany, and the owner (in Southern Accent) said "Of course we stand behind our warranties; I'm a f**king American!" He then told my cousin he could either get a new gun or complete refund with all previous shipping charges included. He opted for the refund and bought a Ruger (which he later sold for a Glock).

[Grendel]

Quote:"Of course we stand behind our warranties; I'm a f**king American!"

CS ethics that I wish other companies would adopt.

[verbaltharhino]

Quote:and sent it back to the company for repairs (pre 9/11 when you could mail pistols to an FFL even if you did not have one).

A little OT here, but I believe you can still ship TO a FFL and have them ship back to you as long as it's not a purchase for such things like warranty work, performance work, etc.  I sent my Uzi to Vector for work and they had it shipped back directly to my door late last year.

[Grendel]

Just a tip that may help anyone who buys one of these for the first time:
Before you detail strip it for the first clean, get the parts diagram out of the booklet blown up on a xerox machine or scanner. These guns are full of little things that fall out when you wiggle them, and the diagram in the booklet is small, to say the least.

[Walt-Sherrill]

Quote:A little OT here, but I believe you can still ship TO a FFL and have them ship back to you as long as it's not a purchase for such things like warranty work, performance work, etc. I sent my Uzi to Vector for work and they had it shipped back directly to my door late last year.

You can "SHIP" to an FFL (and get it returned) but you can't use the mail.

[mbott]

Quote:You can "SHIP" to an FFL (and get it returned) but you can't use the mail.

True for handguns and anything concealable.  Rifles and shotguns can be mailed.  See USPS Publication 52

--
Mike

[Walt-Sherrill]

Agreed.  (I was thinking handguns, but the subject was long guns, too.)

[Unregistered(d)]

I don't believe any firearm can be shipped directly to a non licensee, across state lines or otherwise, unless sent to an FFL. I have a C&R FFL, and enjoy seeing the BBT truck once a year, but that's all I can get shipped to the house.
   The only firearms that can be mailed directly to you are black powder non-cartridge....for now.

[Walt-Sherrill]

A non-licensee cannot ship to a different non-licensee in interstate commerce, but a licensee can return a gun sent in for service, work, etc.  A gun sent to a gunsmith (FFL) or a manufacturer can be returned to the owner.  (Handgun.)

A non-license can ship to himself -- as when going on a hunting trip.

Intra-state, you can do whatever state law allows, in terms of shipping.  (Don't know how MAIL regs apply to intra-state, but wouldn't be surprised, etc..)