Hi-Point Firearms

A Hi-Point JCP pistol

Hi-Point semi-automatic pistols are polymer framed handguns based on the blowback design. Different than other blowback design pistols such as the Walther PPK, the P-64, and the Astra 600 which use a heavy slide combined with a stiff recoil spring to hold the breech closed, these pistols use a heavier slide so they can use a softer recoil spring. When compared to breech-locking handguns of the same caliber and dimensions, the Hi-Point is rather top heavy. As most blowback handguns, this pistol has less moving parts to clean and lubricate than its locked breech counterparts.

While most semi-automatic pistols can be field stripped without the use of any tools, Hi-Point pistols require a small punch or a screwdriver and a hammer to remove a pin in the receiver, in order to permit slide removal (and thus enable field-stripping).

Rather than being machined from forged steel, the slide is die cast from Zamak-3 (A traditional zinc alloy, also popularly referred to as pot metal or white metal). Die casting is particularly commonplace in Ohio, which influenced the decision to implement it.[1]

Uncommon for this construction, Hi-Point pistols are rated for +P ammunition in calibers up to .45 ACP. Blowback designs are generally simpler in design and easier and cheaper to manufacture than locked-breech recoil-operated firearms. While the fixed barrel of a blowback gun generally will contribute to improved accuracy, blowback guns usually need to be larger and heavier than a locked-breech gun firing the same caliber.

The Hi-Point carbine is a series of pistol-caliber carbines manufactured by Hi-Point Firearms chambered for 9×19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .45 ACP and .380 ACP. They are very inexpensive, constructed using polymers and alloyed metals as much as possible, resulting in a reduction of production costs and sale price. It functions via a simple direct blowback action. 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.

Some people are wary of Hi-Points because of the use of zinc alloy (Zamak-3) castings in much of their construction. However, the parts made from Zamak-3 in Hi-Point guns (bolt/slide) are low-stress components that do not require the strength of steel at these pistol cartridge power levels. The slide is made of a polymer. Higher stress and wear components in Hi-Points, like the barrel, chamber, breech and other small parts, are made of steel.