gun question

[tboesche]

I am looking for a good conceal gun. I know of a compact 9mm manufactured by HI-POINT. Any body have any experience with this manufacturer?

I can actually get 2 guns for 300.00 via the internet. I'm thinking a 9 and a .45.

How can I find a list of FFL holders near Burleson/Crowley that can recieve the guns for me?

Thanks.

Oh yeah. My first post!

[seamusTX]

Welcome to the forum.

I don't know anything about Hi-Points, but many people like them.

Others will argue that anything smaller than a Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum is concealable.

To locate a transfer dealer, see http://www.gunbroker.com/User/DealerNetwork.asp.

[nuparadigm]

Howdy and welcome!

I can't help you with FFL's in your part of the State, but I can suggest that if you're looking at inexpensive carry handguns, that you give Kel-Tec a glance. The P-11 and the PF-9 are both adequate carry weapons.

[Mike1951]

The Hi-Points do have a reputation for working.

Other than that, many do not think highly of them. They are ugly as sin and heavy. Their polymer 9mm compact weighs 25 ozs and is 6.75" OAL.
The same gun in steel weighs 29oz.

The Kel-Tec PF9 is 5.85" OAL and weighs 12.7oz, or less than half as much.

The Kel-Tex P11 is 5.6" OAL and weighs 14oz.

A S&W 642 .38Spl revolver weighs 15oz and can be concealed in a pants or jacket pocket.

If someone was only going to use the Hi-Point as a car or home defense gun or just wanted something to shoot, it would be fine, if that is all your budget would allow.

However, it is too bulky and heavy to be considered for concealed carry.

If you need a low budget firearm, there are some that would serve you well. Bersa .380's are popular here and have a well deserved reputation for reliability. They can be had in the low $200's.

Kel-tecs are fine, and I have several, but you may have to work through some issues before yours is totally reliable. I think they had 6-7 design changes on the PF-9 barrel during early production.

Taurus makes some lower (than S&W) cost revolvers and semi-auto's.

You will get some good recommendations here, but I cannot endorse a Hi-Point for concealed carry.

Good Luck making your decision,

[txinvestigator]

The Hi-Points do have a reputation for working.

,

I guess that is a matter of experience. I have seen many High points, and none could finish a course of fire. I would avoid them for a carry piece.

[tboesche]

Thanks for all the inputs. I have a CZ-75 that I love to shoot, and will probably use for the qualification course. But believe it to be too big to carry effectively. I have owned a few wheel guns but generally prefer the automatics. I may have to check into the Bersa's. I am on a budget, as I maintain my race car as wel and need to at least TRY and keep the wife from complaining about me having too many toys. Please keep the suggestions coming.

[Fosforos]

The Bersa Thunder 380 was already mentioned, and all I can do is agree. MrsFosforos really likes hers, and I have the "CC" model of it, which is even smaller and ridiculously easy to conceal. The Hi-Points I've seen have all been large and clunky, but they do have a reputation for reliability and a rock solid lifetime warranty. I've seen them for less than $150 at gun shows, so it might be worth your while to go to a show to buy one if you are set on it.

[lrb111]

Too many folks are finding out about the Bersa/Firerstorms. They were a great deal for the price. Now, they are selling so many the prices are rising steeply. The UC (Ultra Compact) models are great carry weapons.
The only downside I can think of is the prices for additional magazines. The 9mm and .40 mags are as high as $49.95 a piece.

The .380 has plenty of holster makers providing gear, and the magazines are cheaper. But the ammo costs more than 9mm. Lot of ways to go. I would certainly go Bersa over the Hi-Point. There is a big difference in weight and size when comparing the same caliber guns from each.

[tboesche]

I carried a Ruger P95DC when I was stationed in Virgina. I had to sell it when I was sent overseas. I really enjoyed that gun and the size was pretty good. 15 round mags were plentiful. A hogue slip over fixed the slippery grip for me. I don't think they make it anymore. Maybe I will see if I can find a used one in good condition.

Back then, 1997, not sure about now, Virginia was easy to get a CHL. All I had to do was pay the fee, fill out the paper work and show copies of my military pistol qualification and badaboom. No qual course no classroom.

[MrsFosforos]

Just another plug for a Bersa - easy to handle, easy to conceal, great price and reliable reputation. I've had a .380 for 6 months or so and put several hundred rounds through it at the range without a hitch.

I don't have experience with 9mm or .45, but anyone I've heard of who has one is "sold" on them too.

One more thing about magazines -- Bersas are particular about magazines. .380 mags run around $30.00 (available in 7 rounds or 9 rounds). Third-party aftermarket magazines just don't have a reputation for being reliable for Bersas.

If you buy one and need additional mags, stick with FACTORY Bersa mags. There is a great distributor for Bersa parts at yourgunparts.com - an online site with the best prices. Mags are often listed as "backordered" or "out of stock" but his restocking turn around is usually within a week or less. His customer services is the best I've EVER experienced from an online merchant.

[frankie_the_yankee]

I would go with either a Taurus 38/357 snubbie revolver or one of the Kel-tec semiautos.

I have two problems with Hi-Points. Because the gun is a straight blow back design, any substantial caliber such as 9mm requires that the slide be very heavy. This is so the slide won't move very much before the bullet (and combustion gases) exit the barrel.

This makes the gun heavy.

My other problem is that much of the gun, including the slide is made of cast zinc. This makes for an economical gun. But zinc is a very soft metal compared to steel, which is what slides are usually made of. I would expect the slide of a Hi-Point to wear, and wear out, rather quickly.

In all fairness, Gun Tests magazine tested a Hi-Point a while back and gave it a good rating. Even they were surprised that the gun survived their testing without failure or malfunction. (Note: They don't take advertising so they call them as they see them.)

A Taurus or Kel-tec would be only a little more money and for that you would get a much better gun, IMO. (Especially the Taurus.)

[nitrogen]

Don't skimp on a concealed carry piece.

If you really have a budget, look into a revolver. A Chartar Arms 2000 can be had for about $200, and a quality S&W for about $350ish.

[shootthesheet]

If you are on a budget I would suggest a 9mm for the price of ammo. The .380 ammo is as expensive as .45 auto most places I have checked. I don't like the KT triggers but they are good and inexpensive. If not KT, I would suggest a used Springfield XD9 sub-compact if you can find one. I like mine and it hides well. Part of CHL is practice and the price of ammo will determine how much you shoot if your on a budget.

[Photoman]

Don't skimp on a concealed carry piece.

If you really have a budget, look into a revolver. A Chartar Arms 2000 can be had for about $200, and a quality S&W for about $350ish.

Don't skimp. Yes. Buy a Charter Arms? NO!

Shop for a good used Smith and Wesson .38 Special. Easily found for $250.

[srspano]

FFL:

Great Guns
209 NE Wilshire Blvd
Burleson, TX 76028
Phone: (817) 426-3500

I've used him before, good guy.