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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.)