Hi-Point C-9 and C-9 Comp

Model C-9
(Also known as C-9 Compact; not to be confused with C-9 Compensated)

The Model C-9 is a compact, single stack magazine, model of Hi-Point's 9 mm Handgun. It consists of a Polymer frame, zinc-alloy slide (with steel reinforcing inserts), zinc-alloy receiver and bolt, and a steel breech, chamber and barrel. Its low price and small and compact design prompted many to purchase it for Concealed Carry. Some decline to carry the C9 in Condition One ("cocked and locked" - generally considered to be the preferable condition for defensive carry) because of the striker fired design which lacks a firing pin block.

Hi-point's handguns use a simple yet reliable "Blowback Design" similar to that used in the Walther PPK and Russian Makarov PM. In blowback weapons the mass of the slide and bolt absorbs the rearward force generated by the propulsion of the bullet. As the pressure drops to a safe level, the slide moves back, (along with the bolt), an extractor hooks the empty casing and pulls it out of the chamber, after which the case is ejected from the weapon by the ejector. When the slide has completed its rearward travel, the recoil spring moves the slide forward, chambering another round. Many, if not most, modern handguns use a locked-breech design and therefore do not require the amount of slide mass that the blowback design requires in order to remain comfortable to shoot, safe to fire, and easy to control during the firing process.

Model C-9 Comp.
(Also known as Model C-9 Compensated)

The C-9 Comp is the larger version of Hi-Points 9 mm handgun. Its major difference from the C-9 Compact is that it has a specially designed "compensator" attached to the end of the barrel. The compensator works by forcing some of the hot gases, escaping behind the bullet, to go upward through specially drilled holes in the top of the compensator. The escaping gases push the end of the gun downward; helping to eliminate some of the upward motion caused by the natural recoil of the gun. The Compensator has also been machined on the underside to accept laser sights, or "tactical lights" for better target identification in a self defense, or tactical situation.

Another difference between the C-9 and C-9 Comp. is the barrel length. Its 4" barrel is 1/2" longer than its sister weapon's providing for better accuracy and balance. The compensator and extra bulk also increase the weight. Weighing in at 35 oz., it is fully 6 oz. heavier than the new model, and 2 oz. heavier than the older model of the C-9 Compact.

Criticisms
Though the C-9, C-9 Compensated, and other Hi-Point handguns have been criticized for their weight, the empty or unloaded weight of the C-9 has been trimmed from 29 oz to 25 oz by using a polymer frame, making its weight comparable to other pistols with similar magazine capacities.

Some consider the lack of a firing pin block safety mechanism in the striker fired design to be inherently less safe than other designs and, therefore, not safe to carry Condition One. This belief is debatable, given that the popular and long-lived Colt 1911 is often carried 'cocked-and-locked', with only the thumb safety engaged.

While some after market magazines may not work well with the C-9, these may be traced to out-of-spec magazine feed ears. A simple adjustment of the ears can often solve the problem. Other feed issues are often solved by polishing the feed ramp, switching to another brand of ammunition, or simply honoring the industry standard "break in period" to give both the firearm and magazines a chance to properly break in and mate moving parts. The suggested break in period for Hi-Point pistols is between 100 and 200 rounds. If this does not solve the problem, customer support for Hi-Point will send a replacement firing pin and springs, along with a new replacement magazine, which will solve some of the "feed" problems free of charge.

The C-9 is the most recovered weapon involved in a crime by the Chicago Police Department between 2008 and 2010 in both the category, "recovered firearms, used in a crime within a year of purchase" and the category "recovered firearms, regardless of date of purchase".