Hi-Point vs. other cheap junk
- Thread starter walther
- Start date
Norinco's I've shot, none were mine but I've shot a lot of them. Hi-points, I've only fondled never shot. That being said, who competes with Hi-Point firearms and who issues them?????? No one. If they were a capable option they would be a popular piece seeing how they have a low price point. Blow back designs are popular in rimfire pistols(and rifles) because they're a simple system to engineer and produce. Not surprisingly your average rimfire pistol costs about the same as a Hi-Point.
As for losing money on a purchase. Here's the scenario: You spent $280 on a gun, shot it extensively then decided to upgrade. You decide to sell your starter pistol to help fund your new one. If you shot your starter a lot and it hasn't failed, you're in the minority. You now have a well used pistol that is only $280 to buy new. So what would you ask for it? $100 $150. Even the beginner knows better than to buy a used low dollar firearm. If your new pistol is DOA you're now out $280. If your pistol doesn't function properly you'll soon be discouraged to shoot and will have a tough time selling it. The other issue is support. For the same price you could buy a Norinco 1911, Hi-power or SIG copy. All of which have better support and accept original magazines and accessories. The Hi-Point has what for options?? As far as I know the sights are fixed with no other options as far as night sights etc. Fobus offers a paddle holster, then again fobus holsters aren't exactly top notch and the selection is very limited.
The biggest risk is getting a lemon, which often times is the case with cheap(and not just in price) gear, especially firearms. A non functional firearm or an unreliable firearm will greatly reduce the joy of shooting and will do nothing for the shooter who competes. So you could spend $280 then spend another $600-1000 down the road. Or start with the $600-1000 pistol now and know there will be little chance of failure and the resale value should you decide to sell will be there.
The money invested in firearms should never be considered an asset. Recovering the cost of the firearm is next to impossible. Used gear does not warrant retail price. Regardless of how much of the initial cost is recovered, you're still losing. The loss in joy and overall experience due to poor kit is priceless.
TDC
As for losing money on a purchase. Here's the scenario: You spent $280 on a gun, shot it extensively then decided to upgrade. You decide to sell your starter pistol to help fund your new one. If you shot your starter a lot and it hasn't failed, you're in the minority. You now have a well used pistol that is only $280 to buy new. So what would you ask for it? $100 $150. Even the beginner knows better than to buy a used low dollar firearm. If your new pistol is DOA you're now out $280. If your pistol doesn't function properly you'll soon be discouraged to shoot and will have a tough time selling it. The other issue is support. For the same price you could buy a Norinco 1911, Hi-power or SIG copy. All of which have better support and accept original magazines and accessories. The Hi-Point has what for options?? As far as I know the sights are fixed with no other options as far as night sights etc. Fobus offers a paddle holster, then again fobus holsters aren't exactly top notch and the selection is very limited.
The biggest risk is getting a lemon, which often times is the case with cheap(and not just in price) gear, especially firearms. A non functional firearm or an unreliable firearm will greatly reduce the joy of shooting and will do nothing for the shooter who competes. So you could spend $280 then spend another $600-1000 down the road. Or start with the $600-1000 pistol now and know there will be little chance of failure and the resale value should you decide to sell will be there.
The money invested in firearms should never be considered an asset. Recovering the cost of the firearm is next to impossible. Used gear does not warrant retail price. Regardless of how much of the initial cost is recovered, you're still losing. The loss in joy and overall experience due to poor kit is priceless.
TDC
jetrefueller
Regular
- Location
- Northern Ontario
I have both a Hi Point in .40S&W and two Norinco's in 1911 and I like them all. I also fire my Glock22 alongside them and dont see a lot of difference. The Glock is a little more accurate but I have an arm injury and the Glock is a bit lighter. If you are new to handgun shooting the Hi-point is probably a good platform to start with. Being that it is a bit heavy if you get used to the weight it will improve your aim over time and you'll find it easier to hold aim with a lighter pistol. My two cents. Not sure if it made sense to you.
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Thanks to everybody for their help so far, it is much appreciated. The reason I want a cheap handgun is not because I'm not sure if i'll get into it, but because I am a student and don't have a lot of cash. I am familiar with the shooting sports and handguns and have played with them lots. I agree, i would love to start with a Kimber or HK etc, but am extremely lacking in cash. Hence wondering if it is a good buy for the money. One more thing. For those of you who are posting pictures and what not, if you don't like the thread and have nothing useful to say, hit the back button.
Thanks Again
Thanks Again
Bullsh*t. The weight of the pistol has no bearing on ones ability to shoot well. Sight alignment, trigger control, follow through.
TDC
I think this is the best answer so far.
Who cares what the retards on the interweb think. Buy what you like and can afford. Shoot lots, don't worry about resale, and last but not least if it breaks or you get sick of it, buy a new one.
Now that I've said that I don't think I would buy a high point.
juanvaldez
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Sudbury, Ontario
So if the EE follows your theory there should be a pile of Norc 1911's for ridiculously cheap prices because of the lack of resale?
If you drop a 1000$ on a "brand name" gun and it loses 25% of its value you are out 250$. If you buy a norc or hi-point that loses half its value you are out about 150$ -200$
I have no expereince with hipoints but norc 1911's are easy to sell.
A fool would pay 1/2 price for a used Norc. A bigger fool would pay that for a Hi-Point. $1000 these days will get you into almost anything. The $700-850 range is where the vast majority can be found. Losing 25% on a brand name gun is better than sitting on a used beater you can't sell. As is the norm, your decision is yours. Some simply prefer a quality piece of equipment.
TDC
I can fully understand what your saying about buying quality equipment. But for the OP who has stated is a student, and say, for myself, who want's to get into the handgunning, and have a wife, and daughter and in this lovely economic recession, buying ANYTHING over $300 is out of our grasp. So please take into consideration that these inexpensive firearms are giving the "average joe" or "sub-average joe" if you will a doorway into the sport(s) of pistol shooting. You don't NEED to drop a grand on a pistol to enjoy the sport. Everything I've read about people with either Hi-Points or Norinco's has been the same. They're workhorses and they work flawlessly. Like most anything that's manufactured, yeah, a few lemons squeak by. But with Hi-Point's Lifetime Guaranty, that's kind of a selling point for me. Yes you've quoted some pretty convincing facts and statements. But what's your weekly, or even monthly income compared to your necessary monthly payments? On a good month, mine only leaves me with about $20-$50 to play with... so if I squirrel that away for say, a kimber... I'll be waiting a bloody long time. So for us extremely budgeted individuals, these inexpensive tools are almost a freakin' god send. And for me, who cares about re sale value? These things are pretty much going to be with me until I pass on, and then onto my kids they will go. Anywho, that's all I have to say for now, thanks for the opportunity and have an amazing day everyone ^.^b
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
While I would love to buy North American as much as possible, it is hard to pass up a Norinco 1911 (or any of their clones). My Norkie 1911 works as well as any Colt or Springfield 1911 I've owned. It is IMO the best value in semi auto handguns today.
I see where you're coming from. Saving for a quality brand name gun may take time, but the investment is something you won't regret. I'm the same as you, I buy guns to keep them not sell them. If you're looking at a Kimber why not look at a Norc or a BUL 1911. Even a Springfield, S&W or a used Colt can be had for less than a Kimber and you'd have it sooner.
The praise for Hi-Point especially is something I would be very suspicious about. Their name isn't associated with quality, reliable guns. If it were, there would be a lot more in use by both civilians and LE. The fact that their pistols are straight blowback with a non locking breach is sign of poor design. Their lifetime warranty is nothing rare either. The big brands do the same. Word of mouth about a broken gun and poor service is bad for business. Then again, with a major brand the chances of needing that warranty is slim.
TDC
Yeah, this says it all. Buy a Hi-Point, buy a Norc, and try to ignore TDC.
I can think of 2 clear misses that Norinco has produced: the High Power (NP18?) and Ithaca 37 (YLJ?) knockoffs. By all accounts, neither seemed to function properly out of the box or after hours of fiddling. But their list of hits is quite good:
- NP22 (Sig226) - mine has over 11000 rounds on it and still going strong
- any of the 1911 copies - I like mine as well
- 213 Norkorev
- the NZ/CZ line seems to be selling well
- any of their shotguns, minus the Ithaca 37 clone
All of these guns get shooters at the range with money to spare for ammo. And note the EE for the going price of used Norc 1911s....they seem to hold their resale value quite well. The days of Norinco making junk, I think, are behind them.
- NP22 (Sig226) - mine has over 11000 rounds on it and still going strong
- any of the 1911 copies - I like mine as well
- 213 Norkorev
- the NZ/CZ line seems to be selling well
- any of their shotguns, minus the Ithaca 37 clone
All of these guns get shooters at the range with money to spare for ammo. And note the EE for the going price of used Norc 1911s....they seem to hold their resale value quite well. The days of Norinco making junk, I think, are behind them.
Get anything but a Hi-Point. Pot metal is not a legitimate gunmaking material.
Stay away from Taurus. Replacement parts and warranty service are non-existent.
The 1911s are the best choice of any Norinco pistol on the market. They can be a little rough around the edges out of the box, but the fundamental components are sound. They are a standard design that takes standard parts from a variety of manufacturers and can be readily tuned by any competent pistolsmith.
If you want an inexpensive 9mm pistol for casual shooting, surplus Walther P38/P1s are another alternative worth looking at.
Stay away from Taurus. Replacement parts and warranty service are non-existent.
The 1911s are the best choice of any Norinco pistol on the market. They can be a little rough around the edges out of the box, but the fundamental components are sound. They are a standard design that takes standard parts from a variety of manufacturers and can be readily tuned by any competent pistolsmith.
If you want an inexpensive 9mm pistol for casual shooting, surplus Walther P38/P1s are another alternative worth looking at.
