NRA Gun of the Week: Hi-Point Firearms C9

by
posted on September 24, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Hi-Point Firearms is an American manufacturer of semi-automatic handguns and carbines. The company’s C9 semi-automatic pistol continues to garner popularity today due to its relatively small size and cost. Hi-Point’s C9 low price point is attributed to its simplistic and minimalist design approach.

left side handgun pistol black gun text on image noting "HI-POINT C-9"

Hi-Point’s C9 comes to you with high-impact polymer and die-cast components and uses a simple action that absorbs blowback energy from the fired cartridge to operate. The C9 includes a stationary 3.5” barrel and the powder-coated slide comes with a fixed post front sight with an adjustable rear that houses two red dots. Yellow paint fills the front sight blade for a unique sight picture that is found to be effective.

left side gun handgun pistol black metal details slide trigger frame text on image noting "NRA GUN OF THE WEEK"

The polymer stocks on the frame are smooth but have finger grooves that meld with the molded grooves within the frame's frontstrap. Our testing on the range found these ergonomic additions do a good job at providing additional control of the soft-shooting C9 pistol.

pistol in hands shooting black metal

Our testers found the weight of the C9’s slide makes the gun front heavy, which can actually benefit the shooter by mitigating muzzle rise. For those looking for an affordable semi-automatic chambered for 9 mm Luger and capable of +P loads, the Hi-Point C9 is certainly a contender.

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above to see American Rifleman staff on the range with Hi-Point Firearms C9 pistol.

Hi-Point Firearms C9 Specifications
Manufacturer: Hi-Point Firearms
Action Type: blowback-operated, semi-automatic centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Slide: die-cast alloy, black powdercoat finish
Frame: black polymer
Barrel: 3.5" steel
Sights: three-dot; adjustable rear, post front,
Magazine: eight-round detachable box
Length: 6.75"
Weight: 29 ozs.
MSRP: $199

Latest

Wilson Combat eXperior Elite
Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

New Digital Surveillance Tools Threaten Gun Owner Privacy

Technology contained within new digital surveillance hardware recently introduced by defense contractor Leonardo could conceivably track who has recently purchased firearm and where they're taking it.

First Look: Shell Tech Ammo Dog Bowl

The materials used in your dog’s bowl matter for all the same reasons the materials in your own water bottle matter. That's why this dog bowl from Shell Tech Ammo is worth looking at.

Pony Power: Colt Launches Optics Division with VMR Riflescopes

Colt Optics grew out of a market where military, law enforcement and civilian customers increasingly expect a firearms manufacturer to offer a complete package that goes beyond just the firearm

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.