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

Red Dot Revolvers 1
Red Dot Revolvers 1

Putting Red-Dot Optics On Revolvers

The red-dot trend is so pervasive that consumers can choose from a range of semi-automatic handguns that are cut to accept optics. But what about adding red-dots to revolvers?

Quiet Trend Defies Retail Challenges

The business of protecting shooters' hearing is booming—quietly, of course.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Model 36 Lipsey’s Exclusive Revolver

Lipsey’s and Smith & Wesson offer a Field Ethos-themed revolver.

I Have This Old Gun: Medieval Hand Cannon

It all had to start somewhere, and for handheld firearms in Europe, Genesis is what we call the "handgonne" or hand cannon, a simple metal tube lashed to a wooden tiller.

New for 2026: Heckler & Koch VPA1 X and VP9A1 Tactical Pistols

Heckler & Koch release two new versions of its popular VP9 striker-fired 9 mm handgun.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional Rifle

Blaser released a modern take on the iconic straight-pull bolt-action rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.