Cheap handguns. How regulated is the manufacturing of these?
Posted by TemperReformanda@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 26 comments
So, I am fairly new to handguns. I own a Beretta 96. Been looking around at others lately. I'm considering a 357 Revolver and maybe later a 1911.
Saw something today I can't say I expected. Was at a bigger chain store that had a brand new $150 45ACP semiautomatic.
First thing I thought was that I have used Harbor Freight framing nailers that frightened me more than my Beretta, I cannot imagine how terrifying a "harbor freight" grade 45 caliber must be.
The guy at the sales counter said it was basically best used unloaded, just hurl it at the attacker or club him with it.
So here's my real question. Are handguns regulated in their design safety? I know all guns come with some inherent risk, but how safe can you expect a $150 45 caliber to be?
No, I am not considering buying one, either. Just. Intrigued.
Vaultraq@reddit
As others have said, you pay for reliability (up to a certain point).
tux2718@reddit
Are you buying it for protection? If so, do you really want to save a few bucks and have it jam when you need it most? I bought a Taurus semiautomatic and it would regularly jam when there were only two rounds left in the magazine. I only carry quality pistols now.
TemperReformanda@reddit (OP)
No, I'd definitely not carry that huge Hi Point for such, the Beretta 96 would suffice for that.
I don't really intend to buy one but didn't expect to see a 45 cheaper than a pair of mediocre work boots, so I figured I'd ask around. Might make for cheap fun plinking later on.
firearmresearch00@reddit
They also make a 10mm if you really want to saul questionable waters
Vaultraq@reddit
Jesus take the trigger!
gunsforevery1@reddit
Hi point more than likely. It’s made of zinc. It’s probably more likely to jam than to be unsafe.
TemperReformanda@reddit (OP)
Yeah it was a Hi Point. Interesting that they seem to be "not bad".
WindstormMD@reddit
They’re the firearm equivalent of harbor freight. They do the same job for dirt cheap, and will do it just fine, but just like HF are overbuilt to compensate for cheap materials and look the part
REMINGTONMODEL81912@reddit
Not bad but not good. But what’s great is the warranty on them
Calm_Relation7993@reddit
No, they are definitely bad guns, it just probably won’t explode on you.
REMINGTONMODEL81912@reddit
No a bad gun is made by Jennings, Bryco arms
REMINGTONMODEL81912@reddit
Hi point has steel inserts so they run pretty reliable except for using steel case ammo. Unlike the Jennings those are terrible
bikumz@reddit
Cheap guns are super cool. Rock Island M206 is dirt cheap also but a great gun. Not as cheap as a what you said but still pretty cheap.
TacTurtle@reddit
Cheap, yes, great? Hell no, and I say that as an owner.
Strong_Dentist_7561@reddit
Great gun ? Nah
tom_yum@reddit
What brand is it? Is it a new gun or some old Lorcin at a pawn shop?
gunsforevery1@reddit
Hi point
TemperReformanda@reddit (OP)
Yes actually it was a Hi Point
Kyrottimus@reddit
Hi points are basically the disposable camera of firearms.
They work fine, but generally don't expect it to last for more than a few thousand rounds.
I know folks who buy them to keep in a boat or cabin or whatever. They work when needed, but are not exactly ideal as a weekly range toy.
Karddet@reddit
The only 45 you can get new for $145
tom_yum@reddit
Hi points have a good reputation for working. They aren't super ergonomic or cool looking but it won't blow up.
Severe-Cow-8646@reddit
I wonder how many people who diss Hi Points have actually shot one?
Stevarooni@reddit
There is Federal protection of gun companies from being sued because their products are misused, with clear requirements that they can be sued for material issues with their products that result in harm.
There are few legal requirements for specific construction details that will "make" them safe, but if a firearm is on the market, if it's been manufactured for a significant amount of time and is still being manufactured, you can trust that it is a safe design. It might not be a great design, but it will be usable.
If you're talking about a Hi-Point, it is a rough, awkward, but reliable and plenty accurate firearm. They make cheap guns that will work, if that's all you can afford. They get a lot of grief, but they really are good enough for the price.
GetGoatedYourself@reddit
Safe as a brand new gun, most likely.
Reliable well depends on what you consider reliable.
RandoAtReddit@reddit
Just picked one of those up recently. Not bad.
Grassnicad29-2@reddit
If you’re buying a new gun, there is nothing to worry about. A hi point is a perfectly safe gun, it’s ugly, clunky and stupid but totally safe.