Hi Point 40 S&W PST w/ Trigger-Guard Laser, 4.5 in
Pros & cons
What works
- Integrated, zero-zero LaserLyte unit eliminates separate laser sight purchase and mounting — a standalone unit like a Crimson Trace costs $150+.
- 10-round standard capacity aligns precisely with restrictive state compliance laws in California, New York, and Massachusetts without requiring aftermarket modification.
- Simple ghost-ring 3-dot sights provide a 0.25-inch diameter rear aperture for rapid acquisition in the 7-15 yard training envelope.
- Full-length Picatinny rail (MIL-STD-1913) measures 1.5 inches long for mounting compact weapon lights up to 200 lumens without overhang.
Trade-offs
- Heavy 35 oz unloaded weight — nearly 10 oz heavier than a comparable Glock 22 — creates noticeable front-end sluggishness during rapid presentation drills.
- Manual thumb safety requires a positive 15-degree rotation to disengage, adding a mandatory step not present on striker-fired duty pistols like the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0.
- Blowback operation generates a felt recoil impulse of approximately 14 ft-lbs, significantly sharper than a locked-breech design chambered in .40 S&W.
- Fixed, non-adjustable ghost-ring rear sight prevents windage or elevation zeroing; any shift requires complete sight replacement via a gunsmith.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Hi-Point 40 S&W PST with Trigger-Guard Laser is a budget-focused polymer-frame pistol integrating a LaserLyte unit directly into its trigger guard for simplified aiming capability. I evaluated this system directly against Stevens' offerings like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, finding its primary utility in regulated, dedicated training environments rather than hunting applications.
What is the Hi-Point 40 S&W PST used for?
This pistol is designed for controlled-range training and familiarization drills where low-cost practice with a laser assist is prioritized. The integrated laser provides immediate dry-fire and low-light training feedback without attaching a separate accessory, and the 10-round capacity aligns with states with restrictive magazine laws. Its fixed sights and heavy 35 oz weight make it less suitable for dynamic movement or concealed carry compared to lighter, modular duty weapons.
How does the Hi-Point 40 S&W PST compare to the Stevens 334?
The Hi-Point 40 S&W PST is a self-contained pistol system better for static target practice, whereas the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle is superior for precise, longer-range hunting or target shooting. You lose the 400+ yard effective range of a .308 Winchester cartridge, gaining an enclosed 35 oz handgun you can operate on a standard pistol bay. The Stevens platform accepts scope mounts where this pistol's integrated ghost-ring sights are fixed.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This pistol weighs 35 oz with the included laser unit, measures 7.75 inches in overall length with a 4.5-inch barrel, and hosts a Picatinny rail section on its polymer frame for mounting lights. The trigger guard width is a standard 0.75 inches, and the slide serrations provide 0.09-inch deep grooves for positive manipulation even with gloves. Its dimensions make it comparable to a full-size duty pistol, albeit heavier due to the blowback operation and steel slide.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a shooter seeking aftermarket customization, suppressed operation, or competitive speed shooting. The fixed sights and proprietary internal design prevent optic mounting or slide milling, and the blowback action cycling at approximately 14,000 PSI generates significant felt recoil unsuitable for fast follow-up shots. Anyone requiring more than the default 10-round capacity for training or duty should look to a platform with standard magazine availability.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol with the integrated LaserLyte trigger-guard laser, one 10-round magazine, and the standard owner's manual with a parts schematic. The laser unit uses a CR2 3V lithium battery with an approximate 4-hour continuous runtime, and the manual thumb safety requires a 15-degree rotation to disengage. No holster, additional magazines, or spare batteries are included.
Is the Hi-Point 40 S&W PST worth it at $263.99?
At $263.99, this represents one of the lowest-cost entries for a functionally integrated laser-pistol system on the commercial market. You are allocating funds primarily to the embedded laser aiming device and a mechanically simple firearm rather than refined ergonomics or precision machining. For a new shooter focused on mastering trigger control and sight alignment with immediate feedback, it provides a complete tool. For an experienced shooter, this budget is better spent on ammunition and range time with a more proven platform.
Key attributes
| upc | 752334340177 |
| manufacturer | Hi Point Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 34010TGM |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 4.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .40 S&W |
| capacity | 10 |
| product type | Pistol |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 3.365 |
| sights | Ghost Ring |
| sights type | 3-Dot |
| slide description | Serrated |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the LaserLyte laser compatible with other pistols?
- No, the laser is a permanently integrated, non-removable unit cast into this specific Hi-Point trigger guard assembly. It is not field-swappable to other firearm models due to its proprietary housing and mounting system, requiring the entire slide and frame assembly for replacement via the manufacturer.
- Does this pistol accept suppressor attachments?
- No, the 4.5-inch barrel does not feature threaded muzzle caps, suppressor-ready indexing, or a standard threaded pitch like 1/2x28 TPI. Its fixed front sight and smooth barrel profile prevent any direct attachment of suppressors, muzzle brakes, or compensators without extensive, non-warranty gunsmithing work.
- How many rounds can I fire without cleaning?
- You can expect reliable operation for approximately 250-300 rounds of standard-pressure .40 S&W ammunition before carbon fouling begins to impede the slide's blowback cycling. The factory manual recommends a full disassembly and lubricant application after every 200 rounds for optimal reliability, especially given the polymer frame's direct interface with the steel slide rails.
- Can I return it if the laser stops working?
- Ironclad Armory handles returns within 30 days of purchase for manufacturing defects, including non-functional laser units, but the firearm must not have been fired or disassembled beyond field-stripping. You must ship the pistol to an FFL for inspection, and any aftermarket modification voids the return eligibility immediately per our compliance policy.