Hi-Point C9 9mm Compact Pistol Black Polymer
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Hi-Point C9 is a compact, semi-automatic 9mm pistol built on a black polymer frame with a 3.5-inch barrel and 8-round magazine capacity. It features an exposed serrated slide, adjustable three-dot rear sight, and dual safety systems that make it a straightforward, budget-friendly option for entry-level shooters and those needing basic defensive capability. At 29 ounces unloaded, it's 46% heavier than the 19.8-ounce Glock 19, which directly impacts carry comfort but contributes to reduced felt recoil.
What is the Hi-Point C9 used for?
This pistol is engineered for compact concealed carry, range training, and home defense scenarios where reliability matters more than premium features. I recommend it for new shooters who need an affordable platform to learn fundamentals, or as a backup firearm that won't break the bank if damaged or confiscated during law enforcement interactions. The magazine disconnect safety and thumb safety make it particularly suitable for households with curious children or inexperienced users.
How does the Hi-Point C9 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The C9 pistol serves entirely different purposes than the Stevens 334 Rifle chambered in .308 Win, which is better for hunting and long-range precision. While the Stevens 334 offers superior accuracy at 200+ yards with its 20-inch barrel and bolt-action system, the C9 provides close-quarters defense with its 3.5-inch barrel and semi-automatic operation. The rifle is the clear choice for hunting elk or deer, whereas the pistol excels in personal protection scenarios under 25 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The C9 measures 6.75 inches in length, 5 inches in height, and 1.625 inches in width, weighing 29 ounces empty. These dimensions make it comparable in size to many subcompact pistols, though the weight is noticeably heavier due to the zinc alloy slide construction. The 3.5-inch barrel provides adequate velocity for standard pressure 9mm rounds while keeping the overall profile manageable for concealed carry in proper holsters.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious competitors or tactical operators should avoid this pistol due to its heavy trigger pull averaging 8.5 pounds and limited aftermarket support. If you're running drills that require rapid follow-up shots or need optics-ready mounting systems, consider investing in platforms with better trigger systems and accessory rails. The C9's utilitarian design simply won't meet the demands of advanced shooting disciplines or professional use scenarios.
What's in the box?
You receive one Hi-Point C9 pistol, one 8-round detachable magazine, and the manufacturer's lifetime warranty paperwork—no case, cleaning kit, or additional accessories. The minimal packaging reflects the budget nature of this firearm, though the warranty itself is surprisingly comprehensive compared to more expensive options. I recommend purchasing at least two additional magazines and a proper cleaning rod separately for reliable function.
Is the Hi-Point C9 worth it at $117.99?
At $117.99, this represents one of the least expensive new-production 9mm pistols on the market that still includes a legitimate lifetime warranty. For the price of a quality holster for most other pistols, you're getting a functional firearm that will reliably feed 115-grain FMJ ammunition and provide basic defensive capability. Just understand you're sacrificing ergonomics, trigger quality, and aftermarket support that come with more refined firearms costing three times as much.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Lifetime warranty - covers repairs and replacements indefinitely
- 29 oz weight reduces felt recoil by approximately 22% compared to lighter polymer pistols
- $117.99 price point - 63% cheaper than average 9mm compact pistols
- Accepts +P ammunition safely - handles higher pressure rounds without modification
Trade-offs
- Heavy 8.5-pound trigger pull - requires significant finger strength and practice
- Only one 8-round magazine included - additional magazines cost $25 each
- No accessory rail - cannot mount lights or lasers without custom modification
- Zinc alloy slide adds weight - 46% heavier than comparable aluminum slide pistols
Key attributes
| upc | 752334091604 |
| manufacturer | Hi Point Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 00916 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3.50" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 7.9500 |
| model | C-9 |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Pistol |
| safety | Magazine/Thumb |
| shipping weight | 2.3 |
| sights | 3 Dot |
| sights type | 3-Dot |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| magazine included | Yes |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Holosun red dot sights?
- No, the C9's slide is not machined for optics mounting and lacks any mounting system for red dot sights. You would need extensive gunsmithing work costing $150-200 to mill the slide, which isn't cost-effective given the pistol's low price point. Stick with iron sights or consider a different platform if optics are required.
- Does it fit Glock 19 holsters?
- No, the C9 has completely different dimensions and won't fit Glock 19 holsters properly. You'll need specifically designed Hi-Point C9 holsters from manufacturers like Alien Gear or We the People. The pistol measures 1.625 inches wide compared to the Glock 19's 1.34 inches, creating significant fitment issues.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearms shipped to FFL dealers in Montana typically take 3-5 business days for processing and ground shipping from our warehouse. Once your local FFL receives the firearm, you'll need to complete the ATF Form 4473 and pass the mandatory background check, which usually adds 1-2 business days depending on state processing times.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, all firearm sales are final once transferred through an FFL dealer due to federal regulations and safety concerns. We strongly recommend handling the pistol at a local range or store before purchasing. The grip circumference measures 5.25 inches, which may be too large for shooters with smaller hands.