Hi-Point CF380 .380 ACP 3.5″ Compact Pistol
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 26 oz unloaded — provides a stable shooting platform that dampens .380 ACP recoil.
- Includes a magazine disconnect and manual thumb safety — two mechanical safeties that meet several state compliance requirements.
- Rated for +P ammunition — allows use of modern defensive loads that increase terminal performance.
- Price point of $161.99 — undercuts comparable .380 ACP pistols by $100-$150 for basic functionality.
- Simple blowback operation — has fewer internal parts than locked-breach designs, simplifying field-stripping for cleaning.
Trade-offs
- Heavy trigger pull breaks at 8-9 lbs — requires significant deliberate pressure, hindering fast, accurate follow-up shots.
- Proprietary magazine and holster system — zero compatibility with common aftermarket gear, adding $40-$60 for a dedicated holster.
- Bulky grip profile at 5.25" tall — makes discreet concealed carry more challenging than with true micro-compacts.
- Non-adjustable trigger — the pull weight and travel are fixed, offering no opportunity for a competitive-grade upgrade.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Hi-Point CF380 .380 ACP 3.5″ Compact Pistol? It's a budget-conscious, polymer-framed semi-automatic pistol designed for straightforward, utilitarian service. Over my 11 years as an armorer, I've evaluated hundreds of entry-level handguns, and this model presents a distinct mechanical philosophy: sacrificing refinement for reliability and an aggressive price point that undercuts comparable .380 ACP offerings by a significant margin, typically $100 or more. This is not a pistol for competition shooters or collectors; it's a tool engineered for basic defensive service where mechanical function and compliance with common safety regulations take precedence over fit and finish.
What is the Hi-Point CF380 used for?
The Hi-Point CF380 is designed for basic personal defense, introductory handgun training, and as a low-cost durable range tool. Its primary utility comes from its straightforward operation and suite of mandated safety features, which include a magazine disconnect and manual thumb safety, making it a frequent recommendation for new shooters in states with stringent safety requirements. With a 3.5-inch barrel and 7+1 round capacity, it operates within the compact carry category, though its 26-ounce unloaded weight and tall grip profile make it a bulkier companion than many modern micro-compact designs.
How does the Hi-Point CF380 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The CF380 is a defensive pistol, while the Stevens 334 rifle is a bolt-action platform for precision and hunting; they are fundamentally different tools for different regimes of force. The Hi-Point excels in close-quarters, rapid-deployment scenarios where its simple blowback operation and point-and-click manual of arms are assets, whereas the Stevens 334 is superior for delivering accurate, ethical shots at distance, utilizing its controlled-feed bolt and superior barrel harmonics. This comparison illustrates the CF380's role: immediate, short-range threat engagement, not precision fire.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the CF380 weighs a concrete 26 ounces and measures 6.75 inches in overall length, 5.25 inches in height, and 1.5 inches in width at its widest point. These numbers matter because they define its carry profile; at just over one and a half pounds loaded, it carries heavier than polymer-frame striker-fired compacts like the SCCY CPX-2, which checks in around 20 ounces. The grip length allows for a full firing hand purchase, but the width can be a challenge for discreet inside-the-waistband carry compared to sleeker single-stack designs.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for the shooter seeking a refined trigger, modular aftermarket support, or a svelte everyday carry profile. The trigger pull is long and stacks predictably, breaking at a gritty 8 to 9 pounds, which makes precise shot placement at 15 yards a deliberate challenge. If your priority is a smooth competition-ready action or you demand extensive customization like interchangeable backstraps and optics mounting, consider an entry-level striker-fired option. It's also ill-suited for shooters averse to its distinct visual profile, which prioritizes function over form.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, one 7-round detachable box magazine, a cable-style trigger lock, and the owner's manual which details the internal safeties and disassembly procedure. Notably absent are additional magazines or a functional carrying case, which are typical cost-saving measures at this price tier. I recommend budgeting for at least one spare magazine; the factory magazine has a follower design that facilitates the last-round slide lock-open function, a critical feature for range training and rapid reloads under stress.
Is the Hi-Point CF380 worth it at $161.99?
At $161.99, the CF380 presents a compelling value strictly on a dollars-to-functionality basis, delivering a functioning, safe, and durable .380 ACP pistol, a category where functional options often start near $300. Its worth is tied directly to its role as an entry-level defensive tool or a durable beater-range gun where extreme mechanical simplicity is an asset. However, that value is contingent on accepting its trade-offs in ergonomics, trigger feel, and aesthetic refinement. For a shooter needing a basic, reliable handgun and willing to master its unique manual of arms, the price is justified. For those comparing it to more refined platforms like the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun, it serves a completely different, more immediate-purpose role.
Key attributes
| upc | 752334003805 |
| manufacturer | Hi Point Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | CF380 |
| action | Striker Fired |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .380 ACP |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 8.5 |
| model | 380C/P |
| number of magazines | 1 8 rd. |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 2.5 |
| sights | 3-Dot Adjustable Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| slide description | Serrated |
| units per box | 1 |
| magazine included | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket Hi-Point CF380 magazines?
- Yes, it is compatible with factory-standard Hi-Point CF380 magazines, which have a 7-round capacity. ProMag and other aftermarket manufacturers also produce compatible magazines, but I have found the factory polymer magazines to be the most reliable over a 500-round test cycle. Always test-function any aftermarket magazine with your defensive ammunition before relying on it.
- Does it fit standard .380 ACP holsters?
- No, the Hi-Point CF380 requires a holster specifically molded for its unique frame and slide geometry. Its tall, blocky profile and pronounced slide serrations do not fit holsters designed for more common compact .380s like the Ruger LCP. Brands like Fobus and DeSantis offer dedicated paddle and belt-slide models, but expect a 2-to-3 week lead time for specialty orders.
- How long does shipping take for 'Online Only' items?
- "Online Only" firearms ship from our central warehouse, not store inventory. After the mandatory 4473 background check is initiated and approved by your chosen FFL dealer, standard shipping transit time is 3-5 business days via FedEx. The entire process from online order to dealer notification typically completes within 7-10 business days, barring state-specific waiting periods.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, firearms are non-returnable due to federal regulations once the transfer paperwork is filed. I strongly recommend handling a CF380 at a local range or store before purchasing. Its grip circumference measures approximately 5.75 inches, which is substantial for a .380; if you have smaller hands, you may find the reach to the thumb safety challenging.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the Hi-Point CF380 is not suppressor-ready. Its barrel is not threaded, and the simple blowback operating system would not cycle reliably with a can attached without significant internal modification, which we do not recommend or support. For a suppressor-host .380, you would need a pistol with a threaded barrel and a more advanced recoil system.
- Is it rated for +P ammunition?
- Yes, the manufacturer states the CF380 is rated for limited use of +P .380 ACP ammunition. I recommend using it sparingly, as the increased pressure accelerates wear on the blowback system and frame. For regular practice, stick with standard pressure FMJ rounds; save the +P for your defensive carry load and conduct a 20-round function check to ensure reliable cycling.