I've been buying firearms for 25 years now and my tastes have of could improved over that time. For several weeks I've been looking at a HP22 and reading reviews of it over the web. What took me so long in parting with $105 was the fact that it was an inexpensive handgun. I would have preferred to spend 250-300 for a Beretta or such because it would 'fit' in better with my current collection (no cheap guns). After reading all the reviews I could find on most .22 cal. pistols the fact remained that the HP22 sounded as good or better than all of them. My point is that dollars spent is just one indication of a good gun, look at the Raven .25 for over 20 years it's been considered a good enough gun to carry concealed and it went for way under $75 at that time. Hi-points are good, I've owned one, they just don't have the expense of walnut stocks and machined parts. To each their own.
What would ever possess someone to buy a Hi-Point or Jennings ??
- Thread starter vyper005
- Start date
- Status
My father was on the rifle team in the Air Force. He shot what he was issued and left the rest up to the armorer. He bought a Jennings .22 from a friend because he was not into guns like we are and was not aware that the Jennings was such a "POS". His friend needed the cash and Dad only paid $20-$30 for it. He kept it until I found out about it and loaned him my .357 to replace it.
While there are much better choices for the same or little more money (like the Russian military surplus) it's quite likely that the people who purchase the Jennings don't have access to the sources of information that we do. People of like minds stick together. They probably don't have friends that can give them good advice on firearms and they probably wouldn't consider checking out libraries to check the books or Internet for info.
That said, I would very much prefer them to have a firearm of some sort rather than nothing at all.
Everything I've heard about the HiPoint is that it is quite reliable and sturdily made. It is huge, blocky and ugly as sin and that's the reason I never bought one. The HiPoint looks like a brick with a grip on it. I never shot my Dad's Jennings but I was not impressed with it's appearance, it looks like it was made from pot metal.
While there are much better choices for the same or little more money (like the Russian military surplus) it's quite likely that the people who purchase the Jennings don't have access to the sources of information that we do. People of like minds stick together. They probably don't have friends that can give them good advice on firearms and they probably wouldn't consider checking out libraries to check the books or Internet for info.
That said, I would very much prefer them to have a firearm of some sort rather than nothing at all.
Everything I've heard about the HiPoint is that it is quite reliable and sturdily made. It is huge, blocky and ugly as sin and that's the reason I never bought one. The HiPoint looks like a brick with a grip on it. I never shot my Dad's Jennings but I was not impressed with it's appearance, it looks like it was made from pot metal.
A friend of mine told me he wanted to buy his first handgun and I offered to go shopping with him. As we walked around looking at guns he was keying in on the Rossi line of revolvers. He asked me about the quality. I asked him why he was interested in that particular gun and he said the price. I told him that if thats all he can afford then that was fine but also pointed him to other manufactures as well. That way he could learn on what he was about to buy. He decided on a Taurus model 44. Not the cheapest weapon as far as manufacture but not the top of the line either. It has served him well.
What we all have to understand from this story is that a great majority of people out there interested in purchasing their first handgun just dont know a lot about firearms and manufactures. The price is what attracts the new person to the cheaper line of weapon. Its a learning process. Most people seem to be a little on the shy side when it comes to asking about stuff like that. Thats where the learning curve comes into play. Most of us learned how to ride a bike with training wheels. Eventually they came off and we got smarter. In time so will they. I dont look down on anyone who buys what they can afford. I will give them my opinion though only if Im asked.
Education is power. We all must start somewhere.
What we all have to understand from this story is that a great majority of people out there interested in purchasing their first handgun just dont know a lot about firearms and manufactures. The price is what attracts the new person to the cheaper line of weapon. Its a learning process. Most people seem to be a little on the shy side when it comes to asking about stuff like that. Thats where the learning curve comes into play. Most of us learned how to ride a bike with training wheels. Eventually they came off and we got smarter. In time so will they. I dont look down on anyone who buys what they can afford. I will give them my opinion though only if Im asked.
Education is power. We all must start somewhere.
At one time there was a large annual magazine-type publication that was nothing more than a list of guns that the editors had personally tested, with photographs.
(I know there is currently a Gun Tests magazine, but I don't think this was the same group.)
Anyway, I purchased my J22 after reading a very favorable review in this magazine.
This was the type of magazine that was not afraid to call several guns junk, and had several pictures of jams, so maybe it was the "Gun Test" guys.
Even though that Jennings probably cost me less than $50, that was a lot of money for me, and I didn't want to waste it.
Cornbread, you are absolutely right, that gun should not have been carried with a round in the chamber. I didn't know that at the time, but I am glad that God was looking out for me, because I carried it that way several times.
When you mention quality guns in the same price range, ($60 - 150) I'm not sure what you are talking about.
If you are talking about Maks and other European guns, you have to realize that a lot more places carry Jennings, Bryco, or HiPoint, than carry Maks.
From what I have read, the Makarov is certainly a better gun, but I'm not sure that you can get a "quality" gun for $60.
I feel that the Jennnings and HiPoints fit a need for less fortunate people who have a right to defend themselves.
There are currently two copies of the KelTec available that sell for less than $150.
(Cobra? and ????)
According to my local dealer, it is quite possible that either of these will fail before 200 rounds!
At least the Jennings would outlast that.
FWIW, I hope I am never reduced to the point that I would have to buy another Jennings.....
(I know there is currently a Gun Tests magazine, but I don't think this was the same group.)
Anyway, I purchased my J22 after reading a very favorable review in this magazine.
This was the type of magazine that was not afraid to call several guns junk, and had several pictures of jams, so maybe it was the "Gun Test" guys.
Even though that Jennings probably cost me less than $50, that was a lot of money for me, and I didn't want to waste it.
Cornbread, you are absolutely right, that gun should not have been carried with a round in the chamber. I didn't know that at the time, but I am glad that God was looking out for me, because I carried it that way several times.
When you mention quality guns in the same price range, ($60 - 150) I'm not sure what you are talking about.
If you are talking about Maks and other European guns, you have to realize that a lot more places carry Jennings, Bryco, or HiPoint, than carry Maks.
From what I have read, the Makarov is certainly a better gun, but I'm not sure that you can get a "quality" gun for $60.
I feel that the Jennnings and HiPoints fit a need for less fortunate people who have a right to defend themselves.
There are currently two copies of the KelTec available that sell for less than $150.
(Cobra? and ????)
According to my local dealer, it is quite possible that either of these will fail before 200 rounds!
At least the Jennings would outlast that.
FWIW, I hope I am never reduced to the point that I would have to buy another Jennings.....
Cornbread2
Moderator
The Jennings .22 was not a bad pistol. The cheap pot metal that they were made from was strong enough to handle the pressure and light recoil of the .22 lr round.
When you take this same weak design and add a more powerfull centerfire round you are asking for trouble.
Some of you say that people buy these things because they just dont know any better and it is our job as responable gun owners to set them strait.
I agree with this but when you tell them their pretty new gun is junk and not safe to carry with a round in the chamber they will not listen and carry it loaded anyway.
So many of these people will listen to reason or common sense.
The idiot that droped the Davis .32 and shot the old lady in the K Mart store was told several times not to carry it with a round in the chamber.
The fact that he shot the old lady was proof he thought we were all idiots and did not listen to our advice.
He could have just as eaisly have shot her in the head.
Someone asked if there were any quality guns that you can buy for $60.
There isnt many but there are some you can buy that are much safer to carry than the Jennings type SA striker fired accident waiting to happen POS.
There was a company whose name I can not remember that made a DAO .25 that was safe to carry. It sold new for $60
Titan made a .25 that had an external hammer and rebounding firing pin that was much safer than ANY Jennings type gun. They can be found used for $50.
Even a junk revolver could be carried with the cylinder under the hammer empty and be safe. I have seen times I could have bought an RG for $25.
For the price of a Highpoint there are several decent safe guns you can buy.
When you take this same weak design and add a more powerfull centerfire round you are asking for trouble.
Some of you say that people buy these things because they just dont know any better and it is our job as responable gun owners to set them strait.
I agree with this but when you tell them their pretty new gun is junk and not safe to carry with a round in the chamber they will not listen and carry it loaded anyway.
So many of these people will listen to reason or common sense.
The idiot that droped the Davis .32 and shot the old lady in the K Mart store was told several times not to carry it with a round in the chamber.
The fact that he shot the old lady was proof he thought we were all idiots and did not listen to our advice.
He could have just as eaisly have shot her in the head.
Someone asked if there were any quality guns that you can buy for $60.
There isnt many but there are some you can buy that are much safer to carry than the Jennings type SA striker fired accident waiting to happen POS.
There was a company whose name I can not remember that made a DAO .25 that was safe to carry. It sold new for $60
Titan made a .25 that had an external hammer and rebounding firing pin that was much safer than ANY Jennings type gun. They can be found used for $50.
Even a junk revolver could be carried with the cylinder under the hammer empty and be safe. I have seen times I could have bought an RG for $25.
For the price of a Highpoint there are several decent safe guns you can buy.
People buy them because gun stores sell them. I do think that anyone who knows a thing or two about handguns stay away from these. However, When you go to the gun store and don't know diddily, the salesman won't hesitate selling you the cheapest thing they have.
BTW: I'm sure there would be a bucket of 1911's somewhere if they were cheaper to replace than fix.
BTW: I'm sure there would be a bucket of 1911's somewhere if they were cheaper to replace than fix.
I've got to admit, there was a time when I would say "Only an idiot would pay $500 for a pistol, when you can get a good one for $50!"
Yes, I was young and stupid.
(At least I'm not young any more
)
Now, I couldn't tell you how many guns I have bought and sold for $500 or more.
I guess my attitude at the time was simply based on the fact that I could not afford a $500 gun, (we couldn't afford our own washing machine), and didn't think I ever would be able too.
As for idiots that own guns...
I work with several guys that can afford expensive rifles, Harleys, 4 wheelers, you name it.
Yet, during one conversation, several admitted that they had shot at airplanes while out hunting.
When I expressed surprise, one of them said, "Aw, you'll never hit one."!
So, you are right, it's not simply an economic issue.
Yes, I was young and stupid.
(At least I'm not young any more
)Now, I couldn't tell you how many guns I have bought and sold for $500 or more.
I guess my attitude at the time was simply based on the fact that I could not afford a $500 gun, (we couldn't afford our own washing machine), and didn't think I ever would be able too.
As for idiots that own guns...
I work with several guys that can afford expensive rifles, Harleys, 4 wheelers, you name it.
Yet, during one conversation, several admitted that they had shot at airplanes while out hunting.
When I expressed surprise, one of them said, "Aw, you'll never hit one."!
So, you are right, it's not simply an economic issue.
ehenz,
Quality gun stores won't sell them. No gun store that I deal with will sell them. If the salesman attempted to sell a dangerous gun on the basis of price alone, then he would quickly be an ex-salesman if it were my gun store.
Parke1,
I don't think that anyone is being insulted here for his opinion and the only intolerance I sense is an intolerance of gun manufacturers that put out shoddy weapons that have a clear history of endangering the lives of their owners and bystanders. There are plenty of reliable gun manufacturers in this country and in the rest of the world. You don't have to own or carry a dangerous weapon.
General comments:
Cornbread has put a lot of wisdom into this thread -- wisdom clearly derived from personal experience. Read his posts carefully and take them to heart.
When buying a firearm for personal protection, the last thing you should be thinking about is the price. Reliability and safety should be your chief concerns. Not even the highest-priced custom handgun can be priced at anywhere near the value of your life or the life of a member of your family. Don't balk at paying $500 or more for a reliable personal protection handgun. If you can't afford a quality handgun, carry a cane or a sharp stick. I don't mean to sound elitist, but price should not be a consideration when it comes to defending your life.
Quality gun stores won't sell them. No gun store that I deal with will sell them. If the salesman attempted to sell a dangerous gun on the basis of price alone, then he would quickly be an ex-salesman if it were my gun store.
Parke1,
I don't think that anyone is being insulted here for his opinion and the only intolerance I sense is an intolerance of gun manufacturers that put out shoddy weapons that have a clear history of endangering the lives of their owners and bystanders. There are plenty of reliable gun manufacturers in this country and in the rest of the world. You don't have to own or carry a dangerous weapon.
General comments:
Cornbread has put a lot of wisdom into this thread -- wisdom clearly derived from personal experience. Read his posts carefully and take them to heart.
When buying a firearm for personal protection, the last thing you should be thinking about is the price. Reliability and safety should be your chief concerns. Not even the highest-priced custom handgun can be priced at anywhere near the value of your life or the life of a member of your family. Don't balk at paying $500 or more for a reliable personal protection handgun. If you can't afford a quality handgun, carry a cane or a sharp stick. I don't mean to sound elitist, but price should not be a consideration when it comes to defending your life.
Last edited:
I have had two experiences with Jennings. In both, I watched as the pistols fell apart in the owners hands while firing. Both of them had numerous failures and stoppages before they fell apart. Personally, I wouldn't buy one, but I am lucky enough to have enough money to buy quality firearms. They definitely serve a purpose in the market, but most of their buyers are unaware of the inherent dangers with these weapons.
I know a few quality gun stores that will stock these cheap guns. Their philosophy is that everyone has the right to defend themselves and some people just cannot afford a quality firearm. When they sell these weapons, they always give the potential buyers the standard disclaimers and warn them about keeping a round in the chamber, etc. None of them would recommend a cheap pistol unless the buyer insisted that they only had $100-150 to spend.
I know a few quality gun stores that will stock these cheap guns. Their philosophy is that everyone has the right to defend themselves and some people just cannot afford a quality firearm. When they sell these weapons, they always give the potential buyers the standard disclaimers and warn them about keeping a round in the chamber, etc. None of them would recommend a cheap pistol unless the buyer insisted that they only had $100-150 to spend.
Eventhough some are getting offended, I thought I would politely state my opinion. I don't agree with owning either and unlike some I have actually handled and shot a Hi-Point 9mm. I was also scared that this buddy who owned it carried this as his CCW weapon.
However in fairness, I have another friend who carries a Colt Defender that is a jam-o-holic. This is his CCW piece also. Any gun I carry I chose it to be reliable first and accurate second. So these real cheap guns bother me because of my limited experience they appear to have neither.
As previously stated the people that purchase one of these guns as their first handgun, in my experience no next to nothing about firearms or handguns. They just see the price. Also my dealer refuses to sell these new or used while a newer smaller dealer sells these as his main line.
My general recommendation is if you can't find a good new gun (Glock, Sig, Taurus, S&W, Walther, etc.) I always suggest holding out until a good USED gun appears.
Well I tried to make this non-offensive.
However in fairness, I have another friend who carries a Colt Defender that is a jam-o-holic. This is his CCW piece also. Any gun I carry I chose it to be reliable first and accurate second. So these real cheap guns bother me because of my limited experience they appear to have neither.
As previously stated the people that purchase one of these guns as their first handgun, in my experience no next to nothing about firearms or handguns. They just see the price. Also my dealer refuses to sell these new or used while a newer smaller dealer sells these as his main line.
My general recommendation is if you can't find a good new gun (Glock, Sig, Taurus, S&W, Walther, etc.) I always suggest holding out until a good USED gun appears.
Well I tried to make this non-offensive.
Cornbread2
Moderator
The point I am trying to make and most do not seem to understand is that you do not have to spend a months wages to get a decent and above all SAFE handgun.
Highpoint and the more expenisive Jennings, Davis, Bryco type junk sell from $100 to $200.
In this price range is several good safe guns. Some are even good quality guns.
There are thousands of good used Charter Arms revolvers out there for less than $200. There are not the best of firearms but they are drop safe. I know of several cops that carry them for backup.
There is also thousands of used Rossi revolvers out there that you can buy for about $200. The quality some of the newer Rossi guns are almost as good as anything you can buy.
The comblock Makorov is a good safe and in some cases good quality gun. I have seen several of them for around $150.
The PA-63 is about $100. These are not the quality of a PPK but they sure beat a Jennings.
The Astra Constable is a very good PPK clone that is a high quality and safe gun that sells for a little over $200 if you can find them.
Taurus makes several good revolvers that you can find used for a good price.
You can find old S&W Mod 10s and the like for a good price.
A friend bought a nice one last week for $180.
One good .380 auto that is much better quality than some people think is the Bersa. I had one that was as good as any Sig.
I gave $140 for it.
I have found some real deals at some of the smaller pawn shops.
Some of these guys do not know much about the value of their guns and you can sometimes get a good deal.
I found a nice Ruger Mini-14 once for $200.
A Mossberg 500 for $100.
A PPK for $200.
Highpoint and the more expenisive Jennings, Davis, Bryco type junk sell from $100 to $200.
In this price range is several good safe guns. Some are even good quality guns.
There are thousands of good used Charter Arms revolvers out there for less than $200. There are not the best of firearms but they are drop safe. I know of several cops that carry them for backup.
There is also thousands of used Rossi revolvers out there that you can buy for about $200. The quality some of the newer Rossi guns are almost as good as anything you can buy.
The comblock Makorov is a good safe and in some cases good quality gun. I have seen several of them for around $150.
The PA-63 is about $100. These are not the quality of a PPK but they sure beat a Jennings.
The Astra Constable is a very good PPK clone that is a high quality and safe gun that sells for a little over $200 if you can find them.
Taurus makes several good revolvers that you can find used for a good price.
You can find old S&W Mod 10s and the like for a good price.
A friend bought a nice one last week for $180.
One good .380 auto that is much better quality than some people think is the Bersa. I had one that was as good as any Sig.
I gave $140 for it.
I have found some real deals at some of the smaller pawn shops.
Some of these guys do not know much about the value of their guns and you can sometimes get a good deal.
I found a nice Ruger Mini-14 once for $200.
A Mossberg 500 for $100.
A PPK for $200.
halfcocked
New member
I don't have any experience with the Highpoint, so I can't comment, but I will never buy a Jennings. My brother bought a used .22 one from the gun store I used to work at for $40. He figured for the price, what the heck. It didn't take us long to figure out why it was traded in. It jammed almost every round and it didn't matter what kind of ammo. Even Stingers jammed. When the casings started getting sheared in half, my brother decided it was time to take it back (which was the same day). I believe you get what you pay for (except mil surplus).
Haven't we had enough of these threads already!
Looking at Cornbread2's list above, in my area, the long guns he states prices for have never been that cheap in my area and other than the PA-63, those other semi-autos I'd have to order from somewhere else and pay a fortune to get shipped to me through an FFL. The revolvers are not for me as I shoot them like crap and if I ever needed to use one, I'd probably run out of ammo before I hit anything!
To each his own! Stop the madness!
Looking at Cornbread2's list above, in my area, the long guns he states prices for have never been that cheap in my area and other than the PA-63, those other semi-autos I'd have to order from somewhere else and pay a fortune to get shipped to me through an FFL. The revolvers are not for me as I shoot them like crap and if I ever needed to use one, I'd probably run out of ammo before I hit anything!
To each his own! Stop the madness!
In your area...
You should be able to get to either AIM or SOG w/o having too much of a drive.
There, you should be able to buy a Makarov, getting just about the only cheap semi worth having.
I keep telling my uncle about them, but he'd rather use up the bucketfull of cheapies his father "rescued" from Hamilton Co.'s gun disposal (the Sheriff's deputies took all the good guns, back in the days of yore).
You should be able to get to either AIM or SOG w/o having too much of a drive.
There, you should be able to buy a Makarov, getting just about the only cheap semi worth having.
I keep telling my uncle about them, but he'd rather use up the bucketfull of cheapies his father "rescued" from Hamilton Co.'s gun disposal (the Sheriff's deputies took all the good guns, back in the days of yore).
- Status