Hi-Point Model 40SW
Encyclopedia
The Hi-Point Firearms
model JCP is a blowback
operated semi-automatic pistol chambered for the popular .40 S&W round used by the FBI. It has a polymer frame like all Hi-Point pistols, a 4.5 inch barrel, and a slide composed of ZAMAK
-3 with steel reinforcements.
It features an integral accessory rail for mounting lasers and flashlights on Hi-Point rings. The safety is a combination lever for locking the slide and putting it on safe. The immediate drawback of this system is that the weapon cannot be cocked while the safety is on; the safety locks the trigger, but the common misconception is that it only locks the slide.
Hi-point's handguns use a simple yet reliable "Blowback Design
" similar to that used in the Walther PPK
and Russian Makarov PM
. In blowback weapons the return spring and mass of the slide absorbs the rearward force generated by the propulsion of the bullet
. As the slide moves back, an extractor hooks the empty casing and pulls it out of the chamber after which the case is ejected from the weapon. When the slide
has completed its rearward travel, the spring moves the slide forward, chambering another round. Many modern handguns use other mechanics to help absorb some of the energy created, and therefore do not require the amount of mass that the blowback design requires in order to remain comfortable to shoot, and easy to control during the firing process.
Some have criticized the physical appearance of the gun as unattractive and non-traditional. The design philosophy is similar to that of Glock, favoring a no-frills utilitarian design.
Hi-Point Firearms
Hi-Point Firearms, also known as Beemiller , is a firearms manufacturer based in Mansfield, Ohio. However only the CF.380, C9 9 mm, & the carbines are made in Mansfield...
model JCP is a blowback
Blowback (arms)
Blowback is a system of operation for self-loading firearms that obtains energy from the motion of the cartridge case as it is pushed to the rear by expanding gases created by the ignition of the propellant charge....
operated semi-automatic pistol chambered for the popular .40 S&W round used by the FBI. It has a polymer frame like all Hi-Point pistols, a 4.5 inch barrel, and a slide composed of ZAMAK
ZAMAK
Zamak is a family of alloys with a base metal of zinc and alloying elements of aluminium, magnesium and copper. Zamak alloys are part of the zinc aluminium alloy family; they are distinguished from the other ZA alloys because of their constant 4% aluminium composition...
-3 with steel reinforcements.
It features an integral accessory rail for mounting lasers and flashlights on Hi-Point rings. The safety is a combination lever for locking the slide and putting it on safe. The immediate drawback of this system is that the weapon cannot be cocked while the safety is on; the safety locks the trigger, but the common misconception is that it only locks the slide.
Hi-point's handguns use a simple yet reliable "Blowback Design
Blowback (arms)
Blowback is a system of operation for self-loading firearms that obtains energy from the motion of the cartridge case as it is pushed to the rear by expanding gases created by the ignition of the propellant charge....
" similar to that used in the Walther PPK
Walther PPK
The Walther PP series pistols are blowback-operated semi-automatic pistols.They feature an exposed hammer, a double-action trigger mechanism, a single-column magazine, and a fixed barrel which also acts as the guide rod for the recoil spring...
and Russian Makarov PM
Makarov PM
The PM is a semi-automatic pistol design. Under the project leadership of Nikolay Fyodorovich Makarov, it became the Soviet Union's standard military side arm from 1951-1991.-Development:...
. In blowback weapons the return spring and mass of the slide absorbs the rearward force generated by the propulsion of the bullet
Bullet
A bullet is a projectile propelled by a firearm, sling, or air gun. Bullets do not normally contain explosives, but damage the intended target by impact and penetration...
. As the slide moves back, an extractor hooks the empty casing and pulls it out of the chamber after which the case is ejected from the weapon. When the slide
Pistol slide
The slide is the part of the weapon on a majority of semi-automatic pistols that moves during the operating cycle and generally houses the firing pin or striker and the extractor, and serves as the bolt...
has completed its rearward travel, the spring moves the slide forward, chambering another round. Many modern handguns use other mechanics to help absorb some of the energy created, and therefore do not require the amount of mass that the blowback design requires in order to remain comfortable to shoot, and easy to control during the firing process.
Features
- +P rating to handle all factory ammunition
- Frame: Polymer frame with integral accessory rail.
- Finish: Powder Coat (Black)
- Sights: 3-dot, fully adjustable rear sight (windage and elevation adjustable); comes with optional ghost ring sight
- Quick on & off thumb safety
- Magazine disconnect safety
- Last round hold open
Criticism
One frequent point of criticism is the substantial size and weight of the weapon. However, at 32 ounces with a 4.5" barrel, the firearm, with its 10+1 capacity, is 7 oz. less than the 1911a1 .45ACP with its 39 oz. weight and 7+1 capacity, which many consider to be very concealable, while the 40SW is 0.5 inches shorter in length and only 0.1 inches wider.Some have criticized the physical appearance of the gun as unattractive and non-traditional. The design philosophy is similar to that of Glock, favoring a no-frills utilitarian design.