The Hi-Point Model CF-380 is a polymer-framed, semi-automatic, blowback-operated pistol manufactured by

Hi-Point Firearms Hi-Point Firearms, also known as Strassell's Machine, Inc (distributed by MKS Supply), is an American firearms manufacturer based in Mansfield, Ohio. All of their firearms are manufactured in several locations in Ohio. Construction of products ...

. It is chambered in .380 ACP. With a 3.5 inch barrel weighing 29 ounces.

Design

The Model CF-380 is a compact, single stack magazine, derivative of Hi-Point's 9×19mm handgun line. It consists of a

polymer A polymer () is a chemical substance, substance or material that consists of very large molecules, or macromolecules, that are constituted by many repeat unit, repeating subunits derived from one or more species of monomers. Due to their br ...

frame, zinc-alloy slide and bolt (with steel reinforcing inserts, and a steel breech, chamber and barrel. Its low price and small and compact design prompted many to purchase it for

concealed carry Concealed carry, or carrying a concealed weapon (CCW), is the practice of carrying a weapon (usually a sidearm such as a handgun), either in proximity to or on one's person or in public places in a manner that hides or conceals the weapon's pre ...

. Some decline to carry the CF-380 in Condition One ("cocked and locked" - generally considered to be the preferable condition for defensive carry) because its

striker-fired A firing pin or striker is a part of the firing mechanism of a firearm that impacts the primer in the base of a cartridge and causes it to fire. In firearms terminology, a striker is a particular type of firing pin where a compressed sprin ...

design lacks a

firing pin block Close-up shot of a safety of an M16A2 rifle In firearms, a safety or safety catch is a mechanism used to help prevent the accidental discharge of a firearm, helping to ensure safer handling. Safeties generally can be divided into subtypes suc ...

. Hi-point's handguns use a blowback design similar to that used in the

Walther PPK The Walther PP (, or police pistol) series pistols are blowback-operated semi-automatic pistols, developed by the German arms manufacturer Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen. Design The Walther PP series feature an exposed hammer, a double-action ...

and Russian

Makarov PM The Makarov pistol or PM ( rus, Пистолет Макарова, r=Pistolet Makarova, p=pʲɪstɐˈlʲet mɐˈkarəvə, t=Makarov's Pistol) is a Soviet semi-automatic pistol. Under the project leadership of Nikolay Fyodorovich Makarov, it bec ...

. In blowback firearms the mass of the slide and bolt absorbs the rearward force generated by the propulsion of the

bullet A bullet is a kinetic projectile, a component of firearm ammunition that is shot from a gun barrel. They are made of a variety of materials, such as copper, lead, steel, polymer, rubber and even wax; and are made in various shapes and constru ...

. As the pressure drops to a safe level, the slide moves back (along with the bolt), an extractor hooks the empty casing and pulls it out of the chamber, after which the case is ejected from the firearm by the ejector. When the

slide Slide or Slides may refer to: Places * Slide, California, former name of Fortuna, California Arts, entertainment, and media Music Albums * ''Slide'' (Lisa Germano album), 1998 * ''Slide'' (George Clanton album), 2018 *''Slide'', by Patrick Glee ...

has completed its rearward travel, the recoil spring moves the slide forward, chambering another round. Many, if not most, modern handguns use a locked-breech design and therefore do not require the amount of slide mass that the blowback design requires in order to remain comfortable to shoot, safe to fire, and easy to control during the firing process.

Criticisms

The firing pin in this design also acts as the ejector. It is possible to have a 'out of battery detonation' while hand cycling live ammo through the gun due to this. This means that it is not safe to hand cycle live ammo through the gun and great care should be taken while unloading.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hi-Point CF-380 Semi-automatic pistols of the United States .380 ACP semi-automatic pistols

Design

Criticisms

See also

References