Hi tech, low drag: advanced technology Hi-Point 9mm carbine stock

Guns Magazine, May, 2007 by John Taffin

Two of the fastest-selling firearms today are the Hi-Point 9mm semiauto pistol and the Hi-Point 9mm semiauto carbine. My dealer tells me they are very hard to acquire and do not stay on the shelf very long. There are two reasons for this--they work. Always, and with every type of 9mm ammunition I have tried in them. In addition to this, they have the most attractive and almost unbelievable retail price with the semiauto pistol priced at $149 and the carbine at $199.

In today's market, there's not much anyone can buy for these prices, which is exactly why they do not stay on shelves very long. Of course, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. However, in this case, it isn't too good to be true, but there is a downside. I find both the pistol and carbine totally lacking in aesthetic appeal. They are simply tools. They are made for function not form. They will never be engraved nor fitted with custom ivory stocks. However, thanks to Advanced Technology, the carbine can be greatly improved both in looks and handling qualities.

Advanced Technology specializes in aftermarket add-ons and accessories. They offer such things as stripper clips, buttstock cheekrests, bi-pods, replacement bolt handles for straight-bolt 98 Mausers, and no gunsmithing drop in replacement rifle stocks. The stocks are injection molded of polymers and guaranteed for life against breakage or warping. They specialize in stocks for military rifles such as the .303 Enfield, Russian Mosin Nagant, AK, SKS, 98 Mauser, in addition to tactical stocks for the Ruger 10/22, NEF Handi-Rifle and several shotguns.

Several years ago, I turned a .303 Enfield into a budget sporting rifle simply by removing the military stock and adding an Advanced Technology stock. This stock is matte black of glass-filled nylon with impressed checkering on forearm and buttstock, a Monte Carlo cheekpiece and, when combined with the original peep sight, makes a highly practical and nearly indestructible rifle. If I recall correctly, the entire package was put together for less than $150.

The Advanced Technology stock for the Hi-Point 9mm carbine is their newest offering. Like the rest of their stocks, it is made of virtually indestructible glass-filled nylon. It totally changes both the look and handling quality of the original carbine with its large tactical thumbhole and shortened forearm. The top of the stock is fitted with a scope mount base accepting Weaver rings, and the stock itself sells for $69.99.

Laser Too

For testing purposes, Advanced Technology supplied me with their Hi-Point 9mm carbine with a stock already installed with a few extras. Those extras include a laser mounted inside the stock under the barrel with an activation switch on the right side of the stock where it can be pressed easily with the off hand. The retail price for this accessory is $74.99. It also came with an adapter on one side of the stock which accepts a SureFire flashlight; these adapters are two for $14.99.

I spent some most enjoyable range time shooting several different brands of 9mm ammunition. The Advanced Technology-stocked carbine handled exceptionally well and proved to be very easy to use and shoot accurately. The magazine capacity is 10 rounds and felt recoil is virtually nonexistent. Loaded with jacketed hollowpoints, it should make a very viable and dependable carbine for home, pickup or all around camp plinker.

TEST-FIRE HI-POINT/ATI 9MM CARBINE

Load                           Velocity    Group Size
(brand, bullet weight, type)     (fps)      (inches)

BLACK HILLS 115 FMJ            1,334 fps      1 1/2
BLACK HILLS 115 JHP  P         1,555 fps      1 3/4
HORNADY 115 JHP XTP            1,264 fps        3/4
HORNADY 125 JHP XTP            1,221 fps      1 5/8
WINCHESTER 124 BEB             1,194 fps      1 1/4
WINCHESTER 147 SXT             1,080 fps      1 1/2
WINCHESTER 147 SILVERTIP HP    1,168 fps      1

Notes: Group size the product of 9 shots at 25 yards.

HI-POINT/ATI CUSTOM CARBINE

Gun Maker: Hi-Point MKS Supply
8611-A North Dixie Drive
Dayton, OH 45414
(877) 425-4867, www.mkssupply.com
Stock Maker: Advanced Technology
102 Fieldview Drive
Versailles, KY 40383
(800) 925-2522, www.atigunstocks.com

ACTION TYPE:         Blowback semiauto
CALIBER:             9mm
CAPACITY:            10 Rounds
BARREL LENGTH:       16 1/4"
OVERALL LENGTH:      31 1/2"
WEIGHT:              6 Pounds
FINISH:              Black
SIGHTS:              Scope Mount Base
STOCK:               Black Synthetic
PRICE (CARBINE):     $199
PRICE (ATI STOCK):   $69.99