Backstory

Several years ago, before a global pandemic ripped apart our world (or so that’s what we were told), Hi-Point Firearms rolled out a “Name that Nine” contest on its social media platforms. Hi-Point, the most named firearm in existence, thought to let its fanbase (or hater base, depending on your outlook) come up with the name for its upcoming new pistol. Let’s just say the Social Media team probably regretted that decision and probably consumed more Bud Light (ehem, it was acceptable to drink Bud Light back then) than they care to admit while sorting through the thousands of comments. But, even with the onslaught, one name stood out, the Yeet Cannon. Yeet, in the vernacular of our “youth,” means to throw things. Well, a pistol does throw bullets and Hi-Point pistols do have a…unique appearance. So, in good spirits, Hi-Point accepted the name and rode the wave of Social Media hype.

Fast forward a few months to S.H.O.T. Show 2020. Unveiled at the show was the official Hi-Point Yeet Cannon. It was everything anyone ever wanted and more. Not only did the engineering team keep the robust lines of the original, but they styled it up to more modern standards. This included a threaded barrel, tapped receiver for mounting an optic, grip stippling, and a standard Picatinny rail for mounting lights. Social Media was lighting up like fireworks on the Fourth of July over this contraption of a firearm. And because it was Hi-Point, the price was going to be very affordable. But then Covid-19 happened, and the firearms industry, like everything else, nearly halted.

It is Here, Finally

But finally, after several years of waiting, the Hi-Point YC9 (Yeet Cannon 9) is here, for real this time. If you are reading this, then go and buy yourself a YC9. There is no need to save up for that Staccato you’ve been wanting or a generic Glock 19 when you could have a YC9 in your collection (of course this all said tongue-in-cheek). The YC9 retains the features listed above but with some additional refinements. These include front and rear cocking serrations which add a bit to the aesthetic but also offer a practical use when working the heavy slide of the YC9. Like said above, the slide is drilled and tapped for a pic rail so that an optic could be added—although, I’d imagine a few mounting plates will be developed that mount the optic closer to the bore. Additionally, the YC9 can be bought with a threaded barrel for your suppressor. One thing to note, since the YC9 is a blowback design, the barrel is pinned in place. Therefore, you will not need a piston or piston adapter to run a 9mm can on this gun—a 1/2x28 direct thread adapter will suffice. Under the slide is a section of Picatinny rail to fit a light or laser to it. This is a tremendous upgrade over previous models that used a weaver-style rail. Next, the trigger has been redesigned for better geometry while the frame has a steeper undercut beneath the trigger guard as well as aggressive stippling for improved grip ergonomics. One major detractor of the gun is its use of a grip safety. Like your Springfield XD or 1911, it must be fully engaged for the gun to fire. I’d imagine this was added when the trigger was significantly upgraded compared to Hi-Point’s previous models. Finally, the magazine capacity has been upped to 10 rounds. While many will mock such a feeble magazine capacity, this is several rounds more than other Hi-Point models. Remember, Hi-Point markets this gun to be sold in every state, and unfortunately, some of those states have draconian and ludicrous gun laws. Hopefully, extended magazines will be forthcoming.

Final Thoughts

I do not doubt that this gun will be a hot seller. It packs a ton of features for a very reasonable price ($229 to $325 depending on the package). While many will want to purchase the gun for the ‘gram, I think they will be pleasantly surprised with this gun. The YC9 will be out in the wild when by the time you are reading this article.