Yeet Cannon Review: Hi-Point Firearms YC9 9mm Pistol

Hi-Point YC9 Yeet Cannon Review

(Originally reviewed November 2023)

“Yeet,” according to the dictionary, means to throw, often forcefully and without care for the object being thrown. It has been adopted by younger shooters as a term for firearms that are affordable and fun to shoot.

And this has led to the term Yeet Cannon: “a common term for describing a large bore firearm with little in the way of a practical function.”

But the Hi-Point YC9, or Yeet Cannon 9mm, isn’t just amusingly named. This Hi-Point pistol also offers some serious value for both new and experienced shooters.

After testing this pistol myself, I was genuinely surprised by what Hi-Point Firearms delivered.

Hi-Point YC9 Gun Overview and Key Features

I received Hi-Point’s YC9 for testing. It is the same 9mm handgun but without the Yeet Cannon inscription on the left side of the slide.

The new YC9 is a redesign of the original Hi-Point C9 9mm pistol — and I mean a real redesign, not just cosmetic changes.

Standard features include a 1911-style thumb safety lever that locks the slide when engaged and magazine release positioned on the left side.

The YC9’s sighting system features a vivid yellow front sight and red square dot rear sight. These sights work better than you’d expect on a low-cost firearm.

The new polymer frame design incorporated a grip safety, and the grips were redesigned to include a stylized Hi-Point “H” as an anti-slip pattern. The slide was also upgraded to modern angular styling, and the barrel was threaded to accept accessories.

Those are some remarkable upgrades on a sub-$200 gun.

Available configurations include models with or without threading, plus versions with “YEET CANNON” engraving. One proprietary 10-round magazine transitions from single- to double-column design.

Additional upgrades include a slotted rear sight accepting Hi-Point’s optics mounting plate, plus a molded-in Picatinny frame rail for lights and lasers.

Hi-Point YC9 Specifications

Specification	Details
Weight	34.2 ounces (threaded), 33 ounces (non-threaded)
Overall Length	7.6 inches (threaded), 7 inches (non-threaded)
Barrel Length	4.12 inches (threaded), 3.53 inches (non-threaded)
Capacity	10-round magazine
MSRP	Under $200
Action	Blowback operated

Operating the Hi-Point YC9 Pistol

The YC9 and other Hi-Point handguns are blowback-operated, meaning the action is controlled by the mass of the slide operating against a spring. This operating system keeps costs down because it’s simpler than locked-breech designs.

On a more expensive gun, such as a Glock 9mm or a Colt 1911, the action utilizes a locking mechanism. However, well-made blowback actions are as reliable as any other type.

The frame of the YC9 is made of shiny black polymer. Its slide is Zamak, a dense, zinc-based metal, rather than steel.

Zamak is used in less expensive blowback firearms as well as certain inexpensive .22 caliber revolvers. It seems to hold up well.

The barrel is alloy steel. Empty weight is approximately 32 ounces, according to my electronic kitchen scale.

Yeah, it’s heavy for a pistol this size, but that weight actually helps with recoil management.

The slide needs to be retracted rearward for a longer distance than most locked-breech designs to charge the chamber and cock the action. Fortunately, the slide-grasping grooves are very well-designed and provide a secure grip.

It just took a little practice to get used to.

The YC9 is the first Hi-Point handgun I’ve ever fired. While I was initially skeptical due to their price point and ungainly looks, I found the YC9 to be quite ingenious and well-made.

Range Testing the YC9 Yeet Cannon

I ran the YC9 through its paces at a friend’s range using SIG Sauer Elite 124-grain FMJ practice ammo without a bobble. No failures, no jams, nothing.

The YC9’s fixed sights proved highly effective despite their low profile. The bright yellow front sight pops against targets, while the red rear sight dot provides clear reference.

These sights function remarkably well for a budget firearm.

The YC9 sat nicely in the hand despite the slide weight. And it was very comfortable to shoot as well as controllable.

That massive slide really helps tame the recoil. The grips had just enough texture to be non-slip without being overly aggressive.

Both the grip and thumb safeties worked properly. I appreciated that Hi-Point took the time and effort to add a grip safety.

If it’s good enough for the 1911, it’s good enough for the YC9. Cycling was smooth and flawless throughout my testing.

YC9 Accuracy and Performance

Testing from 21 feet, group size averaged 4 inches but could have been tighter with a smoother trigger. However, accuracy was perfectly acceptable for a pistol designed for self-defense at standard ranges.

The trigger isn’t match-grade. It’s a budget pistol trigger with some mushiness, But it breaks cleanly enough for defensive use.

That’s what matters for this type of firearm.

The 10-round magazine functioned flawlessly during my range session. Magazine loading was smooth, insertion felt positive and the magazine release worked smoothly for reloading.

Hi-Point YC9 Accessories and Features

The Picatinny frame accessory rail accepts standard lights and lasers. A budget gun with accessory mounting capability is forward-thinking from Hi-Point.

The threaded barrel opens up suppressor possibilities, though you’d need to ensure compatibility with blowback operation.

The YC9’s slotted rear sight accepting Hi-Point’s optics mounting plate means red dot installation without gunsmith work. You can easily sap or upgrade the sighting system if you want to enhance capabilities.

YC9 Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordable with excellent value for new and experienced shooters
• Lifetime no-questions-asked warranty that transfers to future owners
• Reliable and smooth operation with flawless cycling during testing
• Good safety features, including grip safety and 1911-style thumb safety
• Comfortable and controllable to shoot despite the weight
• Practical features like a threaded barrel, Picatinny rail and optics-ready sights

Cons

• Heavy at 32-34+ ounces
• Ungainly appearance that initially looks awkward
• Zamak slide (zinc-based metal) instead of steel construction
• Long slide retraction as compared to other designs
• Average accuracy with 4-inch groups at 21 feet
• Trigger could be smoother for better precision potential

Utilizing the Hi-Point YC9 Yeet Cannon?

The Hi-Point YC9/Yeet Cannon impressed me. I think they have a lot of utility that shooters may have overlooked in the past.

Working with it, I found it to be an inexpensive handgun option suitable for plinking or as a defensive handgun.

It could be packed away as an emergency handgun in a vehicle, camper, RV or boat. Its black powder coating is attractive but is not needed for rust resistance since Zamak doesn’t rust.

The barrel has an undisclosed black coating, so long-term storage might require lubrication.

The YC9 could also be kept as a replacement for your primary handgun should it be lost or stolen. Having a reliable backup for under $200?

That’s solid insurance. And every Hi-Point firearm comes with a lifetime no-questions-asked repair warranty not just for as long as you own the gun, but for everyone else who owns it after you.

Bottom Line on the Hi-Point YC9 Yeet Cannon

The YC9/Yeet Cannon is not a joke, nor is it ridiculous or impractical. It represents legitimate value in today’s gun market.

For shooters on a tight budget who need reliable personal protection, this 9mm delivers reliable operation, acceptable accuracy and features you wouldn’t expect at this MSRP. It’s not trying to compete with premium firearms.

For budget-conscious shooters seeking dependable defensive capability, the YC9 proves that effective personal protection doesn’t require premium pricing.

If you’re considering other 9mm options, check out our guide to the best 9mm pistols to see how different models compare.

Sources

• Hi-Point Firearms: Hi-PointFirearms.com
• SIG Sauer: SIGSauer.com