[rimfirehunter]

Your dealer is either ill informed or maybe a bit snobbish because selling a HiPoint does not bring him the higher profit margins like costlier guns do.

The following are excerpts taken from http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com web site:

The Carbines:

Whichever you choose, you are assured of reliability and accuracy at an affordable price. Hi-Point carbines are +P rated and accept all factory ammunition.
http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/carbines/hi_point_carbines.html

The Pistols:
Whichever model you choose, you are assured of reliability and accuracy at an affordable price. Each is sized to assure a firm, comfortable grip and exceptional recoil control. Hi-Point handguns are +P rated and accept all factory ammunition.
http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/handguns/hi_point_handguns.html