Back in January of 2019 Hi Point Firearms announced a new 9mm and had a now-infamous naming contest on social media for the pistol. In the grand tradition of Boaty McBoatface, that resulted in an overwhelming vote to name the new gun the Yeet Cannon, or YC9…much to Hi-Point’s chagrin.
The Yeet Cannon option made it into the first round of voting which Hi Point announced, but when round two of voting went up the ‘Yeet Cannon’ was missing from the options. Sure, Hi Point’s contest rules said that they reserved the right to disapprove any name, but the internet wasn’t having any of that and a vicious, and sometimes hysterical meme war ensued. To Hi Point’s credit, they decided to give the internet what it said it wanted and the YC9 Yeet Cannon was eventually born. Well sort of.
The gun was initially due to be released later that same year, but like fine wine, one can’t rush the creative process and delays occurred. To assuage the savage beast that is the online community, err customers, in July of 2019 Hi Point released a limited edition of their existing 9mm pistol, the single-stack C9 with Yeet Cannon G1 boldly emblazoned on it’s slide.
Still, time marched on and people wondered when we’d see the new gun. Just like Michelangelo, when asked when the Yeet Cannon would finally arrive, Hi-Point replied…when it is finished.
Now, at long last, in the summer of 2023, the YC9 Yeet Cannon has arrived.
You might be asking yourself, what exactly is a Yeet Cannon? That’s not an unreasonable question if you aren’t an internet gamer, or don’t have kids who are. According to the prestigious and authoritative Urban Dictionary, font of knowledge on all wacky internet terms, phrases, and abbreviations, the name “Yeet Cannon” has come to mean:
… a common term for describing a large bore firearm with little in the way of a practical function or common use (I.E. concealed carry or hunting), other than to be amusing and/or enjoyable to use. However this definition can also be applied to a firearm of a smaller caliber as long as the firearm is somewhat impractical to use and/or accessorized in a excessive and/or ridiculous manner (I.E. An AR pistol with a drum magazine and a ballsack foregrip).
It’s a mystery that Hi-Point initially balked at applying that name to a new pistol that they’d worked hard on for years.
I had a chance to check out the very first 3D-printed YC-9 prototypes at SHOT Show in what must have been January of 2019, and then fully functioning yet not-quite-perfected models in subsequent years. They looked about ready to go at SHOT Show 2023, but I was told they were still doing some last minute magazine tweaks and they weren’t going to release it until the engineers were satisfied with it. As it should be.
Now, it’s here.
The YC-9 is a departure from previous generations of Hi-Point pistols due to a number of its features. It was going to be the first Hi-Point that features a mounting plate for optical sights, a Picatinny rail on the frame for mounting a light or laser, a threaded barrel, and a grip-mounted safety. It also features newly textured grips and a GLOCK-style replaceable front sight.
Most of these features actually ended up beating the YC9 and were released as upgrades to Hi Point’s 10mm, .45 ACP and .40 S&W pistols in recent years. In fact I had a chance to work with the JXP 10 here at The Truth About Guns earlier this year.
Possibly the biggest change in the YC9 over other Hi-Point pistols is the addition of a double stack magazine. All previous Hi-Point pistols and carbines have used single-stack mags. The YC9 uses a proprietary magazine that holds 10 rounds and transitions from a double stack to a single stack. Ten rounds still isn’t a lot of of rounds in today’s market but it’s the most you can have in most ban states, and better than the previous eight-round capacity of the C9. Maybe it will open the door to higher capacity extended mags in the future.
From handling the prototypes and getting to see some of the new features on the JXP 10, I have to say the YC9 should be a fun pistol and one that offers a lot of features for the money. It’s an optics- and suppressor-ready 9mm pistol for only $229. It’s still a little heavy and chunky — it’s a Hi-Point after all — but it feels pretty good in the hand and I can see folks having a field day with it mounting all sorts of suppressors, muzzle devices and optics that far exceed the cost of the gun itself.
Hi-Point haters are still going to hate no matter what Hi-Point puts out, but I suspect the company won’t be able to keep the YC9 in stock. A lot of YC9s will sell for the novelty factor initially, but the features and price point will likely make it a staple of their line for folks looking for an affordable, reliable handgun with modern features for years to come.
Take a look at the press release for more:
MKS Supply, The exclusive distributor of Hi Point Firearms, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Hi-Point YC9 9mm Handgun. This eagerly awaited addition to the Hi-Point lineup combines superior performance, the new “Yeet Cannon” design, and enhanced versatility to meet the needs of firearm enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The Hi-Point YC9 stands for “Yeet Cannon” and was named by the supporters of Hi-Point Firearms during a contest they called “The peoples pistol- name our nine”. The YC9 comes out as HI Point’s top-tier 9mm handgun, equipped with a threaded barrel that enhances its adaptability for various accessories. The 1/2-28 threads on the 4.12″ barrel length allows users to effortlessly attach suppressors, compensators, and other muzzle devices, elevating the shooting experience to new heights and offering customers more options. Other features include a Glock style replaceable front sight, new stylized grips, backstrap safety, reversible backstrap for a more customized fit, a new styled slide for a better look, adaptable for mounting a red dot plate and a proprietary double to single stack magazine.
The new YC9 will come in a all black version with and without the threaded barrel and a model with “YEET CANNON” boldly engraved on the slide.
Key Specifications:
· Caliber: 9mm (YC9)
· Barrel length: 4.12″ (1/2-28 THREADS)
· Overall length: 7.6″
· Overall height: 5.8″
· Overall width: 1.4″
· Weight (unloaded): 34.2 oz
· Rifling: 3 LH twists
· Magazine capacity: 10 rounds
The YC9 features a precision-crafted barrel with 3 LH twists, optimizing bullet stabilization and enhancing accuracy. This rifling technology allows for consistent performance, shot after shot, providing shooters with confidence in their aim and improving overall shooting proficiency. The weight of the unloaded handgun is 34.2 ounces, which helps to reduce felt recoil and a more accurate shot. Additionally, the Hi-Point YC9 boasts a magazine capacity of 10 rounds, and is plus P rated so the user can shoot both FMJ ammo as well as self-defense ammunition.
“As a brand committed to innovation and customer satisfaction, we are delighted to introduce the Hi-Point YC9 9mm Handgun,” said Kara Boesenberg, EVP for MKS Supply. “This firearm incorporates many extra features, our goal is to set a new standard of understanding when it comes to affordable firearms. Furthermore, we believe in providing handguns for any American who wishes to protect their family, despite their income level. We are confident that the YC9 will exceed the expectations of both our loyal customers and firearm enthusiasts worldwide.”
The Hi-Point YC9 9mm Handgun is the latest addition to MKS Supply’s distinguished lineup of firearms. It exemplifies the company’s dedication to producing high-quality, reliable firearms designed to meet the needs of diverse shooting communities.
MSRP starting at $229!
For more information about the Hi-Point YC9 and other products from MKS Supply, please visit www.mkssupply.com