Look at the Hi Point 995 9mm carbine, and it’s hard not to be taken aback by the price point. Depending on where you buy one from, you’ll pay anywhere from $270-$300. If you’re a gun enthusiast, you won’t need to be told that under 300 bucks is very cheap – which is why many in the gun world look down on this popular Hi-Point carbine. But should they? We don’t think so.
This carbine is the cause of heated debate by many across the US, as some believe that anything that cheap must be a hunk of junk – or it would be more expensive. However, when you actually get it in your hand and use it, you soon see that a lot of the criticism it gets is unfounded.
Not a Bad Carbine to Look At
When you gaze upon the Hi Point 995 9mm carbine for the first time, you could be influenced by those who claim it’s an ugly and cheap-looking option. We happen to disagree, especially when you choose the camo version. Is it the best-looking carbine out there – no. Is it cheap-looking? Not really.
In fact, when it’s loaded up with all the accessories, such as optics and lasers, it’s not a bad weapon to look at, at all.
So Many Features For the Money
What can’t be argued with is that this is a great-value weapon. If you wanted the number of features it offers in another carbine or AR-15, you’d pay a LOT more. What are we talking about? Well, how about upper and lower picatinny rails? That’s just one. Others include:
- A spring-loaded butt-stock to minimize recoil
- Threaded barrel for suppressor
- Compatible with magnified optic products
It has a stamped receiver, but then so do a number of weapons made by major names like Sig Sauer. Sure, it’s a bit rough and ready around the edges, but the Hi Point 995 9mm carbine delivers more than enough to be considered feature-laden.
What Serious Applications Suit This Carbine?
The Hi-Point 995 is not a bad shout for home defense, as it’s not going to burst your eardrums when you fire it indoors, as some do. It’s not too bad for over-penetration either, so it’s not a gun that’s going to kill one of your neighbours by accident. In our eyes, it’s a better, more intimidating option to have in the home than a handgun, so you can draw your own conclusions from that.
Plinking and hunting are both well within this carbine’s capabilities, and the only big drawback we could see was that it only holds 10 rounds. There are extended mags out there, but the ones we’ve tried have been really cheap and nasty, with the springs constantly breaking, so we wouldn’t recommend buying them to get around the problem.
You Can’t Argue With the Hi Point 995 9mm Carbine For the Price
Anyone who has a problem with the Hi Point 995 really needs to consider that all this is available for less than 300 dollars. What do you want for that kind of price? Sure, it does mean that it can’t be as well put together as alternatives that cost several times more, but it’s going to be.
The fact that it’s as good as it is is a testament to what Hi Point has managed to produce for the economy end of the market. If you can’t afford anything else, it’s a great option.