Anyone who’s in the market for a low-budget 9mm carbine should certainly consider the HiPoint model 995, as it offers an unbelievable amount of value. The truth is that it’s a weapon that is quite divisive, as some people love them, whereas others wouldn’t touch one with a bargepole.
We think that reality exists somewhere in the middle. This is a super-economy carbine that sets expectations pretty low. Is it perfect? No. Is it worth the money?
What’s the HiPoint Model 995 Really Like?
There’s no getting away from the fact that at first glance, it does look a little ‘cheap and cheerful, but what do you expect from a sub-$300 carbine? Let’s take a close look at a few of the components this weapon offers to provide a little more clarity on the quality on display.
After running 1,000 rounds through the carbine, you’d think that the increased recoil of the 995 would become a problem. However, the spring-loaded recoil pad greatly mitigates the problem to the point where you’re sometimes left wondering if you’ve had a misfire.
The HiPoint model 995 is the only carbine we’ve seen this feature on and while it might seem a little kooky, it works pretty well. That said, it does look as though it might break at some point.
Along with standard iron sights that work well and a threaded barrel (compatible with a suppressor), this HiPoint carbine has a stamped receiver. It has been criticized in some quarters for this, but we think that people forget that there are other major manufacturers that do the same.
What Are the Real Negatives?
Because of the accuracy, reliability and overall fun we had with the carbine, we love the HiPoint 995 – especially when it’s affordable as it is. However, we want to be balanced, so here are a couple of negatives that we picked up during our trial:
- The trigger guard housing is tiny, which makes it hard to use – particularly if you’re going to be wearing gloves or have bigger hands.
- DO NOT get this carbine if you’re left-handed, as our leftie (John) kept releasing the mag due to the location of the release button.
- Don’t use ‘extendo-mags’ as we used one and it was the only time the 995 experienced malfunctions.
- Regular mags only contain 10 rounds, which isn’t great for a carbine.
Also read: A Few Things to Consider When You Buy Your First Hunting Rifle
The HiPoint Model 995 – A Great Weapon For the Right User
In all seriousness, most people are going to be buying the 995 because they can’t afford anything else, but it does what it’s meant to do and it does it well. It’s a good weapon for home defence due to low-penetration and while it does have some negatives, it’s still one we’d hang our hat on.
If you’re looking for increased capacity or something a bit more high-end, there are plenty of carbines that would be better suited in the $400-$500 range. However, if your money doesn’t stretch that far, the HiPoint 995 is one that would do the job for you – so long as you’re not left-handed, of course.
All in all, fantastic value. It’s easy to pick holes in but we truly believe that HiPoint has done wonders to create what they have for $275. So don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!