Hi-Point Model 995 Review: Best Budget 9mm Carbine Under $300?

Quick Answer

The Hi-Point 995 is a U.S.-made 9mm carbine typically found new in the low-to-mid $200s–$300s; street prices vary by retailer and region. This American-made 9mm carbine features blowback action, 10+1 capacity, and delivers reliable, usable accuracy for plinking and close-range defensive use (25–50 yd) with common 115–124 gr loads; don’t expect match-grade groups—performance will vary with ammo and shooter. With its threaded 1/2×28 barrel, multiple rails, and lifetime warranty, it serves well for plinking, ranch use, or budget home defense. Not pretty, but it runs when you need it to. 

Key Takeaways

• Accurate and dependable 9mm carbine with lifetime warranty under $300.
• The 995TS uses a straight blowback system with a heavy bolt; the mass helps tame recoil compared with 9mm pistols, but the action produces a distinctive heavy-bolt feel during cycling. 
• Threaded barrel, rails, adjustable sights enable easy customization.
• Aftermarket 20-round magazines (for example RedBall/Redball designs) are available to increase capacity for range use; verify compatibility and function in your own carbine before relying on them. 
• Low rear sight may require adjustment; red-dot solves cheek weld issues.

A ranch owner in Texas bought the 995 as a "truck gun" after his fancy carbine was stolen. "I figured if someone takes this ugly duckling, I'm out less than $300," he joked. Six months later, after 1,500 rounds without cleaning, he admits being shocked: "This thing keeps running no matter what. Looks aren't everything." While many owners report the 995 tolerates minimal maintenance, routine cleaning and inspection are still recommended—don’t assume long, uncleaned strings will be problem-free in every case. 

Disclaimer: The stories, feedback, and experiences shared in this blog are based on user submissions, and field observations. They are intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute professional advice or official endorsements. Individual results may vary.

Pros & Cons

Pros: 

• Affordable ($279 typical price)
• Highly reliable with common factory 115–124 gr FMJ and many service loads; as with any firearm, verify your chosen defensive or practice ammo in your own gun before making a final trust decision.
• Accurate at practical distances
• Lifetime warranty
• Threaded barrel
• The carbine has several Picatinny rail sections and adjustable iron sights, but many users prefer a red-dot because the factory rear peep sits low for some cheekwelds—suppressor-height sights or an optic riser may be needed for co-witness. 
• American-made

Cons: 

• Gritty trigger
• Basic fit and finish
• Heavy blowback feel
• Low peep sight for some users
• Not winning beauty contests

Who it fits: Budget buyers, ranch/vehicle gun users, beginners, simple home-defense setup.

Street price: Typically around $279 at most retailers.

Specs at a Glance

Design & Company Background

The Hi-Point carbine comes from humble American origins. Manufactured/assembled in Mansfield, Ohio (995), these firearms first appeared in the mid-1990s, with the carbines coming to market in 1996. The basic design has remained largely unchanged since introduction, with a few updates like the last-round bolt hold-open feature in the newer models. 

Hi-Point keeps costs low through smart material choices. Hi-Point keeps costs down using stamped/cast components and polymer where feasible—critical parts such as the barrel and bolt are steel, while some lower-stress cast pieces use zinc-based alloys (often generically referred to as Zamak). Don't worry – the parts that need steel still get steel. This approach allows them to produce functional firearms at budget-friendly prices. 

All Hi-Point firearms operate on a simple blowback action. This means the bolt is hefty compared to locked-breech designs. That mass is necessary to delay the bolt's rearward movement until pressures drop to safe levels. It's not fancy, but it works.

As noted in the Wikipedia entry on the Hi-Point carbine, these guns were developed during the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban era, which explains some design choices like the 10-round magazine that feeds through the pistol grip.

Use Cases & Buyer Fit

This carbine fits several niches perfectly. For casual target shooting and plinking, the 995 offers an economical way to enjoy 9mm rounds, which cost less than rifle ammunition. The gun functions well for informal range sessions where precision beyond 50 yards isn't needed.

For those who need a utility carbine around a farm, ranch, or property, the 995 shines as a practical tool. It's not too precious to toss in a truck or ATV, and if it gets dinged up, you won't cry over damaged fancy finishes – because there aren't any.

Home defense presents another suitable application. With a red dot and weapon light mounted on the rails, the 995TS becomes a capable defender that's easy to handle in confined spaces. The 9mm rounds offer decent stopping power without the overpenetration concerns of rifle calibers.

Budget-conscious buyers appreciate that the 995 delivers function without frills. You get the essentials without paying for extras you might not need.

Ergonomics, Controls & Carry

The 995 comes to the shoulder quickly and naturally. Since the magazine feeds through the pistol grip, the balance point stays consistent as you shoot through a magazine – unlike designs where the magazine sits forward of the trigger.

One complaint some users note is the low-sitting rear peep sight. This may force you to press your cheek firmly down on the stock to align the sights properly. Adding a red dot sight easily fixes this issue, and the top rail makes mounting optics simple.

The forend has a chunky feel but provides a secure grip surface. Most hands fit comfortably around it. At the rear, a rubber buttpad adds comfort during extended shooting sessions.

Controls remain straightforward – nothing fancy, just functional. The carbine carries with a slight forward weight bias, but not uncomfortably so. At just over 6 pounds, it won't tire you out during a day of casual shooting.

Range Performance & Handling

At practical distances of 25 yards, the 995 puts rounds where you aim them. Users report consistent accuracy with standard 115-grain FMJ ammunition. The 16.5-inch barrel squeezes extra velocity from 9mm rounds compared to pistol-length barrels/ It improves ballistic performance.

Recoil feels minimal thanks to the heavy bolt and the carbine's weight. Muzzle flash stays modest, and follow-up shots come quickly and naturally. The factory sights typically need little or no adjustment out of the box.

This carbine offers a fun middle ground in the shooting experience – more punch than a .22LR but less noise and recoil than an AR-15 in 5.56mm. For new shooters especially, this makes for an enjoyable learning platform without intimidation.

The threaded barrel opens possibilities for accessories like muzzle brakes or suppressors (where legal), further enhancing the shooting experience.

What Makes It Stand Out

In a market full of $1,000+ firearms, the 995 stands out for delivering basic function at roughly a quarter of the price. Few other options in the sub-$300 range offer the same combination of features and track record.

The lifetime warranty deserves special mention. Hi-Point backs the 995 with a manufacturer lifetime warranty—contact Hi-Point (Beemiller, Inc.) for warranty service and check the policy for standard exclusions and handling procedures. This commitment to service creates peace of mind rarely found at this price point. 

Modularity adds another highlight. The Picatinny rails and threaded barrel let you customize the carbine to suit your needs without custom gunsmithing. From lights to optics to muzzle devices, the 995 accepts a wide range of accessories.

Recommended Upgrades & Add-Ons

A micro red dot sight transforms the 995 experience. It eliminates the awkward cheek weld needed with the factory sights and speeds up target acquisition dramatically.

For home defense or low-light situations, adding a weapon light or light/laser combo makes sense. The side rails provide plenty of mounting options.

Magazine capacity gets a boost with the Red Ball 20-round magazine, which combines two 10-round magazines for extended range sessions. Standard 10-round magazines remain readily available and affordable.

Keeping your 995 running smoothly requires minimal maintenance – a basic cleaning kit and quality lubricant handle the essentials.

Scorecard

Final Verdict

Let's be honest – the Hi-Point 995 won't win beauty contests. But beauty sits in the eye of the beholder, and function creates its own beauty.

This carbine delivers where it counts. It shoots straight, runs consistently, and adapts to your needs through easy customization. The lifetime warranty means your modest investment stays protected for the long haul.

For anyone seeking a budget-friendly 9mm carbine that simply works, the 995 offers an easy answer. Its combination of price, performance, and features earns it a solid place in the "best bang for buck" category.

When dollars matter more than appearances, the Hi-Point 995 proves that ugly guns can still shoot pretty groups.

Further reading: for an easy comparison of other PCC options that might suit your needs, read our full Top 12 Pistol-Caliber Carbines roundup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Hi-Point 995 good with common 115-gr FMJ?

Yes, it functions well with standard 115-grain FMJ ammunition. The carbine shows good accuracy at practical distances with these common loads.

Can I mount a red-dot and light without gunsmithing?

Absolutely. The multiple Picatinny rails allow direct mounting of most red dot sights and weapon lights without any modification to the carbine.

What muzzle devices fit the 1/2×28 threads?

The standard 1/2×28 threading accepts most common 9mm muzzle devices including compensators, flash hiders, and suppressors (where legal).

Does the bolt lock open after the last round?

Yes, the 995 model includes a last-round bolt hold-open feature, an improvement over earlier generations.

Is the 20-round magazine good for range use?

The Red Ball 20-round magazine works well for casual range use. It's essentially two 10-round magazines connected at the baseplate.

How does recoil compare to .223/5.56 rifles?

The 995 has noticeably less recoil than typical .223/5.56mm rifles. This makes it more comfortable for new shooters or extended range sessions.

About the Author

This article was written by the ProArmory writing team based on current research, including studies from reputable sources like the *Journal of Military Science*, *Firearms News*, and the *National Shooting Sports Foundation*. We also referenced trusted information from official defense publications and respected firearm authorities such as the ATF, NRA, and manufacturer manuals.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws regarding firearms vary by state and locality. Always check your local laws before purchasing or modifying any firearm.