I recently reviewed the Hi-Point C9 and was pleasantly surprised by its reliability. It raised my interest level in exploring some of Hi-Point’s other firearms. Hi-Point was kind enough to send a Model 995 to review. I’ll be darned! It looks like we have another reliable firearm on our hands.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to follow and signup for notifications!
Why grab a Pistol-Caliber Carbine (PCC)?
Some think PCCs are just range toys, but they are so much more. In my opinion, they make for solid home defense weapons and great SHTF weapons. Often found in more compact sizes than their larger counterparts make maneuvering in tight spaces and clearing rooms all the easier. Should there come a time when we see a SHTF scenario play out, you can share ammo between your handguns and carry more of it (from a space perspective). Oh yeah, and there’s the fact that grabbing a box of 9mm is going to be much easier on your wallet than the same amount of 5.56.
Unboxing and First Thoughts
Opening the box at my FFL, I found a 10-round magazine, sling, swivels, and trigger lock in addition to the 995 itself. At the low price point the 995 hovers around, it was nice to see any extra accessories at all.
The 995 is not meant to be an ultra-light and compact carbine. It has some weight and bulkiness to it, but honestly doesn’t feel as bulky as it looks when you shoulder it. Even though there is plenty of polymer on this gun, it feels well-built. I was excited to get it out to the range stall.
Hi-Point 995 Features
Just because the 995 is affordable, doesn’t mean it lacks in the features department. Similar to what you’d find on other PCCs, the 995 has adjustable iron sights, picatinny rails, and a threaded barrel. Unlike the C9 I tested, this trigger is consistent with a predictable break.
One of the rather unique features is the skeletonized stock that contains an internal recoil buffer. It helps to absorb some of the minuscule recoil from the 9mm round. The funny thing, it pinched my cheek a couple times. After a small position change, it was fine. However, I was not expecting that to happen in the first place.
I always like to make a point to mention when firearms are made in the USA, and the Model 995 is 100% American-made and assembled. Just some icing on the cake at this price point.
Specifications
Caliber: 9mmCapacity: 10+1Action: Semi-AutomaticLength: 31 inchesWeight: 6.25 poundsBarrel Length: 16.5 inchesSights: AdjustableFrame: PolymerBarrel: Threaded (1/2 x 28)
Throwing Lead Down Range
Luckily ammo prices are starting to normalize (slightly) again, so it hasn’t hurt too bad putting the 200 rounds through it that I have so far. The 995 has given me zero issues with FMJ or JHP rounds. The one area that I did have issues, but not technically malfunctions, was getting the magazine to fully seat. Oddly enough, the magazine would remain inserted as if it was, but it still needed that extra push.
When it came to accuracy, I wound up having to work so out some kinks but found the gun to be average to slightly above average given the standard sights. My first several magazines were spent trying to slightly adjust the sights, but afterward, I was able to get roughly 3-inch groups at 15 yards indoors and was able to place shots on 8” gongs out to 40–50 yards.
High Scores?
The time has come to give my final thoughts. Given the reliability and potential accuracy with some adjustment, I think the Hi-Point 995 is a solid, entry-level PCC to familiarize yourself with the platform. It has what you need out of the box to hit the range right away and leaves you with some money for ammo or accessories. If you’re looking at PCCs, it’s worth giving the Hi-Point 995 a look and weighing its features vs. cost.
What is your favorite 9mm carbine? How does it compare to the Hi-Point Model 995? Share your answers in the comment section.
-
The iron sights are easy to adjust and get the job done, but the author plans to eventually add an optic. -
Since the 995 comes in a simple cardboard box, the author decided to transport it to and from the range in a hard rifle case from MTM Case-gard. -
A threaded barrel can be found on the 995, allowing you add a suppressor. -
The accessory rails allow you to make the 995 your own with some added customization possibilities. -
Out of the box, you’re good to go. The 995 comes with a 10-round magazine, trigger lock, sling, and swivels. -
The grip was tall enough for the author to get all his fingers to securely seat for a controlled grip. -
While the 10-round magazine comes standard, there is a 20-round Redball Sports magazine. -
The author had no issues with JHP or FMJ rounds, even a few remanufactured rounds went through the gun just fine. -
This was the author’s first couple magazines through the Model 995. He was able to make some adjustments to the sights afterwards to move the groupings higher.
