Hi-Point’s 995P 2XRB Pistol Caliber Carbine…Pistol – Overview and First Shots

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that costs have skyrocketed in the last few years. Monthly grocery bills climb higher, property taxes continue to grow, and the prices of trucks and SUVs have surged beyond pre-pandemic levels. Many individuals are feeling the financial strain.

It’s no coincidence, then, that in the firearm industry, sales remain flat. Manufacturers face a smaller customer base and are trying to attract buyers through rebates and discounts, but overall, not much is changing. So, it’s rare when a company offers a quality pistol at an affordable price, but does that firearm sacrifice too much to keep its costs low?

There are plenty of “budget” firearms out there. What they offer and where they’re made vary widely. They are more affordable because the cost of manufacturing is significantly lower, whether it be due to labor or materials. One name synonymous with budget is Hi-Point Firearms, located in Mansfield, Ohio.

Who is Hi Point?

Hi-Point is a family-owned company based in the Midwest, boasting over 30 years of manufacturing experience. Known for producing “the working man’s gun,” Hi-Point focuses on durability, dependability, and affordability. All their firearms are made in the United States and come with a lifetime warranty…and that means lifetime, whether you’re the first owner or the tenth. They’ll cover it. The company says they follow a simple rule: if they wouldn’t use it themselves, they won’t sell it. That might be hard for some to believe, but the people at Hi-Point genuinely mean it.

Hi-Point offers practical firearms for hardworking Americans and constantly improves its designs to meet changing needs. Their motto, “American Made. American Promise,” highlights their dedication to value, durability, and the right to bear arms. The base model, the 995P 9mm pistol, has an MSRP of $379, while the model I’m reviewing, which includes two extended magazines and a mounted brace, is priced at $459.

Out of the Box

Here are some raw insights, having had the pistol for around a week. And keep in mind, the goal here isn’t to compare this firearm to something like a SIG SAUER MPX. That would be unfair to the 995P and to those looking to purchase one.

• How it feels: While it may look crude to some, it’s actually pretty good—all things considered. Grip texture is vastly improved over earlier models. It’s still a little blocky, but it is comfortable to hold and maneuver.
• Texture: To reiterate, it’s vastly improved over earlier models. One thing is for sure: Hi-Point keeps refining its line of carbines.
• Sharp Edges: Edges are rounded throughout, with only one or two hot points: the main being the safety. Which is thin and feels a bit sharp.
• Grip angle: The pistol grip sits vertical like a Magpul K2 or B5 22—which I prefer anyway. So, it works for me.
• Trigger Pull Feel: It’s not heavy; however, it is long, and the trigger reset is just as long. While not a detriment, it’s not an added benefit.
• Trigger Pull Weight: For this, I used a Lyman Digital trigger pull gauge. The average over ten runs was 4lbs., 5.7 oz.
• Sights: For the 995P Hi-Point, they upgraded the front sight to include fiber optics, which is an improvement. The rear is shrouded with a ghost ring-style peep. The rear sight can be adjusted for elevation and windage with a small flat-head screwdriver.

• Controls: The bolt is still and needs to be worked in. The bolt-handle itself is threaded into the bolt body. If you tighten it too much, the bolt will be inoperable. The safety is a bit slick and sharp. The mag release is fine and is comfortable enough to reach.
• Packaging quality: I’d describe the packaging as economic—a basic cardboard box with some external marketing. There is a Styrofoam on the inside to hold the firearm.
• Package Contents: For this particular package, it shipped with a 1-10 round magazine and two 20-round extended magazines from RedBall. It also includes a simple nylon sling with appropriate hardware, a trigger lock, and an owner’s manual.

First Shots 

For the initial range trip, I shot the gun as it’s shipped with its factory iron sights and sling. As for range info, I completed initial testing at the Kelbly’s Rifle Range in North Lawrence, Ohio. The weather was in the mid-70s and sunny, which is about perfect for this time of the year in Ohio. I am using Winchester 9mm 124-grain NATO ammunition to keep things standard across the board.

Notes from this trip:

• It’s a blowback-operated 9mm carbine. Recoil is sharper than you’d expect for such a small cartridge. While that’s not an issue on the regular carbine—since Hi-Point uses a recoil-absorbing stock—things are different on the pistol variant. Here, the recoil travels directly through the blade-style brace, which can feel like a dull knife hitting your shoulder (okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic).
• Another point of annoyance is where the buffer tube interfaces with the frame. There’s a hump, and for me, that hump lined up directly with my nose…

• Part of this issue was that I had to bury my cheek into the buffer tube to line up the rear sight properly. This problem can be easily fixed by switching to a red dot, which I will do in the following article.
• Now for some positives. In the 100ish rounds during the inaugural range session, there were no failures to feed or jams. Everything functioned as expected.
• I was shooting at 10 yards, and my accuracy was excellent (as expected for that distance). I’ve used various Hi-Point carbines in the past, and they’ve all been surprisingly accurate.

• The trigger took a little getting used to, but overall, it didn’t hinder accuracy. However, it was slow when it came to follow-up shots. The longer reset takes a bit to get used to.
• For fun, I also shot this gun suppressed. It was enjoyable, although it had a bit more recoil. The carbine ejects from the left side, so as a right-handed shooter, there wasn’t any blowback in my face — always a plus.

• At close distances, the fiberoptic was useful; however, when I went back to 25 yards, that was another story. The sight adjustment is rudimentary and not refined in the slightest. In all honesty, I should have adjusted the front sight (you can accomplish this by loosening a screw and sliding the sight up or down). Again, this is something I plan to fix in the following article.

Zooming Out

Overall, in terms of function, the pistol passed all the tests. When it comes to creature comforts, it leaves a lot to be desired. Adding a few accessories can help address some issues. But remember, this is a gun designed for the masses. It doesn’t cost much and offers good value for those on a tight budget. In terms of getting the job done, it works–but you might need some Advil afterward.

The next article will focus on a loadout suited for home defense or as a truck gun. Add-ons will include an optic, sling, and a light to enhance the 995P’s capabilities. Stay tuned.