One of Hi-Points most successful firearms of the past twenty years is the '95 series carbine. While the humble little lead spewer has seen the competition come and go, leaving it at the head of the pistol caliber rifle pack, Taurus has just joined the race. The new Brazilin-made CT9 and CT40 carbines are poised to take on Hi-Point.
1995
When Hi-Point/Beemiller entered the pistol caliber carbine business in 1995, the world was a different place. Marlin was producing their very popular 6.75-pound Camp Carbine in both 9mm and .45ACP. Ruger was unveiling their new prototype carbine in 9mm and .40S&W geared at the law enforcement market and appropriately named the PC-9 and PC-40 with the abbreviation standing for 'Police Carbine'.
Hi-Point came out at a sprint, pricing their gun less than half the MSRP of either the Ruger or the Marlin. The low entry price led to people taking a chance in buying the HP995, and when it paid off, they told their friends.
2013
The Camp Carbine marched off to the retirement home in 1999 followed by the Ruger PC series by 2006. New rivals have appeared to take their place both foreign and domestic. The foreign-based carbine came from Beretta of Italy with their space-aged CX4 design. Then there was Kel-Tec CNC of Florida, who produced a very innovative 4-pound folding carbine in ever-popular 9mm and .40cal since 2001. Hi-Point changed their styling to try to appeal to those who found the Beretta attractive while expanding their offerings to three calibers.
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Now Taurus is eager to get in on the action.
The Taurus CT series
![Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Gun accessory Monochrome photography]()
(Taurus CT9, photo from Taurus USA)
In the past few months, the Brazilian firm of Taurus has moved past handguns to try to market a new pistol caliber carbine. Calling it the CT9 (in 9mm) and the CT40 (guess which caliber), these new guns seem very close in size to the Hi-Point.
Let us look at how they shape up side by side:
Model: Taurus CTG29 Model: HiPoint 995TS
Caliber: 9 mm Caliber: 9mm
Overall Length: 36" Overall Length: 31"
Barrel Length: 16" Barrel Length: 16.5"
Weight: 6.6 Lbs Weight: 6.25 Lbs
Capacity: 10 Capacity: 10
Rails: Four at 12,3,6,9 Rails: Four at 12,3,6,9 O'clock
Rear Sight: Adjustable Rear Sight: Adjustable
Front Sight: Fixed Front Sight: Fixed
Finish: Blue Finish: Blue
MSRP: $898.00 MSRP: $285
Repair: Lifetime Repair: Lifetime
As you can see, spec-speaking, the Hi-Point is slightly smaller (by five inches), about a half pound lighter, and has a very slightly longer barrel. When you get to the MSRP, you see that the Taurus carbines will be about three times more expensive. While both offer lifetime repair service, the fact is indisputable that the Taurus factory is in South America while the HP one is in Ohio and the 995 series (as well as their 4095 and 4595 brothers) have a far longer track record with most of the bugs worked out.
Aesthetically speaking, the Brazilian guns seem to greatly resemble the Beretta CX4 series mixed with a little of the HK MP5, while the Hi-Point is a little less attractive.
Nevertheless, does it shoot three times as good?
We shall see, and Hi-Point Forums will keep you in the loop.
1995
When Hi-Point/Beemiller entered the pistol caliber carbine business in 1995, the world was a different place. Marlin was producing their very popular 6.75-pound Camp Carbine in both 9mm and .45ACP. Ruger was unveiling their new prototype carbine in 9mm and .40S&W geared at the law enforcement market and appropriately named the PC-9 and PC-40 with the abbreviation standing for 'Police Carbine'.
Hi-Point came out at a sprint, pricing their gun less than half the MSRP of either the Ruger or the Marlin. The low entry price led to people taking a chance in buying the HP995, and when it paid off, they told their friends.
2013
The Camp Carbine marched off to the retirement home in 1999 followed by the Ruger PC series by 2006. New rivals have appeared to take their place both foreign and domestic. The foreign-based carbine came from Beretta of Italy with their space-aged CX4 design. Then there was Kel-Tec CNC of Florida, who produced a very innovative 4-pound folding carbine in ever-popular 9mm and .40cal since 2001. Hi-Point changed their styling to try to appeal to those who found the Beretta attractive while expanding their offerings to three calibers.
Now Taurus is eager to get in on the action.
The Taurus CT series
(Taurus CT9, photo from Taurus USA)
In the past few months, the Brazilian firm of Taurus has moved past handguns to try to market a new pistol caliber carbine. Calling it the CT9 (in 9mm) and the CT40 (guess which caliber), these new guns seem very close in size to the Hi-Point.
Let us look at how they shape up side by side:
Model: Taurus CTG29 Model: HiPoint 995TS
Caliber: 9 mm Caliber: 9mm
Overall Length: 36" Overall Length: 31"
Barrel Length: 16" Barrel Length: 16.5"
Weight: 6.6 Lbs Weight: 6.25 Lbs
Capacity: 10 Capacity: 10
Rails: Four at 12,3,6,9 Rails: Four at 12,3,6,9 O'clock
Rear Sight: Adjustable Rear Sight: Adjustable
Front Sight: Fixed Front Sight: Fixed
Finish: Blue Finish: Blue
MSRP: $898.00 MSRP: $285
Repair: Lifetime Repair: Lifetime
As you can see, spec-speaking, the Hi-Point is slightly smaller (by five inches), about a half pound lighter, and has a very slightly longer barrel. When you get to the MSRP, you see that the Taurus carbines will be about three times more expensive. While both offer lifetime repair service, the fact is indisputable that the Taurus factory is in South America while the HP one is in Ohio and the 995 series (as well as their 4095 and 4595 brothers) have a far longer track record with most of the bugs worked out.
Aesthetically speaking, the Brazilian guns seem to greatly resemble the Beretta CX4 series mixed with a little of the HK MP5, while the Hi-Point is a little less attractive.
Nevertheless, does it shoot three times as good?
We shall see, and Hi-Point Forums will keep you in the loop.
