Introduction: Enhancing Your Carbine Experience
The Hi-Point 995TS carbine has earned a reputation as a reliable and budget-friendly firearm, making it a popular choice for both recreational shooting and home defense. While it serves its purpose admirably in its factory configuration, many owners seek to enhance its functionality, ergonomics, and aesthetics through the addition of accessories. This guide explores the wide range of accessories available for the Hi-Point 995TS carbine, helping you customize and optimize your firearm to meet your specific needs. We’ll delve into essential upgrades, performance enhancements, and cosmetic options, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about accessorizing your carbine.
Accessorizing your Hi-Point 995TS carbine is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about tailoring your firearm to your unique preferences and requirements. Adding the right accessories can significantly improve your shooting experience, making your carbine more comfortable, accurate, and effective. Consider the benefits: improved ergonomics that promote better handling, enhanced performance with upgrades that boost accuracy or reliability, customization that allows you to express your individual style, and safety enhancements that contribute to responsible firearm ownership. This article will walk you through a variety of accessories, guiding you through the selection process to help you transform your Hi-Point 995TS into the carbine you’ve always envisioned.
Essential Accessories: Building a Solid Foundation
A solid foundation is the key to any successful customization project. Several categories of accessories are considered essential for any Hi-Point 995TS owner looking to improve their carbine’s functionality and performance. These are the building blocks for a more enjoyable and effective shooting experience.
Sights and Optics: Targeting Excellence
The sights you choose significantly impact your ability to hit your target. The Hi-Point 995TS carbine comes with factory iron sights, which are functional but can be improved upon.
Iron Sights: Enhancing the Fundamentals
While factory iron sights can be effective, aftermarket options can offer improvements. Look for sights with a brighter, more defined sight picture, which can speed up target acquisition. Consider sights made from durable materials for long-lasting performance.
Red Dot Sights: Quick Target Acquisition
Red dot sights are a popular upgrade, especially for their ease of use and rapid target acquisition. The dot is projected onto the lens, allowing you to focus on the target and not the sights. Choose a red dot that fits your budget and shooting style. Consider factors like battery life, reticle size, and adjustment options. Mounting options are typically Picatinny rails, ensuring compatibility with your carbine.
Scopes: Precision at a Distance
If you plan to shoot at longer ranges, a scope might be a worthwhile investment. Scopes offer magnification, allowing you to see your target more clearly at a distance. When choosing a scope, consider magnification range, eye relief (the distance your eye needs to be from the scope), and overall size and weight.
Laser Sights: Quick Target Designation
Laser sights are useful for quick target designation. They project a visible beam onto your target, allowing you to point and shoot quickly. They can be particularly useful in low-light situations.
Upgraded Stocks and Forends: Comfort and Control
Improving the stock and forend of your carbine can dramatically improve handling, comfort, and overall control.
Stock Options: Enhancing Fit and Feel
Aftermarket stocks offer improved ergonomics, allowing you to customize the carbine to your body type and shooting style. Adjustable stocks offer length-of-pull adjustment, making it easier to find the perfect fit. Consider the material of the stock; polymer stocks are lightweight, while some may offer higher durability. Look for stocks with comfortable cheek welds and recoil-absorbing features.
Forend/Handguard Options: More Grip and Versatility
Aftermarket forends or handguards provide improved grip and may include Picatinny rails for attaching accessories like lights, grips, and lasers. Look for forends made from durable materials like aluminum or reinforced polymer. Ensure the forend is compatible with the Hi-Point 995TS.
Magazines: Ensuring Reliable Feeding
The magazine is a crucial component of any firearm, and ensuring reliable feeding is vital for smooth operation.
Aftermarket Magazines: Increased Capacity (Considerations)
While the factory magazines are generally reliable, some shooters look for higher-capacity options. Consider that aftermarket magazines may have potential reliability issues and may require break-in periods. Always test magazines thoroughly to ensure they function properly with your carbine.
Slings: Carrying Comfort and Control
A good sling can make carrying your Hi-Point 995TS much more comfortable, especially during extended shooting sessions or when transporting your carbine.
Types of Slings: A Range of Choices
There are several types of slings to choose from, including one-point and two-point slings. One-point slings attach at a single point, typically at the rear of the receiver. Two-point slings attach at both the front and rear of the carbine, offering more stability and weight distribution.
Attachment Options: Secure and Convenient
Slings attach to your carbine using swivels or QD (Quick Detach) attachments. Ensure that your sling attachments are compatible with your stock and forend.
Lights and Lasers: Extending Your Capabilities
In low-light situations, a weapon light is essential for target identification and situational awareness. Laser sights can also be used for quick target designation.
Weapon Lights: Illuminating Your Target
Weapon lights greatly improve visibility in low-light conditions. Choose a light with a high lumen output for maximum brightness. Consider mounting options on your Picatinny rail. Look for durable lights with features like momentary-on switches and strobe modes.
Laser Sights: Quick Aim in Tight Spots
Laser sights allow for quick aiming in various environments.
Performance and Functionality Upgrades: Fine-Tuning Your Carbine
Beyond essential accessories, a few upgrades can significantly improve the performance and functionality of your Hi-Point 995TS.
Trigger Upgrades: Smooth and Accurate Shots
A smooth, crisp trigger pull is essential for accurate shooting.
Trigger Upgrades: The Power of a Good Trigger
Aftermarket trigger kits or components can improve trigger pull, making it lighter and smoother. Some kits may reduce the trigger pull weight, which can improve accuracy and reduce fatigue. These may require some mechanical skills and careful installation.
Recoil Pads: Comfort and Control
Recoil pads can reduce felt recoil, making shooting more comfortable.
Recoil Pads: The Comfort Factor
Recoil pads are particularly useful for those who shoot frequently or who are sensitive to recoil. They attach to the buttstock and absorb some of the energy from each shot.
Cosmetic and Customization Accessories: Personalizing Your Carbine
Accessorizing can also be about personal expression and creating a carbine that reflects your style.
Rail Covers and Grip Sleeves: Comfortable and Protected
Rail covers protect your Picatinny rails from damage and provide a more comfortable grip. Grip sleeves can also improve your grip and handling.
Cerakote/Painting: Style and Protection
Cerakote or other specialized coatings offer a way to customize the appearance of your carbine and provide added protection against wear and corrosion. These coatings are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Maintenance and Cleaning Accessories: Keeping Your Carbine in Top Shape
Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and reliability of your Hi-Point 995TS.
Cleaning Kits: The Tools for the Job
A good cleaning kit contains the essential tools and supplies needed to keep your carbine clean and well-maintained. Make sure your kit includes the correct brushes, rods, solvents, and lubricants.
Where to Find Your Accessories: Shopping Smart
Finding the right accessories is easy with the wealth of online and local options available.
Online Retailers: A World of Choices
Online retailers offer a vast selection of accessories and often provide competitive pricing. Do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.
Local Gun Shops: Expert Guidance
Local gun shops offer the advantage of expert advice and the ability to handle and inspect accessories before buying. The staff can provide valuable recommendations and help you ensure compatibility.
Considerations: Prices, Shipping, and Policies
Always compare prices, consider shipping costs, and review return policies before making a purchase.
Important Considerations and Safety: Responsible Firearm Ownership
Always prioritize safety and legal compliance when accessorizing your Hi-Point 995TS.
Legality and Compliance: Following the Rules
Be aware of and comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding firearm accessories. Some accessories may be restricted or prohibited in certain areas.
Installation and Compatibility: Making Sure it Fits
Always ensure that the accessories you purchase are compatible with your Hi-Point 995TS carbine. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before installing any accessories.
Safety Precautions: Always be Safe
Always handle firearms safely. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Follow all firearm safety rules and guidelines.
Conclusion: Crafting Your Ideal Carbine
Accessorizing your Hi-Point 995TS carbine is a rewarding process that allows you to create a firearm tailored to your needs and preferences. By choosing the right accessories, you can enhance its performance, improve its handling, and personalize its appearance. Remember to prioritize safety and follow all applicable laws and regulations. By using this guide, you now have the knowledge to create a functional, reliable, and stylish Hi-Point 995TS carbine. So explore the world of accessories and start creating your own masterpiece! Consider this an invitation to create the ideal carbine for your specific needs!
