Hi-Point 995TS

Up next is my Hi-Point 995TS 9mm carbine. The "TS" stands for "tactical stock," which is advantageous when you compare the TS(top) to an old 995(bottom)...

In my opinion, the plain old 995 is much lacking in beauty, though for years now they've had a rep for being fun and dependable. (Note, the red dot scope on the 995 is not included, and it is considerably uglier without it...)

The 995TS cost me $250 plus tax and BGC, compared to $200 for a standard 995. Why cheap out on $50 when it makes such a difference? Other than looks, the TS offers several important tactical advantages over it's predecessor. First, there are three picatinny rails for accessories, one below the barrel, one at the handgaurd, and one above the reciever. You can see I've allready made use of the lower rail.

The flashlight is a simple 9-bulb led that I picked up for $2.50 at a local store. I tried one before (from a dollar store, I'm sad to admit,) but it fell apart after about 2 magazines. This one has performed like a champ so far, and is actually very bright. The rings are weaver picatinny scope rings from Wal Mart (about $8) and the flashlight fit them like it was meant to be. Not bad for about $10. Still deciding what I'm going to do with the other rails...

Here are a few shots from different angles.

Awesome gun. Great for home protection, in my opinion. Even better to take out shooting for fun. Carries an unconditional lifetime warranty.

Price:$250 plus TX&BGC

Caliber: 9mm Luger

Capacity: 10+1

Pros: Inexpensive, formiddable looking, relatively cheap to shoot, easy to accessorize, accurate, dependable, overpressure rated, lightweight, lifetime warranty

Cons: Low capacity, fires less powerful pistol rounds

Marlin Model 80

This one is a bolt-action .22, fun for target and varmint shooting. I got it as a gift from my dad a few years ago and it was my first .22LR rifle. It's pretty simple and simply accurate. I've taken quite a few birds with this old gun.

I've done a couple things to it to gussy it up. When I first got it, it was stained dark brown and had quite a few marks and stains on it. I took the stock off, sanded it down, and polished it up, removing all the stains and marks that I could. There were a couple dings and scratches that I didn't feel like sanding or ironing out, so I just left them for character. The buttplate was broken, so I took it off and sealed the butt with Tru Oil. I gave the whole stock 4 coats of Tru Oil as well, without staining. I love the color of the natural wood that came out in the final finish. After drying, I put it back together and put a scope on it. Can't wait to take it out soon and sight it in!

Here are a few more pictures of the details of the rifle;

Here's the stock showing the detail of the wood grain. Notice the lack of buttplate. I might try to get a replacement, I might not...

Here's the action with the scope mounted...

Here's a shooter's eye view...

And here's the 8 shot clip...

Overall, it's a great little gun. Not quite as much fun as a semi-auto, of course, but a great starter rifle for a young man or woman. Solid as a rock, too.

Price: Free, but you can buy them for around $100

Caliber: 22LR, 22L, 22S

Capacity: 8+1

Pros: Dependable, accurate, inexpensive to buy and shoot

Cons: None really. It is what it is.