Marlin Camp Carbine

[HM2PAC]

Every now and then I go off on a Holy Grail pursuit.

The last one involved finding an Ishapore .308. I lucked into a really nice one before AIM had them. Love it.

My latest obsession is a Marlin Camp Carbine in .45 ACP.

Sooner or later I'll find one. My question is what should I look for on an used model? What parts break? What needs to be replaced?

 

[Dave Markowitz]

On the Camp 45, sometimes the stocks crack, which is probably due to the action screws being loose when shot, in combination with the wimpy 11 lb. OEM recoil spring. Also check the condition of the plastic trigger and magazine housing. It's not some high tech polymer and can be damaged by strong solvents.

Once you find one, check the condition of the bolt buffer in the back of the receiver before shooting it. If in doubt get a replacement from Blackjack Buffers. Even if it looks OK, get a spare from Blackjack.

As mentioned, the OEM recoil spring is only 11 lbs. That's probably OK for the Camp 9 but way undersprung for the .45. Replace it with a Wolff 16 lb. or 21 lb. spring. I've tried both and the 21 lb. spring is better. It eliminates virtually all the recoil, and it prevents you from getting gunk in your face if you shoot from the left shoulder.

Finally, aside from ammo and extra magazines, the best accessory for a Camp Carbine is a decent red dot sight. They use the same scope mount base as the Marlin 336 so you should be able to pick on up anywhere. I tried a cheap BSA red dot on my Camp 45 but it broke in about 100 rounds (it was free so I don't care). I now have a Bushnell Trophy dot sight which works well.

 

[Avenger29]

I'd get a few buffers from Blackjack, and heaver springs from Wolff, as Dave says.

Good luck finding one at a decent price. I just got a Camp 9.

It looks as if the XS Sight Systems ghost rings and scout rail for the Marlin 336 will fit the Camp series. I hope to test this, as it would make a cool combo...

The Camp 9 is one of the best fitting weapons that I own. It comes to my shoulder quick and I have instant sight alignment. I loved it as soon as I picked it up and shouldered it, and I walked away with it for $285.

Does anyone know what weight of springs would be best for the Camp 9? I'd like to know before I order, but I do plan on getting the two different weights...

 

[rbernie]

Does anyone know what weight of springs would be best for the Camp 9? I'd like to know before I order, but I do plan on getting the two different weights...

I put the 16lb/in spring in my Camp9 and the 21lb/in spring in my Camp45. Worked great.

It looks as if the XS Sight Systems ghost rings and scout rail for the Marlin 336 will fit the Camp series. I hope to test this, as it would make a cool combo...

I used the Williams rear peep for the 336 on my Camp45, and was very pleased with it. I did have to replace the front sight blade at the same time to get everything to line back up again.

 

[ftierson]

I put Wolff 21lb springs in both my .45ACP and 9x19mmP carbines...

I also replaced the old buffers (which were still like new when I picked up the carbines this year) with new Blackjack Buffers ones...

Both carbines are great shooters.

To keep both working and to prevent cracked stocks, immediately replace the 11lb springs with the 21lb ones and all will be well with the world.

Forrest

 

[HM2PAC]

New springs.......check.

Thanx for all the replies and the good info.Now I just have to find one.