Marlin takes S&W mags.

[Oldracer1]

I found a nice Marlin 9mm carbine and asked how hard it was to find mags. Lo and behold, several S&W 9mm mags work. Who wouda thunk?

 

[s&wchad]

Sounds like the Camp Carbine. I've got one that was formerly owned by the Oakland County Sheriff's Department (MI). They take S&W 59 series magazines.

It's a blow-back action, so you need to keep an eye on the recoil buffer and replace it when it becomes too battered. It's just a little plastic piece behind the bolt, but the bolt will beat the receiver to death without it.

 

[Oldracer1]

Its never been fired, so if I decide to shoot it I will prolly replace it beforehand.

 

[s&wchad]

Good idea. The one made by Power Custom is better than OEM.

Marlin Camp Buffer CMP45/9 [MCB] - $9.99 : GrandMasters L.L.C., Gunsmithing, Ruger 10-22, AK-47, Ruger, AR-15, Ruger Accessories, Gunsmithing Tools and Gun Accessories

GrandMasters L.L.C., Gunsmithing, Ruger 10-22, AK-47, Ruger, AR-15, Ruger Accessories Marlin Camp Buffer CMP45/9 [MCB] - Replaces orginal Buffer, Fits Camp .45 or Camp 9. Guaranteed to last 5000 rounds. Reduces felt recoil. Easy to install. We also have a small number of Extended Bolt Handles...

powercustom.com

 

[Goony]

The Marlin made magazines are tough to find, so most everyone uses S&W Model 59 equivalents. Another thing to watch for is that the original hardwood stock is prone to cracking behind the receiver. I replaced mine with the Choate folding stock (they also make a telescoping M4-like version).

 

[Oldracer1]

Thanks.

 

[erikpolcrack]

I had one in 45 ACP - wish I still did - took M1911 mags.

 

[crows]

If the 9mm version you are looking at is priced right, buy it. If you already have, great move. When the original buffer fails, you will know it. The plastic disintegrates and makes an annoying mess to clean out. Between the older technology of the plastic and becoming contaminated with solvents and oil, it is best to just replace them with a new manufactured one. No big deal.
I have a .45 ACP version and it is fun. As mentioned the Choate folding stocks are good if you like a pistol grip stock. Also, if you like an optic sight, magnified or red dot, they are easily mounted. Personally, I have gone with a Williams receiver sight and am happy with that.
I have been watching for years for a 9mm at a decent enough price in good shape only to see the prices continue to climb. Just an all around fun gun.

 

[Rudi2]

Being a Marlin fan, I'd always wanted one of those. The few that I found were priced way above reasonable prices, so I passed on them. Finally bought a Ruger PC Carbine, a fun little gun, and very much along the lines of the Marlin. A big plus is it takes Glock magazines, with the included adapter. Enjoy your Camp Carbine!

 

[mrcabinet2122]

I picked up a Camp 9 from a local guy five or six years ago. He had it advertised for $350, and I didn't even try to haggle with him! A couple years later, a neighbor and I went to a gun show in a little, out of the way town an hour and a half away from us. One guy had six, barely used Camp 9 magazines lined up on his table. The asking price? 80 bucks for all six! So yes, I basically stole my Camp 9 and magazines. I added a compact 1.5 - 5 scope to it, and it makes me giggle like a little girl every time I shoot it.

I found this post to be very informative and helpful when I got mine.

https://www.longislandfirearms.com/threads/marlin-camp-9-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it.121752/

I pulled apart the trigger assembly and did a spring and fluff 'n buff on it, which definitely helped, but I would not recommend it to the weak of heart.

 

[marvin02]

Another thing to watch for is that the original hardwood stock is prone to cracking behind the receiver.

Many of the cracked stocks were the result of shooting with the bolt buffer worn out. The Camp 9 I bought came with the buffer in pieces. Shooting it this way can cause the stock to crack

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Have them both-bought 40 years ago when they were still being made. Yes, the stock on my 45 cracked, glued it, also bought a spare stock. Excellent guns.

 

[Mike LaNier]

I have a Camp Carbine in .45ACP, and it is too cool for words! Chip McCormick 10-round mags work well, and so far haven't had to replace the buffer. Finding one in 9mm is a bit hard, they are getting to be a bit rare, and the ones I've seen have all been expensive....

 

[Rock185]

I've owned my current Camp 9N for some years, and others before this one. Yep, pretty handy to be able to use common S&W 9mm, and not so common .356 TSW, magazines. Reliable, fun, little light duty plinkers.

 

[Law-dog]

The key to not damaging the Camp Carbine is pretty simple. Change that shock buff about every 1500 rounds, as the book says, and do not fire that Plus P Plus import 9mm machine gun ammo in them. That is one of the reasons they are no longer made, people shot the heavy ammo in them and destroyed the shock buff. and battered the gun which also broke the stock.

Cool little guns. The SW Model 59 magazines also come in a 25 rounds model if you can find one.




If you live in a state with restricted capacity or if you just want some extra 10 round magazines which do not hang down quite so far , they are cheap on ebay.

 

[marvin02]

These 15 round mags work great:

S&W 59 and 5900 Series 910, 915 & 659 S&W 59 and 5900 Series 910, 915 & 659 - Girsan MC21 - Girsan MC18 and Marlin Camp 9 15 RD 9mm blued Mec-Gar MGSW5915B [MGSW5915B] - $22.95 : Greg Cote LLC

Greg Cote LLC S&W 59 and 5900 Series 910, 915 & 659 S&W 59 and 5900 Series 910, 915 & 659 - Girsan MC21 - Girsan MC18 and Marlin Camp 9 15 RD 9mm blued Mec-Gar MGSW5915B [MGSW5915B] - S&W 59 and 5900 Series 915, 910, and 659 9mm 15 round Mec-gar magazine with a blued finish MGSW5915B. The...

gregcotellc.com

Camp 9 buffers can be bought from Jack First or Midway.

Don't forget to replace the recoil spring. Many folks advise using a stronger spring than stock.The factory spring was only 11 pounds. Wolff has replacements.



Cheap insurance to keep a rifle that isn't made anymore running.

 

[Timber Wolf]

Good a place as any for one of my Camp Carbine stories. Yes, like Camp Carbines I have many stories. Long ago a time, on the morning of my wedding day, I visited a seamstress to alter my tux pants. While waiting I noticed a gun shop close by so dropped in. Among those on the rack where a Camp Nine and a Remington Nylon 66. Purchasing both I stashed them in the trunk of the car, picked up my pants, went to the church and got married, and left for our honeymoon. Returning home a few days later while emptying the truck my new bride exclaimed “YOU BROUGHT GUNS ON OUR HONEYMOON?” Staying calm I replied “yes I did”. Sure as hell was not going to admit to BUYING guns on my wedding day.

 

[Rock185]

About those recoil springs. I've owned more than one Camp 9, and that 11# recoil spring seems pretty weak to me. Interesting l think, that the Camp .45 uses the same 11# spring, and same light weight bolt as the 9mm. Anyway, I have used the 21# recoil springs in my Camp 9s for years. Even with the heavy 21# spring, all of the many types of ammo I've used extracted and ejected normally. I mention this because many apparently think the 16.5# spring must be for the Camp 9, and the 21# spring must be for the Camp 45. The 11#, 16.5# and 21# springs all work in the 9s or .45s. But with the light bolts, and straight blow-back actions, 11# and 16.5# springs seem a bit light to me....YMMV