Marlin Camp 9

[dj454]

I am looking at a Marlin Camp 9 carbine at a local pawn shop. I have wanted a 9mm carbine for awhile now. I have heard good things about the Marlin but does anybody here have experience shooting cast bullets in it? I have a 9mm load with a 125 grain round nose bullet that I cast. I use hi-tek coating on them but I wonder if the extra velocity would be too much for them. High speed isn't my goal I would just like to be able to use the same load I already have. Any advice will be appreciated. If I can't shoot lead in it I might pass on it. Thanks.

[Southpaw 72]

If it was at a good price I'd snatch it up. They're hard to find. If it doesn't work out, you shouldn't have a problem getting rid of it.

[MrWolf]

I have not shot cast through one but they are great lil guns. I have a camp 45 which to me is a bit to powerfull for the weight. The 9 just shoots better. You could probably make a profit on it if you choose not to shoot cast in it.

[starnbar]

I have one and its a great shooter with the lyman cast 115 with bullseye use S&W mags or meggar they work the best 59/69 series S&W its a fun little carbine.

[kens]

I got one, I love it.
It can use the S&W 59 series magazines.
Yes, I have shot boolits thru it, on a steady diet.
You may need to replace the recoil buffer, they were a cheap rubber compound, you can get them from Midway.
It is great fun to shoot.

[MrWolf]

Yea, forgot. Change the buffer and the spring. I used wolf I think.

[FLHTC]

Yes do not shoot it until you check and/or change the recoil buffer. The originals crumble like sandstone from age and firing your Camp 9 with the bad buffer will damage the gun. Mine shot fine with cast loads.

[kens]

yes, my buffer disintegrated to crumbles too, it jammed up the action. I had to take it all apart, get out the crumbles, and install the new buffer.
Been there, done that.

[MrWolf]

When repcing the buffer I found that putting a lil grease around the insert holds it in place nicely. Had mine move and it was a pain as I was at the range without tools - was one of those days. No issues since.

[Geezer in NH]

Defiantly change the recoil buffer they are old and DRY and will break apart. Mine now is a SBR NFA stamped 01 form using a Bowers CAC 9 it needed heavy springs to stay as quite as the MAC 10-9 but now it works sweet.

I had no luck with aftermarket S&W 59 mags but original S&W mags work ok.

[dj454]

Thanks guys I put the Marlin on layaway. I have to get through Christmas so hopefully I will bring it home by the end of January. I will order a new recoil spring and a buffer before I pick it up. I'm looking forward to shooting it.

[kens]

only thing I don't care for is the plastic trigger guard group.
I suppose you should be careful about what kind of solvents you clean it with.
It is a fun little gun, I think you will like it.

On the side, I also have the Camp .45acp. I have been ringing steel at 100 yards with it.

[Shooter973]

I shoot a Ruger PC 9, similar in most respects. I load 125 gr. cast bullets over a moderate charge of Bullseye. It functions fine, and I shoot the same load in my 9mm handguns. This type of carbine type rifles are kinda tough to find now days. I like mine a lot. [smilie=s: Yes 100 yard gongs are pretty easy to hit. Lots of fun.

[dj454]

I shoot a Ruger PC 9, similar in most respects. I load 125 gr. cast bullets over a moderate charge of Bullseye. It functions fine, and I shoot the same load in my 9mm handguns. This type of carbine type rifles are kinda tough to find now days. I like mine a lot. [smilie=s: Yes 100 yard gongs are pretty easy to hit. Lots of fun.
I like the PC 9 but they are hard to find. The same pawn shop had the 40 version. He sold it pretty quick. The good thing about the Marlin I already have the S&W magazines but I wouldn't mind having a Ruger in 9mm or 40.

[hicard]

I have both the 9mm and 45. Didn't know they were made in 40. I also have the 40 Ruger. They are pretty accurate for their purpose and I have had no problems shooting cast lead as they are blowback design.

[dj454]

I have both the 9mm and 45. Didn't know they were made in 40. I also have the 40 Ruger. They are pretty accurate for their purpose and I have had no problems shooting cast lead as they are blowback design.
The Marlins weren't made in 40 I was responding to the other post and he mentioned the Ruger and the shop had a Ruger PC 40.

[Rustyleee]

They shoot cast just fine as long as you don't try to load it too hot. Congratulations!