I've owned a camp9 since the 90's. Very accurate and hits with authority as the longer barrel gets all the velocity that the round can deliver. If you own one, buy a new buffer pad and install it ASAP. I wasn't aware of the pads disintegrating and it stopped up my rifle and destroyed the hammer strut bridge assembly and that part is a bugger to put a new one back in.
I have owned one of these since 1987. I consider it my buntline .45acp. great little carbine. I have wanted a Marlin 1894 cp.357 mag but they are just as hard to come by as these camps.
That's a little longer than my brother has had his. I can't think of the last time I saw an 1894 for sale now that you mention it. I've been wanting a lever gun in .45 Colt pretty much from the time I bought my Vaquero but have yet to find one that I like at a price I want to pay.
I love my Hipoint 995 but I just forked over the money for a Camp 9 and I am looking forward to being able to compare them. The newer PC carbines are great but nothing is better than a classic wood stock Marlin.
The classic wood is a very pleasant departure from most modern pistol caliber carbines. Not that I don't appreciate those as well, but there's something that's just aestically and ergonomically pleasing about the full wood stock.
Thanks for the video. I'm glad you left in the brain farts like I would do and need to watch for. I just bought one of these since I'm a 1911-carbine-thompson guy and I thought it would be a good fun piece since I can't get a real thompson in Cali. I want to go through it before I shoot it so thanks for the pointers!
You're welcome, thanks for watching. I think it's good to leave them in. Before I make a video I'll usually disassemble and reassemble a firearm a couple times. Inevitably when I'm actually shooting the video I'll do something silly so why not leave it in. I'm glad I could be a help. I think it's a neat rifle and as a range gun it would be a lot of fun.
CA perspective here. Pistol grips require these ridiculous fins on the grip here. So carbines like this or the ruger pc9 or the Henry homsteader that have that style grip are really appealing.
I can understand why they would be after having looked at some of the work arounds I can't say they seem very ergonomic or comfortable. I appreciate the perspective.
Great video, thank you for exposing the design weaknesses. I found one at a gun shop today but they wanted $1050+tax+Fees. A bit too rich for me. When assembling, start the forward pin in first just enough to hold the bolt hold open lever, that way it won't move on you.
Thank you and thanks for the advice. They're really cool rifles but at that price I'd definitely have to pass. If your buying it to shoot there are certainly better choices. If you're buying it to collect that's a pretty high price unless you have more love for it than bills in the mail.
My feed ramp is spring loaded and folds backwards. I assemble it with the ramp pushed back and when it's all back together, I lock the bolt back and use a long screwdriver to pop the ramp back into position.
plinking gun ? tell that to the 5 deer i have dropped with mine. a 230 grain hollow leaving the barrel at near 1100 ft per second is nothing to sneeze at. this is an excellent brush gun.
I can agree it's no slouch and shot place counts for more than anything when it comes to lethality. Although I'd still prefer something a little more capable. Thanks for watching.
Great video. I totally agree that the little spring is the worst part of the rifle and makes for a painful assembly. Also, if that little spring becomes bent or broken, the gun is inoperable.
Thanks for watching and commenting. It's those little things that can become a nightmare during reassembly. Little springs are a big reason why I don't usually take trigger packs apart on camera. Depending on the design of firearm they can be frustrating to reassemble and that's without trying to film it at the same time.
Actually the only purpose that serves is bolt hold open. It is not needed for the rifle to shoot. Even the magazine safety can be removed if so desired although legally probably not the best idea.
The feed ramp isn't a problem if you put it together correctly. If you flip the feed ramp down completely it will stay out of the way, then it will flip back into place when you put the magazine in.
If you think that reassembly was a pain in the butt, you would die if you had to put back together a Henry AR-7 receiver. I just did that last week, and holy crap, it makes this one look like a breeze.
I've always wanted one of these. Just a classic gun and I've been in the market for a pcc. I was able to find one at a local pawn shop here in SoCal but they wanted $800 for it. After taxes + DROS, it would've been $900 out the door, which I admit is in line with what I see on Gunbroker. I decided to pass on the Marlin and got a new Ruger PC Carbine instead. I did end up spending $900 total, but that included the gun, 5 new Glock mags, and 1500 rounds of 9mm. The Camp 9 is no doubt a classic. But unless you're a collector and with the price they're going for these days, you might as well just buy something more modern.
I agree with everything you said there, it's a neat firearm and certainly a classic but if you're in the market for a pistol caliber carbine as a shooter there are more appropriate options in my opinion. Thanks for watching.
I own a 9, 45 and a 22wrm all the same style carbines. All are extremely accurate and would put anyone of them up against your Sub 2000 for accuracy at any distance. Don’t get me wrong, Kel Tech makes good firearms. I have a PMR30 and am looking for a CMR30 to go with it. Put 1000+ rounds through your Sub2000 and we’ll compare the polymer for wear to the Marlin machined steel. As others have stated Marlin built affordable sporting arms. As of 2008 Marlin no longer owned or produced the Marlin brand and as such quality control went down the toilet. Borrow an older Marlin with JM stamped on the barrel, check the quality of the fit and finish, then go shoot it and see how accurate they are. One more point with all due respect. Since you had the owners manual just follow the instructions for disability/reassembly and it usually goes just fine. From your video I got the impression you maybe quite knowledgeable about guns so just glanced over the instructions. Based on some of the comments I think you may have been assembling it incorrectly. I have always followed the owners manual and had no problems. I wouldn’t trade any of mine for a HiPoint, Kel Tech or Ruger carbine and I own both Kel Tech and Ruger firearms. I guess each to his own.
I appreciate your perspective and 😀as it isn't my own personal firearm I'm certainly not as versed on as yourself. Although I agree with much of your assessment of the Marlin brand, I feel like their quality control was less even before that than it had been earlier in their history. I have a great deal of respect for the brand and many of their products. I don't think a Sub 2000 is a service grade pistol carbine either. I generally think most civilian pistol caliber carbines are suited to certain purposes. I appreciate your perspective and your extensive comment. Thanks for watching.
Agreed, the thing is nobody really offers a pistol carbine in a traditional wooden stock and such anymore. At least not that I'm aware of. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Almost all of the replacement parts are for sale on Numrich. I heard that Marlin sold all of their old parts inventory to numrich. Long live old Marlins!
They do have quite a few parts. It always gets me that their website is gunpartscorp. As opposed to numrich or something a long that line. I think they may have bought up Marlins old parts stock given they have so many different parts for Marlins. The replacement upgraded springs are available through Wolff Gunsprings.
Anyone who has or is going to get one of these guns needs to replace the buffer and recoil spring with a heavier spring. Then you can fire ammo with more gusto out of it without breaking the buffer.
M45 wasn't meant to be a service grade weapon. It's a very good defensive gun. How much do you actually use it for that. Take it to the range, put 50 to 100 rounds through it and go home. I'm
There is a piece of sheet metal that the hammer spring bears against. That 'hammer bridge' will bend and break. You should definitely replace the buffer with a modern one, even if it is currently intact. The buffer does shatter, but only after it's dried out for 20-40 years. I have two, BTW, but both are 9mm. Taking apart the trigger group is an ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE! You should use the front pin as a 'slave' pin and just insert it a little to hold the bolt hold-open in place till you put the lower in there. You're making it harder than it has to be.
You're entitled to your opinion, but I must disagree. This was at the time a lower-end rifle and compared to what's being produced today, this is a nice rifle. My 9mm shoots one hole groups at 50 meters. That speaks volumes.
I appreciate your perspective, although I wasn't questioning it accuracy or quality as much as if it were fit for harsher duty. Especially compared to later Marlin products it seems to be a much better firearm. Thanks for watching.
I hear all that and that buffer is going to fail the stronger spring is going to be a lot harder to charge the sight max's out @100yds let me know what you want.$
You are putting the lower on in the wrong sequence! Put the front pin in first. Edit: I've owned mine for 28 years now, I've had it apart once or twice... you do have to pay attention to that feed ramp though!
Nice vid. I have a 45 camp just like that one. No checkering on the wood. I would urge anyone with a 45 carbine to definatley swap out recoil springs to a heavier aftermarket spring, as well as new buffer. They are neat gun to carry hiking or such(camping). Very light, and non-formidable looking. Look like 22s. Nobody screams when they see them. Not very loud to shoot either. Fairly cheap to shoot considering. Your vid makes me ashamed I never shoot mine.
@@Alloy211 It’s a nice toy, I had to replace the shock buffer inside and it has a Choate plastic stock. I’m debating purchasing one of those Boyd’s laminated Camo stocks for it. I’m a 1911 guy as well so that cross compatibility is nice. The whole reason for my visit to your video is because I have been wanting the Boyd’s stock. Much classier than the Choate.
It does seem to be a bit classier. I appreciate you watching. When I had my Keltec Sub 2000 the magazine compatibility with my Glock was one of my favorite features.
@@Alloy211 Yes, by the way have you ever heard of the Mech-Tech Carbine kit for various pistols? I own one for the 1911. I do like it. It’s not as accurate as the Marlin, not by a long shot however it will group ok at 50 yards. I also like the Marvell 1911->.22 LR conversion kit. Buying a .22 M1911-A1 is folley as the Marvell is the same price, allowing you to have one do it all. I keep it with my series 70 Gold Cup for example. The Ciener .22LR for my Browning Hi-Power is extremely nice as well. Both of these top ends would give any match .22LR a run for their money. I have an authentic Hi-Standard Victor, the origional from the 1930’s in near pristine condition and the .22LR top end from Marvell is every bit the equal.
I've seen them but have had no personal experience with them. I have always wondered how well they actually worked though. I'm really impressed that the .22 uppers will give that level of accuracy. Do they function with a variety of .22s or are they picky? I have a few semiautomatic .22s and my P22 can be very picky about what ammunition it wants to function with. Although annoying, it has been good practice for my 11 year old son on what to do when you have a malfunction.
Not that I've seen, but I haven't looked for one myself. The best solution I've seen are high capacity 1911 mags but I don't know how well those work. Thanks for watching.
@@roderichroby6236 I really understand the desire to have a bit more capacity. It's sometimes difficult to find reliable extra capacity magazines. Recently I've been trying to find an appropriate magazine to modify for my P64 pistol. They only have a 6 round capacity so I've been looking at.380 pistol magazines with higher capacity.
@@roderichroby6236 Just something I saw and thought I'd mention. There is a 28 round drum magazine available at Sportsman's Guide but it's $90 and I'm never quite confident in the reliability of drum magazines.
I'm sure he believes everyone is entitled to their opinion and perspective. He hasn't once brought it up since the video was posted, which is quite awhile ago at this point.
I’ve had mine for 20 years and have always enjoyed shooting it.
I understand why, they're a very handy rifle. Thanks for watching.
I mounted a scope on mine. Fun plinker. Good hog thumper up close. Very informative video bud. Good job. ✅
I've owned a camp9 since the 90's. Very accurate and hits with authority as the longer barrel gets all the velocity that the round can deliver. If you own one, buy a new buffer pad and install it ASAP. I wasn't aware of the pads disintegrating and it stopped up my rifle and destroyed the hammer strut bridge assembly and that part is a bugger to put a new one back in.
Thanks for the experienced perspective on it and your advice. As well as thanks for watching.
I've done the buffer, recoil spring, and strut bridge recently. Mine shoots absolutely fantastic. More fun than my Ruger PC9
@@vinceruland9236 Definitely has a classic feel to it the Ruger does not.
It was a $200 budget firearm in 1985..............crazy how expensive they are now!
Scarcity, I guess if the 94 AWB had any positive it was creating rarity in some firearms.
Great video
Thank you and thanks for watching.
I have owned one of these since 1987. I consider it my buntline .45acp. great little carbine. I have wanted a Marlin 1894 cp.357 mag but they are just as hard to come by as these camps.
That's a little longer than my brother has had his. I can't think of the last time I saw an 1894 for sale now that you mention it. I've been wanting a lever gun in .45 Colt pretty much from the time I bought my Vaquero but have yet to find one that I like at a price I want to pay.
I love my Hipoint 995 but I just forked over the money for a Camp 9 and I am looking forward to being able to compare them. The newer PC carbines are great but nothing is better than a classic wood stock Marlin.
The classic wood is a very pleasant departure from most modern pistol caliber carbines. Not that I don't appreciate those as well, but there's something that's just aestically and ergonomically pleasing about the full wood stock.
Thanks for the video. I'm glad you left in the brain farts like I would do and need to watch for. I just bought one of these since I'm a 1911-carbine-thompson guy and I thought it would be a good fun piece since I can't get a real thompson in Cali. I want to go through it before I shoot it so thanks for the pointers!
You're welcome, thanks for watching. I think it's good to leave them in. Before I make a video I'll usually disassemble and reassemble a firearm a couple times. Inevitably when I'm actually shooting the video I'll do something silly so why not leave it in. I'm glad I could be a help. I think it's a neat rifle and as a range gun it would be a lot of fun.
I still want one.😊
Agreed, this particular one was graciously loaned to me by my brother. Thanks for watching.
CA perspective here. Pistol grips require these ridiculous fins on the grip here.
So carbines like this or the ruger pc9 or the Henry homsteader that have that style grip are really appealing.
I can understand why they would be after having looked at some of the work arounds I can't say they seem very ergonomic or comfortable. I appreciate the perspective.
Great video, thank you for exposing the design weaknesses. I found one at a gun shop today but they wanted $1050+tax+Fees. A bit too rich for me. When assembling, start the forward pin in first just enough to hold the bolt hold open lever, that way it won't move on you.
Thank you and thanks for the advice. They're really cool rifles but at that price I'd definitely have to pass. If your buying it to shoot there are certainly better choices. If you're buying it to collect that's a pretty high price unless you have more love for it than bills in the mail.
My feed ramp is spring loaded and folds backwards. I assemble it with the ramp pushed back and when it's all back together, I lock the bolt back and use a long screwdriver to pop the ramp back into position.
plinking gun ? tell that to the 5 deer i have dropped with mine. a 230 grain hollow leaving the barrel at near 1100 ft per second is nothing to sneeze at. this is an excellent brush gun.
I can agree it's no slouch and shot place counts for more than anything when it comes to lethality. Although I'd still prefer something a little more capable. Thanks for watching.
same I used one with a good scope and p plus hollow points
Great video. I totally agree that the little spring is the worst part of the rifle and makes for a painful assembly. Also, if that little spring becomes bent or broken, the gun is inoperable.
Thanks for watching and commenting. It's those little things that can become a nightmare during reassembly. Little springs are a big reason why I don't usually take trigger packs apart on camera. Depending on the design of firearm they can be frustrating to reassemble and that's without trying to film it at the same time.
The plans for the summer include a few different shooting videos. Maybe the Camp will be one of them.
Actually the only purpose that serves is bolt hold open. It is not needed for the rifle to shoot. Even the magazine safety can be removed if so desired although legally probably not the best idea.
True, and certainly could have civil implications if you remove a safety device and someone were injured as well.
The feed ramp isn't a problem if you put it together correctly. If you flip the feed ramp down completely it will stay out of the way, then it will flip back into place when you put the magazine in.
Thanks for watching and for the tip.
If you think that reassembly was a pain in the butt, you would die if you had to put back together a Henry AR-7 receiver. I just did that last week, and holy crap, it makes this one look like a breeze.
I have something on the way that I heard can be a challenge. We shall see.
Nice video... I have the Camp 9 and Phil B tested and targeted mine as well... 👍
Very nice. Thanks for watching.
Like wise, with a nickel barrel and Bushnell Banner shot gun scope. Fun rifle at the range and was surprisingly accurate @ 100yd.
I've always wanted one of these. Just a classic gun and I've been in the market for a pcc. I was able to find one at a local pawn shop here in SoCal but they wanted $800 for it. After taxes + DROS, it would've been $900 out the door, which I admit is in line with what I see on Gunbroker. I decided to pass on the Marlin and got a new Ruger PC Carbine instead. I did end up spending $900 total, but that included the gun, 5 new Glock mags, and 1500 rounds of 9mm.
The Camp 9 is no doubt a classic. But unless you're a collector and with the price they're going for these days, you might as well just buy something more modern.
I agree with everything you said there, it's a neat firearm and certainly a classic but if you're in the market for a pistol caliber carbine as a shooter there are more appropriate options in my opinion. Thanks for watching.
I have bent and lost several of those little springs. Order spares from Numrich and keep them handy
That's solid advice. Thanks for watching.
I have one of these, and everything you said is true. I would not take it to war, but I really do like it.
I can see why you would. It's a cool and fun gun. Thanks for watching.
I own a 9, 45 and a 22wrm all the same style carbines. All are extremely accurate and would put anyone of them up against your Sub 2000 for accuracy at any distance. Don’t get me wrong, Kel Tech makes good firearms. I have a PMR30 and am looking for a CMR30 to go with it. Put 1000+ rounds through your Sub2000 and we’ll compare the polymer for wear to the Marlin machined steel. As others have stated Marlin built affordable sporting arms. As of 2008 Marlin no longer owned or produced the Marlin brand and as such quality control went down the toilet. Borrow an older Marlin with JM stamped on the barrel, check the quality of the fit and finish, then go shoot it and see how accurate they are. One more point with all due respect. Since you had the owners manual just follow the instructions for disability/reassembly and it usually goes just fine. From your video I got the impression you maybe quite knowledgeable about guns so just glanced over the instructions. Based on some of the comments I think you may have been assembling it incorrectly. I have always followed the owners manual and had no problems. I wouldn’t trade any of mine for a HiPoint, Kel Tech or Ruger carbine and I own both Kel Tech and Ruger firearms. I guess each to his own.
I appreciate your perspective and 😀as it isn't my own personal firearm I'm certainly not as versed on as yourself. Although I agree with much of your assessment of the Marlin brand, I feel like their quality control was less even before that than it had been earlier in their history. I have a great deal of respect for the brand and many of their products. I don't think a Sub 2000 is a service grade pistol carbine either. I generally think most civilian pistol caliber carbines are suited to certain purposes. I appreciate your perspective and your extensive comment. Thanks for watching.
Not bad for a gun that cost about $300 brand new....you can now sell them for 3 times that price!
Agreed, the thing is nobody really offers a pistol carbine in a traditional wooden stock and such anymore. At least not that I'm aware of. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Almost all of the replacement parts are for sale on Numrich. I heard that Marlin sold all of their old parts inventory to numrich. Long live old Marlins!
They do have quite a few parts. It always gets me that their website is gunpartscorp. As opposed to numrich or something a long that line. I think they may have bought up Marlins old parts stock given they have so many different parts for Marlins. The replacement upgraded springs are available through Wolff Gunsprings.
All I found there where some pins, meh. Wolff Gunsprings had the recoil spring in 16.5 & 21lbs.
@@ScooterFXRS They have 6 pages of parts for the camp carbine....look again
@@michaelpalm2210 thanks...not unusual for searches to not work correctly on web sites.
Anyone who has or is going to get one of these guns needs to replace the buffer and recoil spring with a heavier spring. Then you can fire ammo with more gusto out of it without breaking the buffer.
Thanks for the advice and thanks for watching.
You recommend the 16.5 or 21lb spring? I'm just plinking with it.
@@JacksonMoller the 21 is for .45, and the 16 is for 9mm.
M45 wasn't meant to be a service grade weapon. It's a very good defensive gun. How much do you actually use it for that. Take it to the range, put 50 to 100 rounds through it and go home. I'm
Agreed, thanks for watching.
The buffer looks like a strawberry Starburst. Yum.
The best Starburst in my opinion. Thanks for watching.
There is a piece of sheet metal that the hammer spring bears against. That 'hammer bridge' will bend and break. You should definitely replace the buffer with a modern one, even if it is currently intact. The buffer does shatter, but only after it's dried out for 20-40 years. I have two, BTW, but both are 9mm. Taking apart the trigger group is an ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE! You should use the front pin as a 'slave' pin and just insert it a little to hold the bolt hold-open in place till you put the lower in there. You're making it harder than it has to be.
Thanks for the additional information.
You're entitled to your opinion, but I must disagree. This was at the time a lower-end rifle and compared to what's being produced today, this is a nice rifle. My 9mm shoots one hole groups at 50 meters. That speaks volumes.
I appreciate your perspective, although I wasn't questioning it accuracy or quality as much as if it were fit for harsher duty. Especially compared to later Marlin products it seems to be a much better firearm. Thanks for watching.
@Jerry Brice
Manual is easily found with a search for “manual for Marlin camp 45”.
Phil B is the same tester on my .45 camp rifle.
Nice, that's an interesting little tidbit.
I hear all that and that buffer is going to fail the stronger spring is going to be a lot harder to charge the sight max's out @100yds let me know what you want.$
That's a strange question at the end, although I appreciate your comment.
Not all plastic is polymer, but all polymer is plastic.
That is a true statement. Thanks for watching.
Bought and fired today. Very accurate low recoil
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Any way I could get a copy of that Marlin 45 manual? I just bought this gun and anxious to try it out. First 45 I've come across in a while.
I'll have to ask my brother to borrow it. As long as I can I could scan it and email it to you after that.
You are putting the lower on in the wrong sequence! Put the front pin in first.
Edit: I've owned mine for 28 years now, I've had it apart once or twice... you do have to pay attention to that feed ramp though!
Appreciate you're advice. Thanks for watching.
Nice vid.
I have a 45 camp just like that one. No checkering on the wood. I would urge anyone with a 45 carbine to definatley swap out recoil springs to a heavier aftermarket spring, as well as new buffer. They are neat gun to carry hiking or such(camping). Very light, and non-formidable looking. Look like 22s. Nobody screams when they see them. Not very loud to shoot either. Fairly cheap to shoot considering.
Your vid makes me ashamed I never shoot mine.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I kind of have the same feeling with my Sig 229.
Your knowledge is equally diminutive as the worth of your opinion.
At least you're eloquent with your insults. Thanks for watching.
I paid 600 for mine in 2002.
That's not to shabby considering it was during the ban. I just saw a Camp 9 for sale locally around that price point.
@@Alloy211 It’s a nice toy, I had to replace the shock buffer inside and it has a Choate plastic stock. I’m debating purchasing one of those Boyd’s laminated Camo stocks for it. I’m a 1911 guy as well so that cross compatibility is nice. The whole reason for my visit to your video is because I have been wanting the Boyd’s stock. Much classier than the Choate.
It does seem to be a bit classier. I appreciate you watching. When I had my Keltec Sub 2000 the magazine compatibility with my Glock was one of my favorite features.
@@Alloy211 Yes, by the way have you ever heard of the Mech-Tech Carbine kit for various pistols? I own one for the 1911. I do like it. It’s not as accurate as the Marlin, not by a long shot however it will group ok at 50 yards. I also like the Marvell 1911->.22 LR conversion kit. Buying a .22 M1911-A1 is folley as the Marvell is the same price, allowing you to have one do it all. I keep it with my series 70 Gold Cup for example. The Ciener .22LR for my Browning Hi-Power is extremely nice as well. Both of these top ends would give any match .22LR a run for their money. I have an authentic Hi-Standard Victor, the origional from the 1930’s in near pristine condition and the .22LR top end from Marvell is every bit the equal.
I've seen them but have had no personal experience with them. I have always wondered how well they actually worked though. I'm really impressed that the .22 uppers will give that level of accuracy. Do they function with a variety of .22s or are they picky? I have a few semiautomatic .22s and my P22 can be very picky about what ammunition it wants to function with. Although annoying, it has been good practice for my 11 year old son on what to do when you have a malfunction.
Does anyone make aftermarket double stack mag wells for .45?
Not that I've seen, but I haven't looked for one myself. The best solution I've seen are high capacity 1911 mags but I don't know how well those work. Thanks for watching.
@@Alloy211 thanks for the reply, sir. I've been using Chip McCormick 10 rd. magazines with mine.
@@roderichroby6236 I really understand the desire to have a bit more capacity. It's sometimes difficult to find reliable extra capacity magazines. Recently I've been trying to find an appropriate magazine to modify for my P64 pistol. They only have a 6 round capacity so I've been looking at.380 pistol magazines with higher capacity.
@@roderichroby6236 Just something I saw and thought I'd mention. There is a 28 round drum magazine available at Sportsman's Guide but it's $90 and I'm never quite confident in the reliability of drum magazines.
I use M3 magazines in mine, no problem!
Wonder how your brother feels about you bad mouth and his wonderful little rifle.
I'm sure he believes everyone is entitled to their opinion and perspective. He hasn't once brought it up since the video was posted, which is quite awhile ago at this point.