[Chuck Jennings]

So I am in the mood for a cabine for general plinking and perhaps as a defensive arm. It looks like I can pick up a 95% Marlin Camp 45 for $400 or a brand new iai M1 carbine for $400. Keep in mind that i am in CA, so no evil rifles!! :banghead:

My primary handgun is usually a 1911, so that might give the marlin an edge, but if the M1 is much more accurate and effective as a SD arm, i would go with that.

How do these carbines compare in terms of:

Reliability?
Accuracy?
Stopping Power?
Effective range?

Thanks for your "expert" opinions :)

[PO2Hammer]

I had a camp carbine once, never should have sold it (add another one to that list). One advantage the .45 has is a heavy sub-sonic bullet. It won't loose as much of it's velocity (percentage wise) at longer ranges (75-150 yards) as the .30 carbine will. Plus a heavier and wider bullet. Accuracy between the two might be a toss-up, mabey an edge to the M1. If I shot a 1911, I would definatly pick the camp. A couple things with the camp, don't spray it with gunscrubber-it will wreck the plastic. Also 1911 mags with the half round cut out at the top rear won't work, they will catch on the mag safety. You have to file that notch square. The front sight is kinda crappy, but easily replaced. Easy red dot mounting on the camp also. Mounting an optic on the M1 is a pain.

[boo586]

Why not the Mech Tech Conversion unit?

They have retailers in California so they must be legal and all you would need is your 1911 frame for now. In a couple of months get a get another 1911 so you hae a dedicated frame to the conversion unit. This is what I will probably do once I have a pistol that will work with one of their conversion units.

Plust the conversion unit costs less $400.

Boo586

[Hard Ball]

I would choose the M1 carbine.

[Chuck Jennings]

While the conversion is legal to sell in California, using it to create a carbine would be illegal under CA law. Pistol grip + detachable mag = evil rifle.


From the Mech tech website:


Legal Alert: This product for sale to California dealers under limited conditions only. Although the product of itself is legal, the resulting combination with a pistol frame becomes illegal under California law. Please contact Mech-Tech for details relative to dealer sales in CA. At this time we know of no other states where the combination is not legal but we caution everyone to become aware of relative state and local laws.

[M2 Carbine]

I've got the 45 Camp Carbine and several M1/M2 Carbines.
$400 for a Marlin:eek:
I didn't know they were that high.

They are Apples and Oranges. Two completely different rifles.

I like the 30 Carbine better than the Marlin but since you are already into 45 ACP, I would get the Marlin.

If it doesn't matter that you are getting into a different more expensive round, get the M1.

As far as a defense round I'de call them about even if you have JSP in the Carbine.

Replacement parts? No problem for the Carbine. I don't know about the Marlin.

I think you will enjoy either one.

BTW I'de take out and throw away that Marlin mag safety POS.

[Lobotomy Boy]

Just for giggles you might want to consider the Beretta CX4 Storm. I don't know what the .45 ACP version will cost, or even when it will be available (people who have ordered them have been told this coming summer). I'm sure it will be about $600+, which is pretty steep. Still, cool little gun.

For the record, my all-time favorite gun is a WWII-era M1 Carbine.

[Chuck Jennings]

Beretta storm is a CA "evil" rifle.

If i bought one, then I would start a murderous shooting spree!! :rolleyes:

I will buy one after i make my "escape"

[jercamp45]

Mainly because you already have the 1911 and it is quite handy to use the same mags and ammo outta of the carbine/handgun combo. I had one years back and well, my person experience was lacking....in reliability and I sold it. I should have sent to Marlin and have it fixed. I have heard nothing but good about them on the various internet threads, so maybe I go a lemon. I had one of the CCU's too and it was quite sweet...too bad some idiots think certain(or all) guns are evil! A closed mind is a waste of DNA!
Jercamp45

[tc300mag1]

I think i would go with the Marlin