Just got a Marlin Camp 9...

[Avenger29]

I just got back from the SC Gun and Knife Collector's show in Greenville, SC. Bought back a Marlin Camp 9 Carbine for $285. It's in good shape, the stock and the metal has a little wear, but not much. I haven't had a chance to shoot it- it's raining here. I did pick up 200rds of WWB at Walmart for when I do get to shoot it.

These things use S&W 59 mags, right?

I wish I could find one of the .45 variants for a decent price...maybe next gunshow...

 

[R.W.Dale]

Before you shoot it check on the condition of the recoil buffer!!!!!!!!!!!!! As they get old they have an annoying tendency to disintegrate

 

[marklbucla]

I bought one on Gunbroker, but the buffer was totally destroyed and the trigger mechanism didn't work. I've read before somewhere that when the buffer gets messed up, the trigger assemblies have a greater tendency to break.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I have a Camp 45, very fun gun. I would do two things, aside from cleaning and lubricating the gun:

1. Replace the buffer with one from Blackjack Buffers.
2. Replace the OEM recoil spring with a 16 lb. spring from Wolff. The OEM 11 lb. spring is OK as long as it isn't worn out, but the 16 lb. will be better if you run a lot of ammo through it, especially hot ammo.

 

[Avenger29]

I'm gonna get the Blackjack buffer (and a couple of spares) and a few springs from Wolff...

Still waiting for information about the magazines (S&W model numbers are confusing, too). I assume that Mec-Gar mags are my best bet?

And what about optics mounting, etc- with the same scope mount holes and spacing as my 336, can I mount a set of GR sights- like the XS or Skinners, and can I put an XS Scout rail on it?

 

[Janos Dracwlya]

Avenger29,

Smith & Wesson magazines for the 59, 659, 5900 and 6900 pistols will work. MecGar magazines are great and you can get magazines that hold two rounds more than the original S&W magazines. There are some 20 and 30 round magazines out there, but the quality may be questionable - I don't know who makes them (it would be great if MecGar would make some).

I have a Camp 9 and a S&W 5906 as a companion gun; I got lucky and the buffer is in great shape, though I intend to pick up a couple of extras and new Wolff springs before too long. I don't have any MecGar magazines for either the Camp 9 or the 5906, but I do use MecGar magazines in my Browning Hi-Power and they work flawlessly. (Just to let you know the source(s) of my experience here)

 

[Avenger29]

Thanks, Janos

I think MecGar makes 20 rdrs for the 59 series- they were on the MecGar website. And they are priced well- below the S&W factory mags

I know Promag and National Magazine are junk- I'd rather buy mags that work, rather than ones that don't

Still waiting for info on the XS sights and scout rail...

 

[Avenger29]

Bump for the sight info...