Marlin Camp 45 Range Report

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Aug 8, 2004
Messages
1,265
Location
Wabash IN
I recently installed a 21lb Wolff recoil spring and a Blackjack buffer (though the old one was fine) into my recently acquired Camp 45.

As I was injured at work and have some time off according to the company doc, I have some time to write the promised range report.

My back would not let me trudge the deep snow out to the 50 yard line, so I had to settle for a Quick'n'Dirty AQT target at 25yds.

This target at 25 yards is supposed to duplicate shooting at a human head and torso at 100 yards. Of course, this doesn't take into account bullet drift and drop as much as the actual range would, but it'll do for this.

AQTMarlin45.jpg
I was shooting unsupported prone.

The first thing I noticed was that it was hitting high. The high upper left represents my last seven military ball rounds.

I lowered the rear sight one step and fired seven hard cast reloads, 230gn bullets over 5.2gn BE, which should be fine for this carbine. They struck a bit lower, chewing the bottom out of my previous group, but they still struck high and to the left.

After drifting the sight a bit and lowering it to the last step, I loaded four rounds into the mag. Holding at 6 o'clock, I was able to put those four into the black, with one touching the one inch "V".

Unfortunately, I seem to have run out of ammo after that. I had gone through a primer dry spell and was unable to reload. Plenty of cases, powder and cast bullets, but no primers til now.

Impressions:

I fired this carbine after I first got it. The 11lb recoil spring was really letting the bolt slam home, and though it hadn't been shot enough by the time it fell into my hands to really even mark the buffer, I replaced it because it was likely dried out. The combination of the buffer and 21lb recoil spring make quite a difference, and though recoil is still stout (I shoot this load from a HANDGUN???) it's more than manageable.

I do not like the sights. Open sights have never been my friends, but I do not want anything electronic on it. I guess I'll live with it.

The round front sight just begs to be put ON the target, COM, not underneath it. However, at 25 yards, it is just out of its adjustment range. I have it elevated for what should be 50 yards, and so that's alright with me.

This carbine loves hollow points, and seems to have a special fondness for Hydra-Shok 230gn.

Though it's a blowback action, it doesn't seem to shoot too dirty. It's actually quite clean.

When it comes to lubrication, it seems that lightly coating the bolt with CLP works best. No malfunctions.

As a summer brush gun and a home defense weapon to compliment my other full power rifles and handguns, I believe this carbine will fulfill these roles admirably, especially since pinpoint accuracy is not a concern and the max distance used will likely be under 50 yards.

Josh
 
I would expect negligible recoil from a 45 ACP carbine.

I have the Plain Jane 9mm version (your deluxe model is quite handsome).

Mine was well used when purchased and the buffer was dust. I also went with the BJ and Wolfe combo and they work fine.

I am really surprised that Marlin used such a wimpy spring in this blow-back design. The heavier unit makes cocking the charging handle tougher but you really need a stout spring with this design.

I like mine. Lots of fun.

Yes, the primer/ammo situation has sucked for some time and continues to do so.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top