Marlin Firearms Co. Model 45 Camp Carbine 45 ACP 16.5″ Semi-Auto Rifle 1995
LSB#: 211202EM20
Make: Marlin
Model: 45 Camp Carbine
Serial Number: 05570669
Year of Manufacture: 1995
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Blowback Operated Detachable Magazine Semi-Automatic Carbine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NORTH HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. / MODEL 45 – MICRO-GROOVE BARREL – CAL. 45 AUTO” and the right side of the barrel has the warning address. The left side of the receiver is marked “05570669”.
Barrel Length: 16 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is orange blade dovetailed to a serrated ramped riser with a ventilated hood, the base is screwed to the barrel. The hood is loose and does not properly secure to the base. The rear sight is a flip-up semi-buckhorn U-notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel. Equipped to the top of the receiver via a one-piece rail system and two Weaver rings is a Simmons optic with 3-9x magnification and a duplex reticle. The scope shows infrequently scattered light marks and the lenses are clear. The scope rates in about Fine condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The one piece stock is press checkered stained hardwood with a pistol grip, straight comb, sling swivel front and rear, and a red rubber Marlin butt pad. There is a brown leather sling attached to the swivels that shows light-moderate wear with strong stitching and nor rips or tears, in about Very Good condition. The wood shows a couple tiny compressions and a few minor draglines. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is clean with no interruptions. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt pad. The stocks rate in about Fine-Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is what appears to be some extremely faint erosion in the grooves that may prove to be stubborn fouling with a proper cleaning.
Overall Condition: This carbine retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is some light erosion on the bolt and a few sparse faint marks on the receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a magazine disconnect safety. The safety is mounted in the forward portion of the trigger guard, similar to the M1 Garand. There is a bolt hold back (and release) on the side of the magazine well, just behind the magazine release button. The Marlin magazine is a copy of the Colt 1911 magazine and this gun should function properly with most 1911 magazines. We did not fire this carbine. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The previously mentioned scope and sling are included as well as one 10-round COLT 45 AUTO magazine in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: These are nifty little carbines and a good companion for anyone who already owns a single stack 1911 since they can take the same ammo and magazines. They take the same scope mounts as the Marlin 336 lever action 30-30, so mounts are easily available. The Camp Carbine lends itself particularly well to red dot sights if iron sights seem to be getting smaller and fuzzier. The same receiver top spacing lets you mount some of the Williams peep or fiber optic sights (but you may have to install a higher front sight in the front dovetail.) Currently equipped is a Simmons scope. The stock also comes equipped with a sturdy brown leather sling. Replacement springs are available from Wolff and the only other part likely to wear out is a buffer for the bolt, and they too, are now available. The Camp Carbine was discontinued by Marlin in 1999 and a small cult has grown up around them. They can work well for home defense, especially for people who find the 1911 difficult to manipulate and shoot or desire a long gun but are worried about over penetration. In its current condition, this gun is plenty ready for your next camping adventure! Please see our photos and good luck!