Marlin Firearms Co. Model 45 Carbine .45 ACP 16.5″ Semi-Auto Rifle MFD 1990
SOLD FOR: $1275
LSB#: 210706ML18
Make: Marlin
Model: 45
Serial Number: 10901865
Year of Manufacture: 1990
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”. The left side of the receiver is marked “10901865”.
Barrel Length: 16 ½”
Sights / Optics: The carbine is mounted with a hooded orange plastic front sight blade set in serrated ramp’s dovetail. There is a folding semi-buckhorn rear sight with an elevator dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled in four places for mounting an optic.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The one piece stock is smooth stained hardwood with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling stud front and back, and a brown rubber Marlin butt pad. There is a repaired chip in the top of the wrist. The rest of the wood shows infrequently scattered light draglines and minor nicks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt pad, which shows minor wear along the edges. The stocks rate in about Good-Plus overall condition but would rate higher if not for the repaired chip.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the Micro-Groove rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This carbine retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some scattered minor marks on the receiver. There is faint thinning at the muzzle. The bolt shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Fine Plus 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: This rifle comes with one 7-round magazine.
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.) 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. Please see our photo and good luck!