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Reflecting on Marlin's Model 9 Camp Carbine: Its History and Features

A 1985 review of the Marlin Camp Carbine, a classic 9mm blowback-operated repeater, is scrutinized, highlighting its enduring appeal among collectors.

Examining the Past of Marlin's Model 9 Pistol-Caliber Carbine
Examining the Past of Marlin's Model 9 Pistol-Caliber Carbine

Reflecting on Marlin's Model 9 Camp Carbine: Its History and Features

New Marlin 9 mm Camp Carbine: A Review of Its Performance

Marlin Firearms, a renowned manufacturer, has recently introduced a new addition to their lineup – the 9 mm Camp Carbine. This utilitarian firearm weighs approximately 6 lbs. and boasts a 16.62" barrel, as well as a 12-round detachable box magazine.

The carbine's trigger group requires careful handling for removal and reassembly. This process involves driving two pins from the receiver, positioning the bolt stop plate accurately, and manually depressing the loading ramp.

During testing, the first Model 9 carbine was returned to the manufacturer before firing due to a trigger pull of about 8 lbs. The second carbine performed well for about 200 rounds, but doubled twice and jammed due to a chipped urethane buffer. Fortunately, the third sample fired several hundred rounds without breakage. After exceeding the recommended limit with three ammunition types, trouble was encountered after firing the 270th round, likely due to debris blocking the bolt stop plate.

The Model 9 is equipped with a magazine disconnector, a useful feature that prevents the hammer from flying forward during disassembly. However, the optional 20-round magazine comes with a stiff follower spring, making loading to capacity a challenging task for some users.

Marlin's history with carbines chambered for centerfire pistol cartridges dates back to the 1880s, with models like the Model 1888, 1889, and 1894. After World War II, they reintroduced carbines that matched handguns in caliber, such as the Model 336T 'Texan' in .44 Mag. and the Model 1894 in .44 Mag., which is still in production.

The Model 9 is a pleasant gun to shoot, with recoil similar to a .22 rifle. It's worth noting that the 20-round magazine accessories for the Marlin Model 9 Camp Carbine belong to the manufacturer Mec-Gar, known for producing steel magazines compatible with this firearm model.

Lastly, Marlin recommends that the carbine should be thoroughly cleaned after every 250 rounds of firing to ensure optimal performance. Overall, the new Marlin 9 mm Camp Carbine offers a reliable and user-friendly shooting experience for enthusiasts.

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