The Marlin 45 Camp Carbine
BY Herschel Smith
3 hours, 55 minutes ago
I confess I didn’t even know they had made this firearm. Now I want one. Of course, as with all such unique and nice firearms, when they go out of production, they are “unobtanium.”
On November 21, 2024 at 1:46 am, Georgiaboy61 said:
I can’t get Marlin – which is now owned by Ruger – to start making these carbines again, but I can direct you to the Ruger LC Carbine, which is available in three chamberings, 5.7×28 FN, 45 Auto/ACP and 10mm Auto.
The LC Carbine is well-thought out and has many modern features. They take proprietary Ruger magazines, but also have the provision for other common makes, typically Glock (depending on model). The 45 Auto/ACP version, for example, takes the same magazines as a Glock 21 45-caliber pistol.
Since the operating system is forward of the butt-stock, it is capable of being folded to shorten overall length. The direction of folding is reversible. Being pistol-caliber carbines, the LC line relies mostly on blow-back or modified blowback operation.
Barrels are 16.25″ long with a 1:16 RHT and have accessory-compatible full-length hand-guards. They are threaded .578′ x 28 and a cap is supplied for when a muzzle device isn’t in use.
BUIS are supplied from the factory, and they are foldable should the user wish to mount an optic. The carbine features an ambidextrous safety, and has M-LOK QD sockets for a sling.
Capacity with the supplied magazine is 13 + 1, and the carbine comes with hex wrenches for disassembly. Weight is 7.1 lbs.
The 16-inch tube brings out extra performance from the venerable 45 Auto/ACP cartridge; depending on bullet weight, load and manufacturer, gains of 150-250 fps muzzle velocity are possible in comparison with pistol-length barrels. Hotter loads verge on 10mm Auto performance. The LC Carbine is +P rated.
The LC Carbine in 45 ACP/Auto hits hard and the 10mm version likewise. I don’t have experience with the 5.7×28, but a friend who does says that they are sweet shooters, accurate, easy to use and with very little recoil.