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Posted: 9/4/2014 7:03:46 PM EDT
What's a realistic price for a Camp9 in vgc with no mags?
Link Posted: 9/5/2014 3:53:41 PM EDT
[#1]
$300 The lack of mags become the deal breaker. This the one that takes s&w mags?
Link Posted: 9/5/2014 7:51:37 PM EDT
[#2]
Yeah, the same mags.
Link Posted: 9/6/2014 12:30:20 PM EDT
[#3]
Mags aren't that hard to find. Both factory s&w and mec-gar mags can be had pretty easily; I have a camp-9 and have never had a real problem finding magazines for it; online that is, looking locally can be a waste of time.

http://www.gregcotellc.com/cart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=97_129 (MecGar & Smith both, from $21-$24, and 20-rd mecgar for $26)

http://www.copesdistributing.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=5906&osCsid=7uhi7v1shmsvpj123971sakmd5&x=0&y=0 (MecGar from $19-$22)

http://www.lg-outdoors.com/products.asp?cat=8746

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ProductListing.aspx?catid=17652

http://www.nisupplyonline.com/product/SMI-A1

Greg Cotes & Copes are my favorites of those, but finding mags has never been a real problem. 'Yet', that is; in a few years it may be very different.


All that said, if you still want to sell it, pm me. I don't really need another, but I like the silly things.
Link Posted: 9/6/2014 3:03:43 PM EDT
[#4]
I don't have one for sale, I'm thinking of buying one.
Link Posted: 9/6/2014 7:12:19 PM EDT
[#5]
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Quoted:
I don't have one for sale, I'm thinking of buying one.
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Ahh; okay.
Link Posted: 9/11/2014 4:04:22 AM EDT
[#6]
Sold mine about a year ago for $600......was VG condition with the factory and a 30 rd mag.  Not bad considering I paid $220 for it new in '99.
Link Posted: 9/22/2014 9:51:28 PM EDT
[#7]
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Quoted:
$300 The lack of mags become the deal breaker. This the one that takes s&w mags?
View Quote


I would buy any decent Camp for $300 any day....worth far more than that!

Magazines are about as easy to find as for any firearm made. S&W 59 series,. a very popular firearm with a large customer base.
Link Posted: 9/23/2014 10:23:08 AM EDT
[#8]
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Quoted:I would buy any decent Camp for $300 any day....worth far more than that!
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Quoted:I would buy any decent Camp for $300 any day....worth far more than that!

Definitely; that's why I already tried...

Quoted:Magazines are about as easy to find as for any firearm made. S&W 59 series,. a very popular firearm with a large customer base.

Between my camp-9 and my son's 5906 we've never had a problem finding them; 14-round old style, 15-round latest factory mfg, 15-round mec-gar, and mec-gar 20-rounders as well (mec-gars are as good as factory in my experience).
Link Posted: 9/24/2014 12:41:51 AM EDT
[#9]
I have even tried the inexpensive 30 round Pro-Mag junk magazine and had it work just fine after I put a real S&W follower in it. (Like a $3 upgrade). Runs like a champ now.
Link Posted: 9/27/2014 10:30:10 PM EDT
[#10]
Saw one sell today at a gunshow for $450 in VG-X condition with two mags.
Link Posted: 9/27/2014 11:26:36 PM EDT
[#11]
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Quoted:
Saw one sell today at a gunshow for $450 in VG-X condition with two mags.
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Was it an early or late model? There are two variations on these. The first model you locked the bolt open using the  cocking handle. On the second model there was a little latch on the left side you could push up and lock the bolt back.

Is this important? They both work fine but its easier to find parts from Marlin on the second series model.
Link Posted: 10/1/2014 8:35:37 AM EDT
[#12]
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Quoted:


Was it an early or late model? There are two variations on these. The first model you locked the bolt open using the  cocking handle. On the second model there was a little latch on the left side you could push up and lock the bolt back.

Is this important? They both work fine but its easier to find parts from Marlin on the second series model.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Saw one sell today at a gunshow for $450 in VG-X condition with two mags.


Was it an early or late model? There are two variations on these. The first model you locked the bolt open using the  cocking handle. On the second model there was a little latch on the left side you could push up and lock the bolt back.

Is this important? They both work fine but its easier to find parts from Marlin on the second series model.


I don't know. I didn't look at it that hard. I own one with the "late model" feature you described. I honestly didn't know there was an earlier BHO device.

FWIW- I paid $200 total for mine in 1989 brand new from Service Merchandise as a little graduation present for myself.
Link Posted: 10/8/2014 5:52:43 AM EDT
[#13]
To feed my 3 Camp 9s I modified Springfield XD 9mm mags by cutting the mag release notch into the side of the mag.



Link Posted: 10/11/2014 1:23:42 PM EDT
[#14]
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Quoted:
To feed my 3 Camp 9s I modified Springfield XD 9mm mags by cutting the mag release notch into the side of the mag.

<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/mtpys/media/Mags.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/mtpys/Mags.jpg</a>

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FWIW: the XD9 / HS2000 mags during the 94-04 ban years. We used beretta 92 mags and cut notch to fit the HS2K, now called the XD9. The notch you did is similar to the beretta and S&W mags to retro fit my P99. Just tossing the info out there for folks who can no longer acquire greater than 10 rd mags.

ALSO, nice to see people think outside the box for a what fits what project.
Link Posted: 10/12/2014 10:54:29 AM EDT
[#15]
I have a camp 9. has a syn. folding stock, fiber optic sights, rail on top with a cheapo red dot. has the original mag and a 30rdr. Got this in trade over a year ago. It sits in the safe and I never use it. I actually never shot it. I have too many toys to play with and this just sits.

Was thinking of selling it. What is a fair price to ask?

ETA: this is the later version. with the button on the side of the mag well for the BHO
Link Posted: 10/12/2014 11:51:12 AM EDT
[#16]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I have a camp 9. has a syn. folding stock, fiber optic sights, rail on top with a cheapo red dot. has the original mag and a 30rdr. Got this in trade over a year ago. It sits in the safe and I never use it. I actually never shot it. I have too many toys to play with and this just sits.

Was thinking of selling it. What is a fair price to ask?

ETA: this is the later version. with the button on the side of the mag well for the BHO
View Quote


I have roughly the same rifle. Super clean, ooks very good, low use, Black Jack buffer and Wolff action spring. Has the latest Choate stock (like an M-1), lots of mags, flawless operation, BUT. With five other PCC's in the safe as well as seven AR's and a collection of .22's, shotguns, pistols, etc. the Camp doesn't get to see much time at the range. I debate selling it at times but have a hard time letting it go as its in such wonderful condition.

Hard decision to let go of any good firearm, especially one that is no longer made. The Camp is a fine rifle, but it has to be the right fit for what a shooter wants.
Link Posted: 10/13/2014 2:03:20 PM EDT
[#17]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


I have roughly the same rifle. Super clean, ooks very good, low use, Black Jack buffer and Wolff action spring. Has the latest Choate stock (like an M-1), lots of mags, flawless operation, BUT. With five other PCC's in the safe as well as seven AR's and a collection of .22's, shotguns, pistols, etc. the Camp doesn't get to see much time at the range. I debate selling it at times but have a hard time letting it go as its in such wonderful condition.

Hard decision to let go of any good firearm, especially one that is no longer made. The Camp is a fine rifle, but it has to be the right fit for what a shooter wants.
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I have a camp 9. has a syn. folding stock, fiber optic sights, rail on top with a cheapo red dot. has the original mag and a 30rdr. Got this in trade over a year ago. It sits in the safe and I never use it. I actually never shot it. I have too many toys to play with and this just sits.

Was thinking of selling it. What is a fair price to ask?

ETA: this is the later version. with the button on the side of the mag well for the BHO


I have roughly the same rifle. Super clean, ooks very good, low use, Black Jack buffer and Wolff action spring. Has the latest Choate stock (like an M-1), lots of mags, flawless operation, BUT. With five other PCC's in the safe as well as seven AR's and a collection of .22's, shotguns, pistols, etc. the Camp doesn't get to see much time at the range. I debate selling it at times but have a hard time letting it go as its in such wonderful condition.

Hard decision to let go of any good firearm, especially one that is no longer made. The Camp is a fine rifle, but it has to be the right fit for what a shooter wants.
Well if you ever do decide to get rid of it.......
Link Posted: 10/14/2014 11:19:56 AM EDT
[#18]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:Well if you ever do decide to get rid of it.......
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Boy, that's a fact. The owner of the LGS here is a friend of mine, and a few days ago I asked him in passing if he had any Camp-9's or Camp-45's in stock. He told me there's always a year or so waiting list of people waiting for those when one does come in.
Link Posted: 10/15/2014 1:40:18 AM EDT
[#19]
Oh...PM sent


Link Posted: 10/15/2014 9:47:09 PM EDT
[#20]
Can't...  stop...  self... must post porn...

My old camp-9, as ultimately set up. (Really wish they still made this gun.) Rear is a normal bushnell red dot in extra-high rings; front is a DBAL clone with visible laser, IR laser, and IR flood. This setup puts the red dot higher than ideal, but it's worth it for me personally to have the zero-fuss option of switching between regular optic or NV use. Sighted at 60 yards keeps it within 1.5" of POA from 5 to 75 yards; and the short ranges I use this at, the extra mounting height isn't as bad as it sometimes would be.

I had the 12" picatinny rail mounted when it was threaded:



I had the barrel threaded (and front sight cut back some ) back in 2003 or so, and use my Abraxas on it sometimes:



I use this same suppressor on lever & single-shot .357 carbines, and the Camp-9's not as quiet as a sealed-breech gun like those when using the same-power loads, that's the inevitable trade-off for the faster follow-up shots of the semiauto. The blowback action makes it about as loud as a suppressed 9mm pistol; still very quiet, but not not up there with the sealed-breech guns.  

But it does stunningly well on nuisance night-time critters like possums, raccoons & even coyotes.
Link Posted: 10/16/2014 12:53:38 AM EDT
[#21]
Face it, the Camp is a real, traditional firearm. It has nice smooth blued finish. Its barrel, receiver and bolt are machined from high quality steel as a gun should be. A real wood stock similar in size and fit to the classic M-1 Carbine of WW2, the "AR" of the 1960's-1980's.  Some have commented they should make them again. Well, it would just cost too much. When the AR took over the market the Camp 9, the Ruger PC9, etc. faded. They are a niche market and would be too pricy in today's manufacturing environment. Even the KelTec Sub9 was dropped due to its cost back in the late 90's. The "improved" Sub2000 came out at a much lower cost...and far cheaper build quality...due to price pressures.

Love the Camp and the Ruger PC9 for what they are, examples of traditional American steel and fine machining.
Link Posted: 10/16/2014 7:26:13 AM EDT
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Face it, the Camp is a real, traditional firearm. It has nice smooth blued finish. Its barrel, receiver and bolt are machined from high quality steel as a gun should be. A real wood stock similar in size and fit to the classic M-1 Carbine of WW2, the "AR" of the 1960's-1980's.  Some have commented they should make them again. Well, it would just cost too much. When the AR took over the market the Camp 9, the Ruger PC9, etc. faded. They are a niche market and would be too pricy in today's manufacturing environment. Even the KelTec Sub9 was dropped due to its cost back in the late 90's. The "improved" Sub2000 came out at a much lower cost...and far cheaper build quality...due to price pressures.

Love the Camp and the Ruger PC9 for what they are, examples of traditional American steel and fine machining.
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While I LOVE my Camp 9 (it was the first semi-auto I ever owned) I consider more of a progenitor of the modern pistol caliber carbine that had it's faults and is now obsolesced by better designs.

What is wrong with the Camp 9;

First and foremost, the bolt is WAAAAY to lightweight for the job. This combined with the original 11# recoil spring resulted in a lot of damaged stocks and internal parts. The poor choice of plastic material used for the original buffers was part of the problem as well. Yes, this can be mitigated by using a more potent spring (I prefer the Wolff 21#) and a buffer made from a more resilient material. However, this is simply an aftermarket fix for an inherent manufacturer's design flaw.

Simple Blowback actions run dirty and need more attention to cleaning. The Camp 9/45 requires too much disassembly for basic cleaning. Anytime you need a screwdriver and stock removal for basic cleaning, you have a problem with the design.

The plastic "Zytel" trigger and magwell housing is brittle and prone to breakage. I have seen many broken Camp9/45 that sell for cheap because of a broken "trigger guard" that is no longer available form Marlin. Again, poor materials selection and poor basic design.

The iron sight radius is too short and while you can mount a rail on top of the receiver, there is really no practical way to mount a light or BUIS to the factory original configuration. I consider both a MUST for any PCC intended for more than a range toy.

Again, I LOVE my Camp 9 (L-O-V-E it!) but guns like the Beretta CX4 Storm and others out there are MUCH better designed and manufactured.
Link Posted: 10/16/2014 11:59:40 AM EDT
[#23]
Well.....maybe, maybe not.  I own both a Storm and a Camp, as well as others. The Camp is not difficult to take care of. It is not so often that you need to pull the stock for cleaning. 99% of the cleaning it requires only needs the bolt locked back. With a Hi-Point 995, a low cost and really complex rifle to take apart, the manufacturer tells you a "complete" cleaning, that is breaking it down, is only require after 1,000 rounds or so.

To remove the action on the Camp you do remove two screws. Two...not many and not tricky by any means. Look at a Ruger 10/22 or a Marlin 60. Remove a screw or two to break down. 12 millions of those two sold with few complaints about them being "difficult" to clean.

As for the "plastic" trigger housing, again, not a big issue. It was a design decision based on cost to build and after years of use they are still running. Look at the Ruger 10/22. How many millions of those or the Marlin 60 have been built with a plastic housing and they also have survived. BTW, a new spare trigger housing for the Camp is less than $20 if you want one for security or peace of mind. I can't recall of hearing a Camp ever being rendered unworkable by that part. (Not saying its impossible but no one has reported it as far as I know).

"Modern designs" making it obsolete? That was Kel-Tec's song when they replaced the original Sub9 with the Sub2000.  Of course I recall at the time that the Sub9 was much too expensive to make and they brought out the "improved" version to be competitive. It was "improved" only in being made cheaper to produce there bye improving its price, not its function and durability.

The Camp was and is a fine little carbine that is well built. It was expensive to produce and cost and changes in tastes forced Marlin to discontinue it, just as Ruger did with their PC9 and PC40. The M-1 carbine look faded and the AR black rifle look became popular. Style and tastes change....just like they do in clothes, motorcycles, cars, and so on.

As for the "weak spring" and the buffer, those things happen on so many firearms. Look at the aftermarket for "improved" parts for AR's. Piston kits, buffers, enhanced bolts, the list goes on and on. A new buffer and recoil spring for a Camp is a very small expenditure costing less than a hand guard for an AR.

The Camp, fitted with the proper recoil spring and buffer will last for many, many years.  

Link Posted: 10/16/2014 2:18:07 PM EDT
[#24]
"The Camp, fitted with the proper recoil spring and buffer will last for many, many years."

I agree. However, the design was not the peak of PCC development. It was part of the PCC evolution. The Beretta CX4 Storm is a far superior design and better built.

Link Posted: 10/16/2014 8:28:09 PM EDT
[#25]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
"The Camp, fitted with the proper recoil spring and buffer will last for many, many years."

I agree. However, the design was not the peak of PCC development. It was part of the PCC evolution. The Beretta CX4 Storm is a far superior design and better built.

View Quote


Owning both a Camp 9 and the Beretta CX-4 its pretty easy for me to compare them. Often I will be firing (and cleaning) both on the same range trip. The Beretta is made with "modern materials", that is...more plastic and no wood. The Beretta is nice in that the magazine goes up through the grip making the rifle a bit shorter.  

Now, the other side: The Beretta uses a plastic FCG and some hate it. The pull varies some from one example to another but there is a DIY mod you can do to improve it. Some don't like the feel of the plastic hammer and trigger so there is a $180 after market hammer and trigger made to replace those. (Sierra Pappa..aka SP).  Some break the stock plastic guide rod and are not satisfied with the factory stiff plastic buffer. SP makes metal replacement for the rod and an "improved" buffer....another $87 upgrade. And then for those who don't like the factory stock and want the M-4 style stock: Collapsible Buttstock Conversion: $195. Oh, and let's not forget the factory sights some hate. They want a "flat top" like an AR: Flat Top Modification and 14" Top Rail: $390

So some go with the "improved and modern" CX-4 only to drop another $852 into it making it "right". So, considering the price of a new CX-4 now is about $750 it can soon become a $1,600 (plus tax) rifle.  Figure for about one-third of that you can buy a Camp 9. $20 worth of recoil spring and improved buffer, maybe a "rail" for a red dot for another $9 or so and yo have a nice carbine.  Yes, the CX-4 is a "more modern design" in some regards, but mostly materials and that part is debatable to some. Both firearms will go "bang" when you pull the trigger and both will hit the target and last a long time.

Its all in what you want.
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