[stinky]

I posted in a dif spot, on the forum about Kel=Tec Carbines. Well, I go into my dealer and he has a used Marlin Camp Carbine, in 9mm, that takes S&W mags (of which I happen to have a ton of) for $350. Well, my friend says that he's heard bad stuff about em.

Anybody got any personally experience w/em? How do they compare w/the Kel=Tec? I do remember that I didn't like the way that the KT fit my face (the steel was cold).

 

[tacklebury]

I never really heard of any issue to speak of. I always wanted one of the .45 acp, but the prices are through the roof since they quit making them. I have recently been looking at the Hi-Point carbines, but have yet to get my hands on one of the .45 auto versions. They are quite reasonable and have a lifetime warranty. I've heard about 90% good right out of the box and 10% bad, most of which was corrected promptly by the manufacturer. Might want to review them also. They are also 100% american made and have very reasonably price options and magazines.

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=995TS&mfg=Hi-Point+Firearms&mdlno=Carbine+TS+(Target+Stock)

 

[TMan]

I have one, and I've owned it for several years.

It's been extremely reliable for a broad range of ammo, handloads and factory loads. I never try for max 9mm for many reasons.

I had a scope on it to evaluate accuracy, and it will do 4" at 100M with most ammo, some even better. Hornady 115gr XP/HP's over a snappy dose of Blue Dot will shoot into 2" for 5 shots pretty consistantly. Now I have the open sights with a fiber optic front, as it's not a counter sniping tool, it's a low recoil, medium volume fire power rifle for recoil sensative daughters. It's easy to shoot well, with way more authority than a .22, should bad people come to the door.

Maintenance is a bit of a pain, but not particularly difficult. I pull mine down every couple hundred shots to prevent carbon buildup, and I clean thouroughly after cast sessions as it leads quickly.

It's a shame Marlin discontinued it as it's a very practical home defense and plinking rifle, and at 50yds is definately beer can accurate even with the irons. Actually, it's better than most Mini-14's.