Browning Buckmark for a first gun?

[newguy123]

I have another thread in the revolver forum as I'm trying to find the best first gun. If I get a semi-auto it will be either a glock 17 or possibly a browning buckmark. I haven't found too much information about the buckmark. If anyone here has one could you please tell me about how it shoots, the recoil(if any), how reliable it is, and how fast it takes to get it dirty and any general problems with it. Or if anyone know an sites I can get more info on. I want a cheap to buy and shoot first gun but I also want something reliable if I ever really need it and I want it to be of some quality. Also if I get a .22 it will probably see over a 1000 rounds a month so I want it too be able to last a long time. Thanks for any help.

newguy

 

[drf]

I just bought one of these last month and so far my boy has put 300 rounds through it......No recoil at all.
So far not one jam up and it has been shot almost non stop with about 150 of those rounds.......
Sorry that all I got but like I said its new.......
But I did post asking about this gun last month and recieved good information on it and most seemed please with the gun.
If you go back some pages through this forum you should be able to find it......drf

 

[sm]

newguy123 Welcome to THR!

IIRC your in Canada, so I'm not all that familar with what all is available or any restrictions. That said:

First Gun: I highly recommend new shooters learn with a 22 lr. In teaching new students I started with a revolver in 22lr then went to a 22 in a semi...not that big of deal, its just I wanted students to learn safety and the manual of arms first. I f a range rents, or friends have, try before you buy...regardless if this purchase or future purchases, try before you buy.

Yes the Browning Buckmarks are very nice guns . They have better triggers out the box that the Rugers MKII or Ruger 22/45, usually. I never had a problem with taking a Ruger apart and getting back together --some do and therefore prefer the Buckmark. BAsically it boils down to what fits shooter and what they want. Also many shooters whom do shoot 1911 style and BHP prefer the Buckmark as its ergonomics closley resemble the 1911 style. Same for 22/45, it was designed with similar controls placement as the 1911.

I always always recommend for a first gun to learn on getting a 22 lr, A Buckmark will serve you well. One can afford the ammo to practice,learn trigger control, using sights...all the stuff without recoil or expense of ammo.

I'm one of the few whom does not like 22 conversions for various guns. One can buy a semi 22 lr for the same or less money as a conversion, the mags are cheaper...and one has two guns not the 2 gun monies tied up into one gun.

I also wish , unless a dire need for SD or CCW, more people would buy a 22 semi. Too many folks buy a tricked out Iwannacoolgunvirusin in a caliber that is too expensive to learn on, the recoil hurts so they never learn to shoot because the flinch is gonna happen...but they got a cool gun as a paperweight to talk about though.

 

[DMK]

The Browning Buckmark is a nice shooter, but take a look at the Rugers.
IMO, the Ruger 22/45s and MarkIIs are much better made.

 

[hksw]

IMO, an excellent choice. Just keep an eye on the top strap/sight rib. It'll occassionally come loose, particularly the ones that extend over the receiver only.

 

[KarlG]

I have a Buckmark Camper (their cheapest model). I like it a lot. It has a nice trigger and it is more accurate than I am. I bought it because I liked the way it felt in my hand and the way it pointed.

I have had experience with the allen-head screw on the back of the top strap loosening up and causing the gun to misfeed. Now I put locktite on the screws and do not have the problem. If you get a Buckmark, be sure to keep an eye on this. I have also read, but not personally experienced that the magazine feed lips are weak on the Buckmark and the magazines wear out quickly.

I highly recommend the gun. It is a very nice, and nicely priced .22.

 

[Nick1911]

Ah, yes - the Buckmark...

I have had a Buckmark about a year now, it was my first handgun. I really like the solid feel and my model (classic plus w/ rosewood grips) has the tru-glow sights on it, which i thought were just the neatest things in the world . As far as reliability, providing you keep the action at least kinda clean it should run fine. The first indication that mine gave me that it needed cleaned was when loading it, it wouldn't have enough force to completly chamber a round. (easly fixed w/ a tear down & clean).
I'd say to definitly stick with a .22lr for a first pistol, because of basically no recoil, cheap ammo, and not quite as loud as a centerfire (but, to my surprise, it's alot louder then a .22 rifle!) These factors make it fun to shoot, and let you focus on technique.
The only problem i've experienced is that if you don't tighten the top 2 screws down enough, after shooting a while they get loose.
I have shot my fathers Ruger MkII, and i have to say that i like it too. The angle between the barrel and grip is such that it points very naturally. I chose the buckmark though becasue i liked the very solid, quality feeling it had, and only after i got it i discovered how much i liked the way the triger felt, it is very smooth and has a light pull. Either way you decide to go, i'm sure you'll be pretty satisified.
- Nick

 

[Croyance]

The Glock 17 and Buckmark hardly fill the same niche. If you are planning to use a gun for defensive purposes, I'd recommend the G17.
The Browning is a reliable gun. Mine has an excellent trigger. I've never had the topstrap issue, or loose screw problems. The grip angle is similar to most guns. If you are planning to get a Glock in the future, you should look at the Ruger .22 LR's, as they have similar grip angles.
As for how fast it gets dirty, .22 LR is noted for being dirty. The Buckmark is no more so than others, and field strips easily.

 

[10-Ring]

A buddy & I shoot our 22's every weekend. Have been for years now. I shoot my Ruger & he shoots his Buckmark. We'll both go through 500-550 round per session. The Buckmark is a nice 22 & would make a fine 1st gun. It will come down to what you plan to use your first gun for. If you're planning on it being a range/target gun, you'll be fine w/ the 22. If you're looking for a self defense gun you can take to the range, get that Glock & a 22lr conversion kit