Browning Buckmark trigger job

[MNgoldenbear]

Okay, so it's not a Hammerli. At any rate, I've been shooting a Browning Buckmark in a winter league out here the past couple of years. I shoot it reasonably well (high 80s to mid 90s, stock sights, positions), but would like to improve the trigger -- somewhat lighter, perhaps less travel/overtravel, smoother. I know that trigger jobs are best left to those who know what they're doing. Anyone out there with experience figure this would be a simple deal for an amateur (little buffing, etc.) or is it best to find a good 'smith? (Kind of guessing the second option myself, but figured since I found this board, why not ask?) Thanks.

While I'm at it, any recommendations for the job in central western MN?

 

[P-32]

I've got a Buckmark 5.5 Target which I used for the indoor 22 at 50 feet stuff until I got the 41.

I had a friend of mine do the trigger job on the Buckmark and it worked until it flat stopped shooting one day. I sent to Browning expecting to pay full price for repairs. I also included a note stating what the pistol is used for admitting what had been done. (no 41 yet) Browning sent the pistol back with a great trigger and no charge.

I would recommend finding a smith would would take on the trigger job or do as I did. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Sunray]

"...so it's not a Hammerli..." You're right. It's not a Smith 41 either, but it's what you have. Upgrading your pistol is the best idea, but that depends on your budget and how important your league shooting is to you. I always found that winning a turkey at the annual 'no skill required' club turkey shoot meant more to me than the plaques and trophys for shooting well in competition. My da, before he died, always came home from his bowling league with a turkey. Haven't a clue what he had to do for it, but the first time I rolled home with one and handed it to my ma, felt way better than the 'Most Improved' trophy did.
"...high 80s to mid 90s..." Out of what?
What ammo are you using? Using better or different ammo can increase your scores. You might find that a change of grips can help too. A slightly better fit to your hand helps.
Mind you, .22's are daft. Like any factory ammo, one pistol will shoot one brand well and reliably cycle, but another will not. Even two pistols of exactly the same make will shoot the same ammo differently. You have to try a box of as many brands as you can to find the one or two brands that shoot well and will cycle the pistol reliably. Shoot for group only with each brand and change targets for each brand. The price of a box of ammo is no indication that it will shoot well and cycle reliably in your pistol.

 

[MNgoldenbear]

Thanks for the replies so far. I probably will try a local guy I've heard of who's supposed to do a decent job on them.

I've shot a 41 a couple of times and liked it. Lucky to get enough ammo to shoot on the current budget, but that may change soon, hopefully.

They shoot slow fire at 50 feet at appropriate NRA bullseye targets. 10 rounds each: Standing/one hand, Standing/two hands, Kneeling, Prone. 100 points per string. I usually shoot 95-99 prone & two hands, 90-95 one hand, 88-92 kneeling -- average around 375/400. Best was about 385. Shot several 99s, but never clean. I'd like to keep up with the scoped guys, but I think I have to drop about 30 pounds and get in shape -- part of what makes my kneeling scores so bad.

I've tried several brands of ammo, and am going to test more if I get the chance. Not unlike my 10/22, it seems to like CCI Mini Mags, which is good since they're pretty inexpensive. If I'm not shaking all over, they'll easily hold black, generally hold the 9, and may be able to hold the 10. (Probably can scoped, but I have my vanity. )

 

[mete]

I used to work on guns and have done so for the earlier Browning Challenger and Medalist etc. Trigger jobs are not for the amateur.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Mind you, .22's are daft.

To say the least! The more closely one approximately a true match pistol, the more finicky the gun becomes, it seems. Variables that make no difference in a Ruger make all the difference in the world in a High Standard or Smith & Wesson model 41.

 

[MNgoldenbear]

Again, thanks for the replies. Yeah, I'd kind of figured that it would be more of a gunsmith thing. I've swapped out Glock modules, but I figured that if it was any more involved than buffing a couple of parts, this would not be something I'd be doing myself. I'm aware of many of the pitfalls of working on one's equipment without appropriate knowledge and tooling (and seen and heard the results of others' work on the range -- doubling, slamfires, etc.).

As to the ammunition sensitivity, I've tested various ammo, but it never occurred to me that match guns would be more particular. Not sure why it didn't occur to me, since I've seen that with centerfire pistols and rifles. Just a basic brain disconnect, I guess.