Browning Buck Mark 5.5 or 7.25 barrel?

[jomax77]

I've held both of the pistols below but have never shot them. I am ready to buy but cannot make up my mind between these two pistols. Any recommendations. My handgun and rifle plinking ranges from 25 yards to 100 yards. My favorite is the 70 yard 3X3 fall down target done with my S&W 627 VComp with open sights. I also like to practice accurate rapid firing at paper targets too. I would like to do the occasional small game hunting as well. That is my primary shooting style.

7.5 barrel:

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=006B&cat_id=051&type_id=426


I like the longer distance between front and rear sights, and I guess improved accuracy. It’s more expensive though, and seems like it would be a bit annoying carrying it in a holster on your hip while walking and plinking.


5.5 barrel:

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=006B&cat_id=051&type_id=427

I like the standard size of the 5.5, and the easy holster carry for plinking-walks. The price is nice too. But is it noticably less accurate then the model above?


Thanks everyone

 

[snorko]

I have both and greatly enjoy shooting each of them. If this is your first buckmark go for the cheaper of the two - the 5.5. I have an older 5.5 and bullseye, pre finger groove and mag disconnect, and both are great shooters. No problem hitting 18" plates at 100 yds. the bullseye is pretty costly for a little extra accuracy.

Of course, next you will need the Silhouette model and a buckmark rifle

 

[2nd 41]

I have the 5.5 barrel. It's as good as the shooter.
BUT...that Target model is worth buying simply for the appearance.

 

[Ala Dan]

I say the 5.5" bull barrel gun would be the best option; based on the
fact I own one myself. Mine is a blued version* [051361490], just like
the one you pictuered; except it is a pre-finger grooved model, and
has laminate Rosewood grips. Made in limited quanities, and available
through Browning's Medallion Dealers only program.

*FootNote- its actually called the Browning Buckmark Classic Plus SE.

 

[jakeswensonmt]

You could get the 5.5, and later add a Tactical Solutions Trail Lite barrel in either 7.25" or 10".

 

[22LongRifle]

I'll go against everyone else and say get the 7.5" Hunter.

The extra 2" does make a diff in groups. And it does take much to pack it.

22lr

 

[hnk45acp]

I just bought the 7.25 model and love it! I shot it against my friends 5.5 inch model and it just felt sooo much better

 

[ocharry]

i have the older 5.5 version,,,and i used it for bullseye matches..

i have a red dot on it and it will make a ragged hole at the 50' line if i do my part,,,well it would when i was shooting it all the time,,,

when i was shooting bullseye,,,this has been a few years ago,,,i did a trigger job on the gun,, put in a trigger stop..nice crisp trigger,,,anyway you could buy any barrel you wanted from browning for around $30-35 bucks,,,i have the 7.5 fluted barrel that i got for it,,thought i would like the longer barrel,,,,a friend got one too,,he put his on,, i tried it,, but for bullseye it was to nose heavy,, now for hunting it may be a different story,, anyway i never put mine on the frame,,still in the original wrapper,,,,the 5.5 did everything i was capable of doing

my .02

ocharry

 

[Spyvie]

You could get the 5.5, and later add a Tactical Solutions Trail Lite barrel in either 7.25" or 10".

That's exactly what I did, then I took a blurry pic.