Browning Buckmark Question

[aps88]

Hi,

I'm probably buying my first gun soon, and I've pretty much narrowed it down to a Ruger or Browning .22 autoloader. I've been shopping around, and my question concerns the Browning Buckmarks. What is the difference between the Buckmark Standard and Buckmark Camper. The only thing I can tell is the barrel, the Camper having a bull barrel and the standard is a slabside. The camper is cheaper. Is there any noticeable difference between these two types of barrels ? Accuracy? Reliability? Longevity? I'm just wondering why the slabside is more expensive and if it is worth the extra money. Thanks in advance for any help and advice.

Here are the two:
Standard: http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=006B&cat_id=051&type_id=409


Camper: http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=006B&cat_id=051&type_id=442

 

[ambidextrous1]

I own a number of .22 autos, and prefer the Buckmark slabside to my Ruger, Smith 41 and Colt Match Target Woodsman.

I also have the Buckmark Silhouette - a 'crew-served .22' - and an awesome tack driver!

 

[Headless]

I don't have both to compare, but I believe I remember several posts here saying the Camper's rear sight is plastic whereas the Standard is metal.

 

[cmidkiff]

Personal preference more than anything else. I have a slabside, and absolutely love it. If, as mentioned above, some have a plastic rear sight rather than metal, that might make a little difference. Brownells has Browning rear sights for around $80...

I can't believe you would be unhappy with either model (or the Ruger, for that matter!) All are high quality 22's, and any would be an excellent choice as a first handgun.

 

[Trope]

I have a camper (non-stainless), and it shoots very well.
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=006B&cat_id=051&type_id=379

I'm not in love with the grips, but they're ok. The rear sight is plastic, as us the top piece that it attaches to, but seems durable enough for what I'd use it for. However, the black sights are hard to see with a black target. I started to get a fiber optic front sight to remedy that, but "settled" for a red-dot (with a Tactical Solutions rail) instead . It is definitely accurate enough to justify the sight.

 

[Moonclip]

A magnet does not stick to my circa 1996 standard buckmark rear sight I recently purchased. I have heard horror stories about the plastic sights but so far, so good. I have yet to disassemble it though. I almost bought a new camper at $251 but I got a used standard at $180.