Buck Mark Questions...

[Stringfellow]

I've settled on getting a Browning Buck Mark for a target plinker. But now the question is which one...

I like the looks of the Camper (and price!), but want fiber optic sights, which brings me to the Practical. For the ~$30 difference on Buds, is it worth just getting the Practical?

1. I am not into finger groove grips, but should I just roll with the URX grips of the Practical and not worry about it? I would love to hear any experiences with the grips, or in changing the grips.

2. The Camper has that cheap plastic rear sight base, which supposedly can be replaced for ~$30. Does the Practical have a metal base, or is it still plastic?

3. Are the Camper's front sights otherwise easy to replace with some FO sights?

4. Are there any other differences I should know about? Performance?

5. Budget is a concern, but are there other models I should consider?

6. Anyone have any experience sanding the gold off of the trigger? (I HATE gold)

7. Who else should I look to for a good price, in addition to Buds?

This is my big Four-O birthday present , so I hope to make the right choice and keep the pistol for the duration. Any other thoughts, insight, or suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks for the help!

 

[c919]

The Camper is all around awesome. I'd just go with that and save some $ for ammo. I have a Camper that is 100% stock and it's one of my favorite shooters.

1. I'm with you, those grooves are UHHHHH-GLEE! I don't know about aftermarket grips, but I can tell you this: If you get a BM, don't take the grips off unless you know what you are doing. I took the grips off of mine and promptly lost springs, doo-dads- and few thingeemajiggers.

2. Not sure if the other models are plastic free, but I really don't think it's a big deal. I understand your urge to avoid plastic anything. However, once you get one and take it apart, you probably won't really care. That little plastic chunk is pretty well suited for it's purpose. I think it's pretty unlikely that you'd have problems due to that.

3. Very easy swap.

4. I've shot the Contour model a few times, and I didn't see any reason why it was any better than my Camper. I can't speak for any other models.

5. I'm going to have to keep plugging the Camper here. It's about the best value you're going to find on a good .22 IMO.

6. Nope. Doesn't really bother me (which is strange because I hate gold too).

7. I'd probably stick w/ Bud's. They are great. Free, prompt shipping really goes a long way.

Hope this helps. Happy B-Day, and enjoy the Buckmark.

 

[oldfool]

there are no bad choices in Browning Buckmarks
5" models mighty easy to carry
longer barrels for longer sight radius, what's not to love shooting targets ?

short of an extra grand to spend (and not guaranteed even then), some choices are worth more envy than others !

me, I would not bet against Bud's for NIB

 

[wally]

Fiber optic front sights generally run~$35 so $30 extra for the gun with them would be the way I'd go.

--wally.

 

[Stringfellow]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I think I am going to snag the Practical. I want the fiber optic sights, so the rest of the stuff becomes kind of free upgrades.

 

[Racinbob]

If you get a good deal on one without the fiber sight go for it. Williams makes a great set of fiber front and rear sights. They're great.

 

[cmfireman]

I have a Buckmark Practical with fiber optic front sight and URX grips.

I LOVE the grips, but it seems as if I'm less accurate with the big green dot than with standard sights because it covers so much of the target at a distance. I actually prefer the old style G.I. sights on my 1903 pocket hammerless to modern "combat accurate" sights (Glock) for plinking.

 

[6x6pinz]

I have the Hunter model with 7.25 barrel and fiber sights. Very accurate and makes one heck of a squirrel/rabbit pistol.

 

[KodiakBeer]

The Bull Barrel Micro is actually less money than the Camper:

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=006B&cat_id=051&type_id=431&content=buck-mark-micro-bull-firearms

 

[LeontheProfessional]

I hear you about the gold trigger but once you shoot it you will realize why it is gold. Because there is nothing better. I have the basic camper model and it is my favorite gun to shoot.

 

[Magoo]

to questin #6:
Yes, you can sand the gold off of the trigger. It is a bit of a PITA to get ALL the gold out of all the little places. I used BC Aluminum Black on mine to satisfactory results. You have to get ALL of the gold off or it won't come out well. (I went back and forth bluing and sanding on mine for quite a little while :banghead
While you're at it, an adjustable overtravel screw trigger is available for less than $10.

Also, check out the "Heggis flip" over on Rimfirecentral. Buckmarks are fun.