Extra Mags for a Nice Old Browning Nomad

[mainmech48]

I recently swapped for a very nice old 6 3/4" Browning Nomad. Serial suffix is "P2" which I gather puts its manufacturing date circa 1968.

From what I can gather, the magazines for Challenger II/ Buckmarks will not fit or function in these older models. Originals seem to be quite hard to come by and very pricey in any kind of decent shape.

The only alternative I've found so far is from Triple K, an outfit about which I know very little. Could someone with experience using their products enlighten me? Don't really want to shell-out $40 a pop for junk if I can avoid it.

Many thanks for your advice.

 

[1KPerDay]

The Triple K mags are generally not well regarded but the one I has works in my Challenger (not a Challenger II or III or Buckmark, which as you correctly noted, will not interchange). I've only run a few dozen rounds through it so far but have had no problems.

You have a tough row to hoe trying to find reasonably priced mags for your Nomad. Nearly all of them were cut/welded/converted to the Challenger II type and unmolested ones are exceedingly rare. Used they generally go for $100+ and the only remaining source for NOS ones, well, you'd laugh if I told you how much he wants for one.

IMO your money would be better spent buying a Buckmark or a Ruger MKII/III and a bunch of $18/ea magazines, rather than try to build up a stock of $100 mags for a $200 pistol.

Maybe get a couple Triple K's so you can enjoy your Nomad, but consider it a "fun" pistol rather than a hard use pistol or one that requires a big stack of mags. That's what I've been forced to conclude in my case. I enjoy shooting my Challenger; it's by far my most accurate .22 and has a stellar trigger, but I don't enjoy loading mags at the range so I generally just put 20 or maybe 30 rounds through it and put it away.

My MKIII, with 6 mags and an Ultimate Cliploader (look it up; they RULE) can easily go through a brick of ammo in a very short time.

 

[mainmech48]

Thanks 1K. Pretty much the sort of use I had in mind.

FWIW, the Nomad I have is in 97-98% condition and was acquired in an even trade for a Wally World stainless, laminated "International" 10/22 I seldom used. Its svelte lines, beautiful finish and craftsmanship and truly lovely balance are what appealed to me most. Reminded me of an old Colt Huntsman I had as a boy.

Just looking for some way to limit the wear on my single original mag while still being able to spend the occasional afternoon plinking with it.

 

[Miterek]

Serial number ending in P2 should make it a 1962 production. the first year the nomad came out. Great pistol.

 

[mainmech48]

Did some more digging and found that the concensus of opinion seemed to indicate that the Triple K mags are well-made and should fit and function quite satisfactorily. Also was able to find a much better price for a pair of them from CTD ($21.95/ea. + shipping) than the $40/ea. quoted directly from Triple K.

Only had the chance to run about 50 rds through it so far, just enough to zero the sights for my eyes and hold at 25 yds and verify that all three mags feed perfectly. Sure hope that I don't have too long to wait before weather allows another range trip!

Now in the process of trying to get a "new, old stock" walnut grip for a Challenger I found on Gunbroker to fit correctly. Was under the impression that the process should be a direct "drop-on" replacement, but have run into some minor snags, likely due to some tolerance stacking issues. I have largish hands and long fingers so the very slightly thicker wooden grip should be just about perfect for me when I finally get it seated.

 

[solvability]

The 3k work in my Medallist as well.