sight adjustments on an older Browning Buckmark pistol

[bukMarkster]

Though there is a thread on this topic already it seemed so old I feared posting a response/query there might get lost so I'm hoping it's kosher to start a new thread.

First, there are about a meg of gun forums out there but it was not difficult to choose this one to join as politics and the like seem subordinate here to the simple enjoyment of firearms.

OK enough newbie babble. Mine's a 25-year-old Buckmark and the sights are not as illustrated in the new .pdf manual at Browning's site so I'm hoping y'all can clue me in as to what the elevation/windage screws are on the rear sight.

Notice from responses on that other Buckmark sighting thread that improvements to the rear sight screw have not solved the loosening problem. Mine's a flathead screw (newer models seem to have an allen type screw) but mine works itself loose almost with every magazine load through the gun.

Not a biggy once I knew to watch for it and the screw's easily battened down with my gnarly thumbnail. Am reticent to locktight anything on my gun and am about to see if I can find a star washer that might do the trick.

Meantime, thanx y'all for a great forum and I look forward to picking everyone's brain.

Best,
m

 

[rondog]

Welcome! I'm a greenhorn Buck Mark owner, but I know that Midway has a ton of stuff for them. I just bought a new rear sight assembly that has adjustable rear sights and a rail for scope or optics. It was well worth it, IMO.

And I DO know that the two screws that hold the rear sight assembly to the frame REQUIRE the proper star lock washers, and they're not flat ones, they're cone-shaped. Midway's got 'em. At least get a set of new screws and washers. The fiber optic front sight is a nice little goodie too.

The thing is with Midway, you'll buy a couple things, then want a couple more, then a couple more, and you end up paying a fortune in shipping. Order several things at once and save, might as well replace the springs too if it's an old gun. My BM was used and filthy, but after a good cleaning and some tune-up parts it's like a new gun.

Aw hell, get some extra magazines and a mag loader too!

 

[gb6491]

I'm hoping y'all can clue me in as to what the elevation/windage screws are on the rear sight.

Welcome to the forums bukMarkster

There were two different style rear sights used on early Buckmarks.
One was a an "L" shaped piece of sheet metal. I've only seen one BM with it and didn't look closely enough to see how adjustments were made. It reminded me of the sights you find on old single shot, bolt action, .22 rifles.

The other sight is a Browning Type B. It's fully adjustable; with an elevation screw on top and two windage screws. Windage is adjusted by loosening one windage screw, then tightening the screw on the opposite side.to move the sight towards the loosened screw.

if you are looking for parts for a "Type B" sight, try MGW (the same sight was used on Challenger IIIs).

Regards,
Greg

 

[bukMarkster]

Hey Thanx Greg and Rondog for your prompt and thoughtful responses. Yes I've wandered 'round Midway with my tongue hanging out--but then pretty much gagged on their "special handling fees" when it's time to order. (Key as you say Ron is to stuff the bag with more goodies).

And Thanx for the illustration on that Type B sight Greg. Mine's the oldest of the old--just as you described it. Here are some quick'n dirty snaps:

 

[gb6491]

bukMarkster,
Thanks for the photos of your sight
So, windage adjustments are made by loosening those two screws on the rear and moving the sight blade. Is it adjustable for elevation as well (I guess that if the slots in the sight blade are wide enough you could get some elevation change as well as windage)? Could you possibly post a photo of the front of the sight? Thanks!
Regards,
Greg

 

[bukMarkster]

Thanx for the windage clues, Greg.

Here's a snap of what I believe is the elevation adjustment screw for this site:

 

[gb6491]

Thanks for the additional photo! I agree, that's probably the elevation adjustment.
Regards,
Greg