Browning Buck Mark Review: A Rimfire Classic

The Browning Buck Mark pistol is an iconic firearm that continues to impress. This pistol is popular among gun enthusiasts and collectors for its reliability, accuracy, and quality design. 

Today we are going to delve into the history of the Browning Buck Mark, explore its key features, and discuss its overall performance. So let’s get right into the Browning Buck Mark review, starting with its background. 

Browning Buck Mark Background 

The Browning Buck Mark pistol is a product of the Browning Arms Company. Legendary firearms designer John Moses Browning and his brother founded the company in 1878. Introduced in 1985, the Buck Mark quickly gained popularity for its unique design and reliable performance. Preceding the Buck Mark were the Challenger and International pistol models. The Challenger looked somewhat similar to a broom handle Mauser in my opinion, but with a more traditional “1911 style” grip. The Buck Mark is a more modern looking Challenger with a similar grip. An addition of the bull barrel further enhances the sporty look of the pistol. 

Browning Buck Mark Features

1 Threaded Barrel

The heavy threaded barrel, 1/2-28 threads, is begging for a suppressor, why not add one!

2 Barrel

The 4.4 in heavy bull barrel is accurate, adds weight and stability to the handgun, and looks great.

3 Optics Mounting

Easy to get a Buck Mark with a picatinny rail or add one to one that did not come with one so you can mount a red dot.

4 Grip

The 1911 style grip angle points naturally and the finger grooves fit my hand well.

Models and Variations of the Browning Buck Mark

A quick preface is needed here because there are forty-one different variations of the Buck Mark pistol! Here are just a few on both ends of the Buck Mark spectrum.

Browning Buck Mark – Review

Reliability

It’s a rimfire. I could probably stop writing right here and you would know exactly what I mean. Rimfire firearms get dirty quickly, and due to this fact, along with cheaply made ammo, they tend to malfunction more often than centerfire pistols. That being said, the Buck Mark is fairly reliable. To date, I have fired approximately 500 rounds through mine and can probably count on two hands the number of actual malfunctions. (Mostly failure to eject once it gets dirty)  

Honestly, I’m not certain that the malfunctions were due to anything related to the pistol itself. I had one magazine that didn’t want to work properly and another magazine that performed perfectly every time. Rimfire reliability comes down to expectations. Mine are not extremely high with respect to any rimfire firearm. Therefore, I’m rarely disappointed in this category.

Ergonomics

Simply put, if a firearm doesn’t fit your hand correctly and comfortably, you’re not going to shoot it as well as you could have. I would say I have an average sized hand for an adult male human. It just feels natural, like an extension of my hand. It also has finger grooves and a grip size that fits me just about right. My Buck Mark pistol has a rubberized grip with a “1911 style” grip angle, which means it points really well.  

The trigger is located at a good distance and angle, so I don’t feel like I’m reaching and sacrificing good fundamentals to run the pistol correctly. 

The grip is a bit too long in my opinion, but it needs to be that long to accept the single stack 10 round magazine without the mag sticking out of the bottom of the grip. 

Accuracy 

I’m going to tell you right out of the gate that the Buck Mark earned high marks in the accuracy category. Honestly, how could it not? It’s a heavy, low recoiling 22 rimfire. It’s incredibly easy to shoot this pistol accurately. One of the standout features of the Browning Buck Mark is its bull barrel, which enhances accuracy and reduces recoil due to the increased overall weight of the pistol. With the addition of a red dot, I was having no trouble hitting a 5 inch steel plate at 50 yards repeatedly. 

Shootability

This time around I’m going to define shootability in terms of fun. The 22LR cartridge is inexpensive, low recoiling, and easy to find. Marry these things up with a heavy, accurate, bull-barrel. Now add in subsonic ammunition and a silencer and this Buck Mark will have you grinning ear to ear with happiness.  

I added a vortex red dot to the top rail of my Buck Mark and with that I’m able to place shots close to where I want them at any reasonable distance. I find this pistol easy to get on target all the way out to 100 yards. The system just works well, and is extremely shootable. 

Value

The average cost of this pistol, depending on configuration, is somewhere between $500-$700 dollars. You’re buying a quality piece that will last you a lifetime if you maintain it well. With rimfire ammunition availability and price, you’ll never have trouble finding ammo for your Buck Mark. Add in the ability to mount a red dot and a silencer and I think you’ve got a lot of value for not that much money when compared to similarly equipped quality centerfire pistols. 

Browning Buck Mark Pros and Cons 

Browning Buck Mark Starter Pack

These items are must haves for all firearms owners and range trips:

• Eye Protection: Upgrade your eye protection with one of our picks for the best shooting glasses!
• Hearing Protection: Don’t head off to the range without some good hearing protection.
• Gun Cleaning Kit: A 22LR is going to get dirty fast! A good gun cleaning kit will make a big difference.
• First Aid Kit – Keep a good first aid kit on hand for your range trips.

Upgrades and Accessories for the Browning Buck Mark

You will probably want to pick up a couple of extra magazines just in case you have issues with the included one.

Many of the Buck Mark models are optics ready, so you might start looking at micro red dot optics to mount on top. Check out our best red dot sights.

Silencer.  Trust me, it’s worth the hassle and wait.   

Upgrades and Accessories for the Browning Buck Mark

Magazines Browning Buck Mark Magazine		10 round capacity Easy to load Works with red dot and a weapon light	Check Price
Holster Browning Buck Mark Holster		Magazine pouch Ballistic nylon construction	Buy on Amazon
Budget Red Dot Holosun 407C		2 MOA dot Built in solar panel back up RMR footprint	Buy on Amazon

Best Ammo for the Browning Buck Mark

CCI standard and SK Match worked very well through my Buck Mark.

Other 22LR Handguns to Check Out

If you are looking for handguns for self defense, we have a complete article breaking down our best 22LR handguns for self defense. Another great option for 22LR handguns is a 22LR revolver! They are both fun and practical.

How to Care for Your Browning Buck Mark

The video below shows you how to disassemble and reassemble your Browning Buck Mark for maintenance.

Important Links and Manuals for the S&W M&P 10mm M2.0

Here are some links to the manufacturers website and user manual.

• Buck Mark by Browning
• Browning Buck Mark User Manual