Browning Buck Mark Review
Having a good handgun chambered in 22 LR is a must for gun owners. They’re fantastic teaching tools, fun to use for plinking, and useful for size-appropriate varmints and predators (and you might be surprised what a 22 LR can take down). In the world of 22 LR handguns, the Browning Buck Mark is something of a gold standard. This is a gun that’s a classic—and it’s earned its reputation as a quality, reliable gun for decades. We put the Browning Buck Mark through its paces and we’re here to report back on the results.
Browning Buck Mark Standard Specs
- Barrel length 5.5″
- Overall Length 9.5″
- Weight 34oz
- Action Single-Action
- Magazine Type Single Stack
- Capacity 10 +1
- Sight Radius 8.0″
Browning Buck Mark Standard URX Background
The Browning Buck Mark is a straight blowback pistol that first entered production in 1985. For nearly forty years, it’s remained a favorite of 22 LR fans, and it deserves all the good reviews. Browning created the Buck Mark to be inherently reliable, accurate, and fun—just some of the reasons it’s a large pistol rather than a tiny one. And after all these years of production, the Buck Mark line has expanded to include all manner of variants including quite a few California compliant models.
This isn’t just a gun for plinking, it’s one that can be used for competition, hunting, and teaching. It’s exceptionally well made and manufactured according to exacting tolerances. Basically, this is the pistol you get if you want a 22 LR that lasts not just for your lifetime but your kids—and grandkids—and so on.
Features of the Browning Buck Mark Standard URX
Although there are quite a few variants of the Buck Mark, we ran the Standard URX to keep it as close to the straightforward original design as possible. Features of the Browning Buck Mark URX Standard include:
Extra-tall sights from the factory.Although there are quite a few variants of the Buck Mark, we ran the Standard URX to keep it as close to the straightforward original design as possible. Features of the Browning Buck Mark URX Standard include:
1 Grip
Soft overmolded grip is designed to be comfortable and fit a variety of hand sizes.
2 Barrel
5.5-inch barrel improves accuracy.
3 Sights
Pro-Target adjustable sights so you can fine-tune accuracy.
4 Sided Barrel
Slab sided barrel with polished flats.
5 Slide
Serrations at back of slide to make racking the slide easier.
Other Models and Variants
Browning Buck Mark Standard URX—Our Take
At first glance, the Buck Mark Standard URX is a hefty-looking pistol you might be surprised to learn is chambered in 22 LR. But the overall size makes sense because it’s a good way to allow shooters to have a good grip and work on fundamentals—or nail precision, if they’re using it for hunting or competition shooting. This is a high quality pistol capable of withstanding serious use, although because it’s a rimfire you’re going to need to clean it more frequently than you would a centerfire gun.
Shootability
When it comes to shootability, the Buck Mark is an awesome gun. That’s not only because it’s a 22 LR—meaning it produces really no felt recoil at all—but due to its design. As fun as 22 LRs are, it’s frustrating if you have one that isn’t reliable or accurate, and the Buck Mark delivers beautifully for cycling and results on target.
Accuracy
The 5.5-inch barrel of the Buck Mark Standard URX lends itself to greater accuracy and, in fact, the gun is capable of impressive precision. You might be surprised just how accurate the Buck Mark is at a variety of distances. The ammo you choose matters but it’s just overall a nicely accurate pistol.
Ergonomics
Although I’m not always a fan of finger grooves, the soft rubberized overmolded grooves of the Buck Mark work well. This is a sturdy gun made to be durable and offer both good feel and fit in the shooter’s hands, and it does that.
Value
The Buck Mark has a somewhat higher price point than many 22 LR handguns, but it’s worth it. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for, and being willing to invest a bit more in a rimfire to ensure it’s a quality gun that cycles reliably is a good idea. The Buck Mark line offers solid value regardless of which variant you choose.
FN 510 Pros and Cons
- 22 LR is affordable, doesn’t produce jarring felt recoil, and is enjoyable for range use.
- Full-size pistol allows new shooters to familiarize themselves with fundamentals and seasoned shooters to focus on results instead of trying to hang onto a tiny gun.
- Comes with iron sights but there is a Browning optic you can get for it.
- 10-round capacity is good for target shooting and doesn’t add excessive weight when loaded.
- Finger grooves might be poorly placed for your hands.
- Not readily compatible with a variety of red dot sights.
- Might be a bit heavy for younger shooters to fire offhand at length.
Report Card | ||
Shootability | Running the Buck Mark feels natural and easy. The trigger is good out of the box and the adjustable iron sights make it easy to ensure accuracy. As 22 LR handguns go, the Buck Mark is among the best—if not the best—for shootability. | A+ |
Reliability | The Browning Buck Mark Standard URX is a reliable gun. It cycles consistently and isn’t ammo finicky. Of course, it is a rimfire, and they get dirty a lot faster than centerfire guns. That means you need to clean it routinely if you want to hang onto that reliability. | A+ |
Ergonomics | Browning nailed the ergonomics of the Buck Mark which is probably one reason it’s such a popular model. Not only does it feel good in your hands but it fits well, it’s easy to maintain a firm grip, and there’s light texturing to keep sweaty hands from slipping. | A+ |
Accuracy | This is a pistol that produces nice groups on target at a variety of distances, even if you’re shooting offhand. If you want to up your precision game, shoot from the bench or a rest of some sort. But thanks to lack of recoil and overall design, you’re going to be accurate offhand, too. | A |
Value | You do get solid value for your investment into the Buck Mark. If you want to save a little money, find a used model—these have been around so long they’re everywhere. Even better, the older models tend to offer even greater durability. | A+ |
Our Grade
A-
Reviewed by Kat Ainsworth-Stevens
Reader’s Grade
A-
Based on 7 Reviews
Your Grade
Do You Own This Gun? Leave A Review
Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score
We use email to verify the accuracy of our reviews. We promise to never spam you.
Browning Buck Mark Gun Deals Gun Deals
My Preferred Ammo
Accessories to Include:
| Check Pricing |
Important Links and Manuals for Browning Buck Mark
Are you looking to pick up an Browning Buck Mark but need a bit more info? Or maybe you’ve just misplaced your user’s manual? Either way, check out the links below.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team
About Kat Ainsworth-Stevens
Kat is a respected author and dedicated student of the gun. To date, she has published three books and written thousands of articles on firearms and self-defense in print and online.
Recent Posts
February 17, 2025
February 17, 2025
February 17, 2025
February 16, 2025