NCG Recommend a .22lr handgun?

[GunnyGene]

BTW, the model I bought is the Camper. Should do for what I plan for it. Almost went for a higher end model, but at nearly double the cost I couldn't justify it.

[Hatchdog]

Had to run some errands in town this morning, so stopped by my LGS to get hands on with the 3 under discussion. He pulled out 4 or 5 models of each for me to compare; different barrels, threaded/not threaded, etc. Had about dozen of them on counter including one very lightly used Browning. So played with each, and settled on the used Buckmark. $285. Didn't have that much cash on me, so gave him $50 to hold it for me for a few days.

That seems like an outstanding price on a used Buckmark.

[Vaquero]

Had to run some errands in town this morning, so stopped by my LGS to get hands on with the 3 under discussion. He pulled out 4 or 5 models of each for me to compare; different barrels, threaded/not threaded, etc. Had about dozen of them on counter including one very lightly used Browning. So played with each, and settled on the used Buckmark. $285. Didn't have that much cash on me, so gave him $50 to hold it for me for a few days.

That seems like an outstanding price on a used Buckmark.

I agree Hatch.
Congrats Gene.

RP

[GunnyGene]

Had to run some errands in town this morning, so stopped by my LGS to get hands on with the 3 under discussion. He pulled out 4 or 5 models of each for me to compare; different barrels, threaded/not threaded, etc. Had about dozen of them on counter including one very lightly used Browning. So played with each, and settled on the used Buckmark. $285. Didn't have that much cash on me, so gave him $50 to hold it for me for a few days.

That seems like an outstanding price on a used Buckmark.

I agree Hatch.
Congrats Gene.


RP

Might be a little early for congrats. I've read that Buckmarks sometimes have a feed problem related to the feed ramp, magazine, or hollow points. Speaking of mags, has anyone used the Magpul mags in one? They're about half the price of factory.

[North Country Gal]

I said, I have no experience with the Browning, but when it comes to mags with a particular gun, it's usually just a try and and see. Best of luck on your new shooter.

[bandit1250]

I have both the Ruger MK III and a Browning Buckmark. The Ruger is the better pistol in my opinion. Less problems with jams and with most ammo brands it is more accurate. Both can have feeding issues with large flat end hollow point ammo but I believe the Browning is worse than the Ruger. The mags load smoother and easier on the Browning than the Ruger. In being fair to the Browning I believe overall it is getting better with the more it gets fired as far as accuracy and function. I flipped the sear spring over in the Browning and cut the trigger pull in half down now to 2 1/4 lb with no other work needed. Not as easy on the Ruger to get the pull weight down but it is much better now than when new. I had a bad grip panel on the Browning and called them and told them the right grip was not good. I asked if they could replace the right side panel. The lady said "I will send a complete set at no charge." So it looks like their customer service is good and I believe Rugers is to. If I was getting rid of one of these hand guns it would be the Browning. To many cheap made parts compared to the Ruger. Everyone knows the Rugers are built for very long service with little maintenance.

[John E Davies]

I am unclear how this new Browning is going to cure your 40 yard squirrel issue. Did you decide to just get closer? Because it won’t be satisfactory even with a scope at that range. You still have time to buy an accurate rifle instead…

John Davies
Spokane WA

[GunnyGene]

I am unclear how this new Browning is going to cure your 40 yard squirrel issue. Did you decide to just get closer? Because it won’t be satisfactory even with a scope at that range. You still have time to buy an accurate rifle instead…

John Davies
Spokane WA

I have rifles. Whether the Browning or any other similar pistol will prove to be satisfactory is undetermined at this point. I'll make that call for myself.

[GunnyGene]

I have both the Ruger MK III and a Browning Buckmark. The Ruger is the better pistol in my opinion. Less problems with jams and with most ammo brands it is more accurate. Both can have feeding issues with large flat end hollow point ammo but I believe the Browning is worse than the Ruger. The mags load smoother and easier on the Browning than the Ruger. In being fair to the Browning I believe overall it is getting better with the more it gets fired as far as accuracy and function. I flipped the sear spring over in the Browning and cut the trigger pull in half down now to 2 1/4 lb with no other work needed. Not as easy on the Ruger to get the pull weight down but it is much better now than when new. I had a bad grip panel on the Browning and called them and told them the right grip was not good. I asked if they could replace the right side panel. The lady said "I will send a complete set at no charge." So it looks like their customer service is good and I believe Rugers is to. If I was getting rid of one of these hand guns it would be the Browning. To many cheap made parts compared to the Ruger. Everyone knows the Rugers are built for very long service with little maintenance.

At this time I'm not planning on any significant mods, with the possible exception of making some wood grip panels, which I have done for other hand guns in the past. If it becomes necessary, then I'll consider whatever may be needed.

[John E Davies]

I have rifles. Whether the Browning or any other similar pistol will prove to be satisfactory is undetermined at this point. I'll make that call for myself.

That's fine, no worries, you don't need to roll your eyes. I thought the topic was about a good .22LR pistol for nailing tiny animals at long distance. At least, that is what you implied and most members assumed, I think. Good luck with the Browning, let us know how it works out.

John Davies
Spokane WA

[markiver54]

Here's my take on it. Maybe I'm wrong, but, when I started bear hunting many years ago, that is when I bought my S&W 500 magnum. I wanted the challenge of hunting bear with a handgun. The rest of the club carried 44 rifles.
I guess the key word here is 'challenge'. Maybe that is what Gunny is looking for...dunno, I guess he might clarify that?
Maybe I'm off base. I know Gunny realizes the accuracy of a rifle, over a handgun. ( generally speaking )
Bottom line is...we're all friends here, so, let's try to not upset or aggravate each other. ☺

[North Country Gal]

Amen to that. Never doubted for a moment that Gunny knows what he is doing. Actually, a very good question on his part. Lots of good info and input in this thread. Good work, folks.

[Vaquero]

Here's my take on it. Maybe I'm wrong, but, when I started bear hunting many years ago, that is when I bought my S&W 500 magnum. I wanted the challenge of hunting bear with a handgun. The rest of the club carried 44 rifles.
I guess the key word here is 'challenge'. Maybe that is what Gunny is looking for...dunno, I guess he might clarify that?
Maybe I'm off base. I know Gunny realizes the accuracy of a rifle, over a handgun. ( generally speaking )
Bottom line is...we're all friends here, so, let's try to not upset or aggravate each other. ☺

I like a good challenge myself Mark.
I like to deer hunt some with handguns, and have taken 4 deer with 4 different handguns.
No bears around here.

Good luck to ya Gunny.

RP

[220]

Be interesting to see how it shoots, I have had a buckmark for 25 years. It has just started to give a few functioning issues but round count is over 100k. The only other issue I have had was a mag base falling off, simple job to drill and pin the base.
Mine is the field version so bull barrel adjustable trigger etc, accuracy is very good, 10 shot groups at 25m under 1" are easy enough off a bench. Son actually used it for a number of years when he started shooting competition, shot well enough for him to make the junior state team when everyone else was using dedicated Euro ISSF target pistols.

[GunnyGene]

Be interesting to see how it shoots, I have had a buckmark for 25 years. It has just started to give a few functioning issues but round count is over 100k. The only other issue I have had was a mag base falling off, simple job to drill and pin the base.
Mine is the field version so bull barrel adjustable trigger etc, accuracy is very good, 10 shot groups at 25m under 1" are easy enough off a bench. Son actually used it for a number of years when he started shooting competition, shot well enough for him to make the junior state team when everyone else was using dedicated Euro ISSF target pistols.

That's good to know. Thanks. I think that I could buy a 7.5" bull barrel according to the parts list for this Camper if it turns out the stock barrel is not getting the job done.

[North Country Gal]

Be interesting to see how it shoots, I have had a buckmark for 25 years. It has just started to give a few functioning issues but round count is over 100k. The only other issue I have had was a mag base falling off, simple job to drill and pin the base.
Mine is the field version so bull barrel adjustable trigger etc, accuracy is very good, 10 shot groups at 25m under 1" are easy enough off a bench. Son actually used it for a number of years when he started shooting competition, shot well enough for him to make the junior state team when everyone else was using dedicated Euro ISSF target pistols.

That is impressive. Thanks for sharing.

[GunnyGene]

Picked up the Buckmark today. Probably won't tear it down or shoot it for a while - priorities. But here's a pic. There is no external wear or damage of any kind, not even the usual bunged up screws you see on used guns. Gun was made in 2015 per the serial number and looks like it spent it's entire life in a sock drawer.

[markiver54]

Nice Gunny...congrats! Hope it serves you well.

[Hatchdog]

Yep, number one priority is taking possession. The fun can come later if necessary. Looks great, might just be the pic but I like the different color of the grip panels.

[GunnyGene]

Yep, number one priority is taking possession. The fun can come later if necessary. Looks great, might just be the pic but I like the different color of the grip panels.

The panels in the pic are very slightly darker than they are to the eye. Due to the lighting in my shop I expect.