Buckmark advice

[Zimbo]

I want to buy my first .22 pistol. Mainly for a bit of target plinking at the range and to compliment my Henry.
The Camper is about the cheapest at $370.
With 56 year old eyes, I would need to mount optics so I guess I would have to pay another $30 for a rail.

I see that there is currently a special on the Contour at $450 after $50 rebate and this comes with the rail.

Is the contour just aesthetically more pleasing or would that contoured barrel be more accurate? ie. is spending the extra $50 for the contour worth while?

I have been keeping a close look at the marketplace but don't see these come up that often and when they do they are not much below retail so I figure it makes best sense to get a new one.

Your opinions please.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Get the contour URX that already has the rail. It's a bit pricier, but I found it to be a very nice gun. If you can, get the 7 1/4".

[Litespeeds]

I just recently purchased my first Browning Buckmark Hunter model and was extremely lucky and got it through the Marketplace. Seller posted like 5pm and immediately said I'll take it at 5:04. Shortly after that, there were people posting they'd buy it and it went all the way up to 7 or 8 in line. It was unexpected and I just happened to check at the right time.

I've shot a Ruger and though it was ok but haven't shot the Buckmark yet so can't report. All I know is I really like the look and how it feels in my hand. Also already has the rail for mounting optics. I will write a report when I take her out and compare to my CZ Kadet II and my soon out of jail Smith and Wesson 22A-1 with a bull barrel.

My suggestion is to go with the most expensive one that you can afford and or get. Good luck and keep us posted.

[MarikinaMan]

The Contour has the slab side barrel, and it's awesome looking vs the bull barrel. The URX grips are a 50-60 dollar upgrade if you had to buy Hogues to replace cheap looking Camper grips. Add the built in and full length rail, and that is a win!

Only down side, not sure if you can mount fiber optic front sights on the Contour if you ever wanted them.

[Zimbo]

Thanks for the replies.
Turners have the deal on the contour but it's the 5.5". I would love to be able to get the 7.25" but it seems that the only one on roster in 7.25" is the Buck Mark Lite Gray.
At one point I thought about looking at the Rugers I am really not into paying off roster premiums.
I'm in no hurry so will keep an eye on the marketplace for something coming up in the San Diego area.

[Rosebud22]

With 56 year old eyes, I would need to mount optics

I have 62yr old eyes. Mounted a red dot on the buckmark and it is a hoot to shoot. Great combo. I used a primary arms RD. Up side, very small and light.
Down side kinda a small window.

[Zimbo]

Thanks for that Rosebud.
I have used both a reflex and red dot optic on my Henry as well as on various center fire handguns they really do help once presbyopia sets in!

My readers are a +2.5, while on the range, if I drop that to a +1.5 that also helps with open sights being able to see the front sight while still having the target in some kind of focus.

[robodeer]

Do you find that reflex sights to be easier to use? Compared to red dots.

[Mayor McRifle]

If you don't want to mount a scope on your Buckmark, you can try Williams Fire Sights: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/374...ont-green-rear

They make a big difference, and they're adjustable.

[Zimbo]

Do you find that reflex sights to be easier to use? Compared to red dots.

Keep in mind that I am shooting indoors at distances up to about 20 yards and pretty new to optical sights.
The reflex is lighter and quicker to find the dot than the red dot. Being mounted on a lever action rifle though speed is not really that important.
I have a cheap Barska reflex that does not hold zero that well. I changed to an old primary arms red dot that a friend loaned me which works very nicely. So I guess it also comes down to getting what you pay for!

When I do get a .22 handgun my instinct would be to mount the reflex on it first and see how I go.

MM thanks for the link, looks like a nice sight. My problem is being able to see the target while focused on the front sight.
Hopeless without corrective lenses.

[Dumas1012]

Not sure where you're located, but Target Masters in Milpitas has several Buckmarks in the $400-$450 range.

[whipkiller]

The Contour has the slab side barrel, and it's awesome looking vs the bull barrel. The URX grips are a 50-60 dollar upgrade if you had to buy Hogues to replace cheap looking Camper grips. Add the built in and full length rail, and that is a win!

Only down side, not sure if you can mount fiber optic front sights on the Contour if you ever wanted them.

Yep, get the Contour.

I didn't like the grips on the Camper at all.

I ended up getting the Practical, which already has the Green FO front sight. I find this to be a great help to my 53 year old eyes, which are getting fuzzier every day at "Front Sight Distance".

I added the Tac Sol rail which is spendy, but allows me to still have a rear sight if I want to take off the reflex sight.

Super fun plinker.

[1bulletBarney]

I have the Buck Mark Camper UFX. I found the black front sight post difficult to get a good sight picture. I know there is many options for a aftermarket front sight post...

I tried out just using some white metal paint stick. I taped off the front post so the painted post would as high as it is wide. After the white paint dried I pulled tape and have a symetrical white square. Then I took a black sharpie and in middle of white square and made a black dot...

This "do it yourself" upgrade made a big difference. Even with my 57 year old eyes I love the challenge of irons...

[Zimbo]

Looking great Whipkiller, makes me want one even more!
Looks like I will be heading to Kearny Mesa soon!
1bullet, I wont rush into the optics, I'll see how the irons workout for me first.
Thanks for the tip.

[Midtown]

Thanks for the replies.
Turners have the deal on the contour but it's the 5.5". I would love to be able to get the 7.25" but it seems that the only one on roster in 7.25" is the Buck Mark Lite Gray.
At one point I thought about looking at the Rugers I am really not into paying off roster premiums.
I'm in no hurry so will keep an eye on the marketplace for something coming up in the San Diego area.

If you are using optics, there isn't much benefit to the 7.25", in fact I would guess it's a little front heavy. Higher velocity but not inherently more accurate at pistol distances.

I have a 5.5" practical, it's one of my favorite guns to shoot. Ultra reliable, good ergonomics, plenty accurate and the weighting is superb. I had and sold a Ruger Mark III and kept the buckmark so buy with confidence.