Browning Buckmark variations - which to buy?

[Spyder]

I'm in the market for a Buckmark, mostly because I don't have one yet. The lowest cost Camper that Sportsman's has for $399 is likely what I'll go with, but I'm curious about folks' opinions on the other models. There's too dang many varieties of it to keep track of.

[broadside]

Depends on what you want to do with it I suppose. Google the different buckmark grips, there are some with more options than others.

[nedro]

I was in the market for 1 a couple of years ago.
The biggest difference I found between models was the feel and size of the grip in my hand. They are more different between models than I would have ever guessed. It was the reason I lost interest, because I couldn't try all of the models at one shop, to see which one felt best.

[M76]

Spend a little more and get the Contour - or the Ruger Mark IV just added to the roster

[Riflegear]

I personally went with the Practical URX. I mostly chose this model as the Tandemkross charging handle was only compatible with certain slides. The only drawback is the limited choices of URX grips.

[sanjoseskater]

I’ve had a couple I like my buckmark light with the 7.25 barrel really accurate with no red dot, can’t imagine how good it would be with a red dot

[dave85620]

I have the urx practical with upgraded Hogue piranha grips. When I was shopping for mine I didn't have a specific model in mind, only that it came with a fiber optic front sight. I do not like blacked out front sights.

[Zenderfall]

I wouldn't consider the Buckmark California Contour if you're interested in its built-in rail. The reason is that rail isn't a Picatinny rail. It's an older rail type, that many modern optics won't mount to, without some filing and grinding or purchasing the 49-state picatinny rail and retrofitting, or going with an aftermarket rail, which completely defeats the purpose of getting a Contour in the first place. I don't want to elaborate on how I know this.

Buckmarks have three different sized handgrips sizes: URX, UDX, and UFX. I suggest you put your hand around all of them to see which one fits you best because those are part of the frame and aren't modifiable after the fact except for changing the grip panels. Example, my hands fit around the URX very well, ok with the UDX, but I can't stand (and absolutely hate) the UFX grips.

Buckmark disassembly is much more of a pain than a Mark IV, (not as bad as a Mark III though!) as it requires removing at least two screws on top, pulling off some pieces here and there and maybe the barrel screw if you want to get into the details with it. There's a big reason why people prefer the Mark IV and this part has a lot to do with it. Granted, Buckmarks can go through many hundreds of .22 rounds through them without a problem and no cleaning, but eventually, it will need to be cleaned out of all the built-up junk.

Otherwise, not a bad gun at all. Lightweight, shoots very well, accurate enough, and cycles a lot of ammo reliably. Trigger ain't the greatest, just decent, but then again, it's not meant to be a competitive match gun out of the box, either.

[Mongo68]

Striplin makes adapters so you can use most any 1911 grips...

[GunDog]

My first Buckmark was the stainless UDX. At the time of purchase, I felt that it's grip with the wood stocks fit best in my hand. I hate rubbery type grips such as those that come on stock UFX and URX models. What I have since learned though is that the stainless Buckmark Camper fits me best. I did however, have to ditch the stock rubber grips it came with and replaced them with Browning Buck Mark UFX Veloce Black grips made by LokGrips. Have also replaced the front sight of my UFX Camper with a fiber optic and added a TandemKross Halo charging ring. Oh, that stainless UDX that I bought originally.........it's now collecting dust in the back of my safe. The UFX camper with mods gets all the rimfire shooting time nowadays.

[Spyder]

Lots of good info, thanks. Mongo, I like that idea, I've got some great fun 1911 grips laying around that I don't want to buy a new 1911 for.

Mostly it'll be a beater, loaner, plinker, teach new people on shooter. I've got a bunch of Ruger Mk series, a smith 41, and several other 22 handguns...just no Buckmark yet. From what I've read, the barrels are fantastic shooters right out of the box which I like. I guess maybe grip interchangeability is one of my concerns and it's been covered here.

[stormvet]

Agree with King^ don’t settle for a bottom rung Buckmark. The higher ends have a lot of great features and really aren’t that much more.

I fell in love with the Rosewood UDX, 5.5 slab sided barrel. Great adjustable iron sights with a FO front, also easy to mount a red dot. Slight cocking ears and gorgeous grips that feel great with the UDX grip. It’s also been a great shooter, very accurate and reliable. I’ve got right around 5000 rounds through it.

[bubbala]

Midwest gunworks has every part and upgrade you might want.
The tandemcross trigger was a great improvement,contrary to web
Reviews.

[k1dude]

I went with the California compliant Contour Grey URX. I've been very happy with it. I have a Holosun 507 mounted to the rail and it works great.

[golfish]

I went with the California compliant Contour Grey URX. I've been very happy with it. I have a Holosun 507 mounted to the rail and it works great.

That's the model that I have.....

I enjoy shooting this one. I have the little TRS-25 on it. It's almost unfare with the red dot because it's so fricken accurate...

I've shot just about every kind of 22 ammo through it..cheap, real cheap and decent, never a single hiccup...