Browning BuckMark rifle

[roddy]

A.K.A. the ugly duckling. This little thing is quickly becoming one of my favorite plinkers, and has earned a spot at the front of the safe.

I first noticed these rifles a few years ago, but had always dismissed them based on looks alone. Earlier this spring, I was looking at an SA-22, and the owner of the shop suggested I check out a BuckMark rifle. That lead to a discussion regarding the look of them, and how he felt the same way until he actually used one. "Just shoulder it" he says, "Mmmeh, ok" says I... The feeling of surprise must have shown on my face, 'cause he just chuckled and said "See?".

It feels light, quick to point, and stable in my arms. Speaking of arms, my ape-arms appreciate the 15+ inch length of pull. Fun little shooter.

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[markiver54]

Very interesting roddy, let us know how it performs. Pic doesn't really show that LOP, however, hope it works for you!

[roddy]

Here's one from a different angle. I'll take some better pics once I'm done addressing some of the ugly...I've decided I like it enough to keep it around, so the plywood's gotta go...

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I picked up some walnut bits for it, and am in the process of giving them an oil finish. I've used linseed oil in the past, but my CZ 455 turned out pretty good using tung oil, so I'm giving that another go this time.

Here's what the walnut looked like right out of the box:

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[JEBar]

A.K.A. the ugly duckling.

I first noticed these rifles a few years ago, but had always dismissed them based on looks alone.

in thinking about it, agree on the duckling and understood on the dismissal .... there is no doubt about it, I'm pretty set in my ways .... on my own, I wouldn't pick up a rifle that looked like that .... thanks for posting about, I do appreciate the info

[Mags]

... I kinda like the way the plywood coloring was done. Certainly a unique character.

[BigAl52]

Its different looking and not bad I dont think. I kinda like the laminated stock. I had a couple of Buckmarks at one time but they use some plastic in areas I wasnt to fond of so I got rid of them.

[markiver54]

I kinda like it! Looks like a pistol with a but stock. Can see the LOP now too! Unique indeed!

[Henry88]

I'm hoping to get my Buckmark this month if things work out. I'm going for the Camper FX.

If anybody was wondering, the barrels on the Buckmark rifles are just different enough that you can't interchange them with the pistols. That's to ensure somebody doesn't change barrels w/o the proper paperwork.

[RetiredSeabee]

Three guns I have looked at and thought it’s butt ugly so it better shoot good. The Henry AR-7, Ruger Charger, and this one.
I do know a number of people who have the Ruger and they say it shoots very well. I have heard from AR-7 owners who like it for what it is. But none who rave about how well it shoots. The Buckmark interests me, because I know the pistol shoots well. A longer barrel and buttstock has to help with accuracy at beyond 25 yards.
I look forward to seeing targets from you.
I agree that the walnut will improve the look.

[roddy]

I'm hoping to get my Buckmark this month if things work out. I'm going for the Camper FX.

If anybody was wondering, the barrels on the Buckmark rifles are just different enough that you can't interchange them with the pistols. That's to ensure somebody doesn't change barrels w/o the proper paperwork.

I was curious about that myself, and checked out a pistol as well. The cut where the barrel fits the receiver is quite different between the two. I had briefly considered one of the longer (Target or Hunter) pistol barrels for a swap before I actually saw the difference. Where I am, we don't need paperwork for a SBR, as long as the rifle meets the minimum overall length requirement (26", IIRC). I would gladly trade that for the ability to purchase/use a suppressor (out of respect for my neighbors) without losing all my firearms and going directly to jail. We have some odd regulations here...

[roddy]

New Furniture...

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[markiver54]

Very nice roddy. Good looking furniture indeed!

[Mags]

.
Ya that is nice! Actually makes the rifle.

New Furniture...

[Mistered]

New Furniture...

Yep! major improvement!
I do NOT like the look of the 'laminated' stocks on ANY rifle.

[JEBar]

I like the wood .... nicely done

[roddy]

Thanks guys. At least now it is a 'warm & fuzzy' kind of ugly as opposed to the cold, hard ugly it was before...if that makes any sense. I pulled the factory installed 'muzzle device' off as well. Browning was kind enough to also include a thread protector in the box.

As for accuracy testing, I'll get there (I'm quite curious about that myself), but the 8 MOA dot on this Fastfire III isn't overly conductive to accuracy testing. Works great for plinking and steel, though... I'll need to mount a scope and put a lot more rounds through it before I can give an honest impression on accuracy, and even then, I would likely be the weak link.

[Ernie]

Very interesting rifle. You guys are making it very difficult to behave myself. Now I have to research this.
Thanks Roddy

[tractortad]

As for accuracy testing, I'll get there (I'm quite curious about that myself), but the 8 MOA dot on this Fastfire III isn't overly conductive to accuracy testing. Works great for plinking and steel, though... I'll need to mount a scope and put a lot more rounds through it before I can give an honest impression on accuracy, and even then, I would likely be the weak link.

I think you might be surprised how accurate your Buck Mark can be - they may not be the prettiest looking 22LR rifle, but we have found ours to be one of the quickest handling and most accurate 22's in our stable. It is a really fun plinker. The only downside in our view is the 10 round magazine - it empties quick with this gun - wish they made a 25 round version. We have found this gun with a red dot to be perfect for varmit control around the farm.

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[Henry88]

New Furniture...

Yep! major improvement!
I do NOT like the look of the 'laminated' stocks on ANY rifle.

Nothing stacks up with great wood like Walnut, but I would take laminate over those black polymer stocks, and most of the birch/beech stocks, though not always.

I also think the ones that appear more natural (wood like) aren't as bad as the crazy colored ones that sometimes approach bizarre

[roddy]

Have you ever bought one scope for one rifle, and ended up playing 'musical scopes' with just about every rifle in the safe(s)? That happened to me recently, and the little 4X28 Leupold that was on my 77/22 ended up here...seems like a good match. I'm looking forward to trying it out...this rifle has proven to be a consistent and fun plinker with the red dot (that got moved on to a CZ 512 carbine).

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