Browning Buckmark .22 LR Review for Beginner Shooters

Reviewing available rimfire handguns, the .22 LR is among the most prolific and most popular models. They are comfortable to shoot, come in hundreds of platforms and styles, and the cost of .22 LR ammunition is one of the cheapest available – starting as cheap as $0.05 cents per round.

Benefits of the Buckmark Pistol

  • Cheaper ammo
  • Low recoil
  • Lower price-point firearm
  • Comfortable to shoot
  • Low noise
  • Accuracy

While Browning is mostly recognized for their range of rifles – most notably the X-bolt bolt-action rifles, they’ve really tested time for one of their pistol models. Enter the Browning Buckmark pistol. The Buckmark has been in production since 1984 and has over thirty different variations – from grip panels, to barrel customizations, to sights, and more.

Why the Browning Buckmark .22 LR Pistol for Perfect for Beginners

As a beginner, the .22 LR is the perfect caliber to start with because of its low recoil. With the Browning Buckmark, its comfortable grip coupled with its heavier frame lends itself to a comfortable shooting experience. The heavier the gun, the more recoil it absorbs. With beginner shooters getting used to their trigger control, aiming, and stance – it helps to practice with a comfortable gun first. Once the fundamentals of shooting are practiced and become familiar, then it often makes sense to move up to larger calibers and continue to challenge your shooting abilities.

Buckmark .22 LR Specs

With the Browning Buckmark, it has several features that make it a great beginner gun:

  • Weight: 34 oz
  • Barrel Length: 5.5 in
  • Ammunition type: Rimfire, .22LR
  • Barrel Material: Steel
  • Slide: Reduced, meaning only part of the slide moves when fired
  • Magazine Capacity: 10, single stack
  • Ambidextrous Magazine Release
  • Manual Safety
  • Grip: Textured
  • Sights: Standard iron sights but the rear sight is adjustable

Personal favorites:

  • Easy to reach functions: The slide stop and manual safety are protruded which makes it easy to find and navigate with your non-dominant hand. Many other handguns, mostly those meant for concealed carry, have very minimal levers along the frame so they don’t get caught on anything. With this longer barrel and low recoil, it is unlikely that many will choose the Buckmark as their everyday carry so it’s not as necessary to have all the levers be hard(er) to reach.
  • Barrel length: With the 5.5 inch barrel, it makes the pistol incredibly accurate. This is a great feature for newer shooters who are just focusing on the fundamentals of shooting.

Price: With 30+ variations and a variety of after-market modifications, the price is relatively reasonable across the landscape of reliable .22 LR handguns. Depending on your location and condition, you can find most Buckmark’s starting around the ~$450 price point.

  • Starts at $430
  • High point at $1080

Common uses:

  • Range practice/plinking
  • Outdoor use for varmint and pest control
  • Competition – Many shooters rely on the Browning Buckmark for their competition pistol for .22 Rimfire challenges. It’s durable, comfortable, and accurate.

Tons of options: Depending on the purpose of your .22 LR, the Buckmark platform includes a slew of add-ons.

  • Suppressor
  • Grip panels
  • Barrel length
  • Optics/red dot

Exploring Similar Models to the Buckmark

Similar styles/platforms:

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