Browning's Buck Mark Target Rifle

Introduced in 2001, it is highly doubtful that firearm enthusiasts are unaware of the rifle version of Browning’s Buck Mark. However, I was working my way through rimfire rifles, 22 Long Rifle type, in search of one that would offer exceptional performance and reliability and the Buck mark rifle came to mind.

Prior to this rimfire gleaning project, my hands on experience with the Buck Mark Rifle was zip. I’m very old, set in my ways and drawn to things that are familiar and easy to understand. The Buck Mark Rifle always reminded me of an animated cartoon my grandchildren were very fond of, CatDog, For me, I do not like cats, I do like dogs and I could never understand ; why in the world someone combined them into one?

Still, I do like handguns and I do like long guns and I do not want anyone to get the impression that I am close minded. I’ve owned a Chevy and lived in California, so surely a closer look at a pistol-rifle should be less than traumatic.

I suspect the first thing I learned about the Buck Mark Rifle is that it is not a CatDog at all, but singularly a rifle. The frame is machined from a solid block of 7075-T6 aluminum from barrel mount front to Swiss cheesed stock mount at the rear. Not only is the stock support integrated into the frame, but the front of the frame is extended, in comparison to the Buck Mark pistol frame, to provide support over a greater length at the barrel and frame union. It is a very solid assembly.

The scope rail spans barrel to receiver, anchored on the barrel and anchored at a heavy lug at the rear of the receiver. The rails six cross slots are helpful in positioning the stock, particularly when adjusting for scope relief with the rifle’s relatively long length of pull. Of course the scope can also mount other forms of optical-electrical sighting devices as well. For that matter, the sporter barrel and forearm are available as parts from Brownells and Midway USA, so it is possible to convert to the tapered rifle barrel with metallic front sight and add the rear metallic sight. The barrel is secured to the frame by a large lug and locked in with a set screw.

The barrel is marked “Made in USA”. Buck Mark Pistols and Rifles are manufactured forty miles away from Browning’s offices in Morgan, Utah, in Salt Lake City. The only part of firearm operation that requires a little finesse is pulling the slide back. The gripping surface has been moved aft in comparison to earlier versions and there are grasping lugs at the back of the slide. In use, the slide locks open on empty, a fresh mag is inserted and the slide stop is released to charge the chamber. Controls are all in easy reach.

Shooting personality…

Oddly enough, the Buck Mark Rifle does not feel like an AR in use, probably due to the heft at the forearm, the greater degree of stock drop and the magazine in the grip and not in the way just ahead of the trigger. The Buck Mark feels like a well balanced sporter with a comfortable place to put a shooting hand. The oil finish wood stock feels great in use. I wish Browning would use more of the same on their other firearms and move away from gloss urethane.

Using 40 grain Remington Golden Bullet ammo left and 36 grain Remington Cyclone, right The Browning easily shot 1/2″ to 3/4″ groups at 50 yards. I place the target at one hundred yards on a day with drizzling rain and light gusting winds and the Browning put up these targets in quick fire; five shots, five seconds. I watched the video on the Browning site and was motivated to pick up my typically snail target shooting pace. Left – Golden Bullet 1 3/8″, Right – Cyclone 1 1/2″

Final impressions

In the case of the Browning Buck Mark Rifle, I’ve been a victim of my own misperceptions, as I always thought the Buck Mark Rifle to be little more than a gimmicky configuration of a Buck Mark Pistol. No, the Buck Mark rifle is a well executed good idea. Quite frankly, I am surprised there are no aftermarket barrels or a host of other gadgets made specifically for this rifle. For folks who like to tinker, there are many accessories that carry over from the Buck Mark pistol.

Yup, I would add this to the short list of nicer 22 rimfire rifles I am investigating. Glad I had the opportunity to gain some insight into this product.