Browning Buckmark Disassembly

[alfsauve]

I admit.  I take a new gun from box to range.   I do check the barrel for obstructions the first time, but that's it.    I just shoot the heck out of them.

My Buckmark, one of the target models with the rail, has probably seen 1,000 or more rounds and the slide wasn't feeling as slick as normal. (I shoot CCI Standards)  I decided to disassemble and clean it.   

MANUAL?  We don't need no stinkin' manual.

Thought I'd take the grips off first, you know just like cleaning a revolver.  UH-OH.  A number of small parts then proceed to fall out.    I didn't loose any and I did figure out where they all went, without the manual since I'm just a tad stubborn.    Got it all cleaned and back together.  Tested it yesterday and still works fine.  (Yes I know how to remove the barrel, which I did.)

SO WARNING:  Before you take the grips off a Buckmark, be aware there are little pieces that will fall out.

[billt]

No need to remove the grips. All you are required to do for a field strip, clean and lube, is to remove the 2 Hex Screws on the top sight base, then gently remove it. The recoil spring and guide rod will then come off. Next remove the slide, and you can clean and relubricate everything. You can remove the barrel if you choose, but it's not necessary. For that all you have to do is loosen the 1/4-28 Hex Set Screw located at the front of the frame. Note that when you reassemble the top sight base, do not reverse the screws. One is longer than the other. If you mix them up, that can cause operating problems, because the longer one will possibly bottom out. Depending on how deep it was tapped.

[tombogan03884]

In all the years I had my Buck Mark I never removed either grips or barrel.

[Big Frank]

In all the years I had my Buck Mark I never removed either grips or barrel.

I don't think I would either if I had one. Personally I don't like pistols that use the grips to retain parts but you may not find out about it until after you've bought the gun. I'll stick with my Rugers for the time being. I bought a Majestic Arms speed strip for one of them. All I have to do is unscrew one screw and pull the bolt out to clean everything.

[tombogan03884]

I've heard of them, no messing with that "take down" lever ?

[Sponsor]

[alfsauve]

I have a full length, integral top rail.  I'd rather not remove the rail from the barrel.    It's actually easier to remove the barrel and rail as one assembly.   In my mind at least, it minimizes the sight getting out of alignment.

I checked the manual later and it does NOT have a warning about removing the grip.   A wrap around grip I might add on my model, which makes it harder to hold all the pieces in place while you put it on.   I managed.   It works fine, just a surprise.

[billt]

In all the years I had my Buck Mark I never removed either grips or barrel.

Tom,

Have you ever had to replace the little plastic buffer at the end of the guide rod?

[Timothy]

Ruger Mk III or Buck Mark?  Been looking at one or the other for a plinker.  I miss my Hi-Standard!

Which one...I've heard nightmares on the Ruger disassembly..watching their video is not making the Ruger more appealing either!

[PegLeg45]

My first new handgun was a Buckmark.... one of the first three sold by my local fun proprietor in those days. I still have it, along with a target model, and a newer standard (after they changed "aka cheapened") the slide guts. I had a silhouette model when I played that game, but later sold it off.

Needless to say, I have been fluent in 'Buckmark' for years. 

I re-assembled a Ruger MkII  for a neighbor who brought it to me in a gallon zip-loc bag, having never fooled with one. Thanks to patience and youtube, it functions well now.

Having detail stripped the Brownings on many occasions, I prefer the Brownings to the Ruger. 

[alfsauve]

Ruger Mk III or Buck Mark?  Been looking at one or the other for a plinker.  I miss my Hi-Standard!

Which one...I've heard nightmares on the Ruger disassembly..watching their video is not making the Ruger more appealing either!

Also look at the Neos and the new S&W.  But given the two you mentioned, I'd go with Buckmark.   That said, my first one was a Ruger MK l.  Won a tin can shoot with it.   Then I wanted something more up to date and holding 10 rounds so I got the Buckmark.   Recently I added a 22/45 w short threaded barreled for quiet plinking.