TargetTalk

Okay intrigued in target pistol. About 20 years ago I bought a Browning Buckmark Target with the bull barrel and walnut target grip. How accurate are those to say something like a Hammerli Trailside?

Not even in the same league?

Is the Buckmark basically a plinker with lipstick?

Andy

larspawn wrote:...Buckmark...How accurate are those to say something like a Hammerli Trailside?...

Accuracy is on the same level--excellent with an experienced shooter.

Don't see many people shooting Buckmarks in the bulls eye competitions I attend. I do see people shooting trailsides. I have a Hammerli SP20 I shoot.

I haven't compared all brands of pistols, but even the "plain jane" varieties like Ruger and Browning are capable of top level match accuracy. The difference seems to be less objective like "How well can you shoot it offhand?"

This difference is influenced heavily by the quality of trigger, grips, sights, etc. I think THAT is where you will find the difference. In general I suspect you would see very little difference if you shot them all from a Ransom Rest with their preferred variety of ammunition.

They'll both shoot tens all day long with the right shooter at the controls. If you still have the Buckmark, then shoot it. The Trailside has more upgrades (especially trigger) available, while finding a smith to work on the Buckmark is next to impossible. If you don't have a .22 pistol and are limiting your choices to the two you listed, then I'd go with the Trailside.

Accuracy out to 25yd. should be not much of an issue for either. The Trailside has to be upgraded with the 180 gram counterweight for it to balance out right. Also the factory grip panels are only fair, therefore, I'd recommend Rink/Nill/Xesse match adjustable grips initially. Trailside trigger will have to go to Larry Carter for you to be really happy. I see Buckmarks at the range being shot by satisfied owners. A tricked out Trailside with Ultradot is $1K+.