New used buckmark - what to look for?

B

bastiat

New member
Just picked up a used browning buckmark - standard 5.5" slabside.

There wasn't a manual or any tools, but I found the online manual and 1 allen wrench to match the top screws.

Now that I have it, what should I look for and what should I avoid doing? Are there any parts that I should inspect internally to see if they may need replacing? Any tips you'd like to share?
 
One more question - can the magazine release be moved from the left side to the right? It's nearly impossible to reach and I have big hands.
 
Watch out for the little pieces under the right grip panel, the recoil spring retaining clip at the back of the recoil spring, the star shaped cup lock washers and take extra special care not to cross thread or overtighten the hex head screws that hold the barrel to the frame.

Best tips?
Use high velocity ammo and don't limp wrist it.

Use blue LocTite (the one in the red bottle) on the barrel screws.

Leave the front screw alone if you field strip it. All you need to do is remove the rear top screw and the one under the barrel.

Watch out for the retaining clip on the recoil spring. I've lost 2 so far. The good news is that an Epson FX printer uses the same size Oh $hit clips. The bad news is I don't work on printers anymore.

They're awesome little shooters. I enjoy all 3 of mine. Not sure about moving the release, but I doubt you can. After a bit of use, you get used to "rolling" it in your hand to get at the release.
 
Replaceables

Make sure your recoil spring guide is straight, not bowed. Replace it if it's bowed or bent. The retaining clip RAE mentioned is smaller than this "c." Order one to be safe, I've lost one like RAE. Might as well replace the recoil spring and the plastic buffer too. Happy plinking. Mine always goes to the range with me.

Regards.
 
No joke about the blue / red Loctite. Keep an allen wrench handy for use when the loctite fails to hold screws.

Buffer pad is a pain in the *ss and can be lost in a heartbeat.

Otherwise, it shoots like a dream.
 
"overtighten the hex head screws that hold the barrel to the frame."

I think RAE means the rear sight assembly to the frame and barrel. The barrel is held to the frame by a single slot head screw. I never take the barrel off the frame. I seldom take the rear sight assembly off but the rear screw does tend to loosen with shooting. I need to get some of that Loctite. I use a "poor man's gun scrubber", silicon spray, to wash all the gunk out of the innards by spraying at all angles and letting the residue run out with the dripoff. It seems to keep the gun clean enough. I really enjoy the Buckmark.
RAE's right about the stuff that will fall out of the right side after the grip is removed and when you remove the left hand grip, the slide lock will most likely fall out. It's pretty intuitive how it goes back in. I had mine apart today at the range and no, the mag release won't reverse. There isn't the cutout on the left side for the flat spring that provides tension for the release button.
Enjoy it.
 
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