I am ready to purchase a new .22 pistol! I am interested in the Sig Trailside and the Browning Buckmark. i would like some opinions on both guns. please don't bother telling me to consider any other .22 , for that is the ONLY 2 that i am interested in. I am looking for thoughts on Accuracy and Durability! Any info would be appreciated!
Sig Trailside or Browning Buckmark?
- Thread starter Humanfly
- Start date
I owned both of these guns, and I would vote for the Buck Mark hands down. I bought one of the cheaper models for about $220 and that thing was reliable and accurate. I used to burn up a brick of ammo almost everytime I went to the range. Got to where hitting empty shotgun shells at 25 to 30 yards was routine. (club had a plinking range) I just didn't like the Trailside as much, it cost more and wasn't appreciably more accurate. Didn't like the grips either.
I'd go with the Browning
I looked at these two and others very recently myself and went with a standard Browning Buckmark w/ a 5.5" slabside barrel. The Trailside is a very nice looking gun, but I've heard several unfavorable reports about the plastic magazines and other failures of the gun (I wish I could ellaborate, but I am tired).
The Browning has also certainly had its number of complaints, none of which I have encountered in 500 rounds. I had 1 failure to fire, but I am 100% certain that it was a bad round, as a deep strike was left on the rim by the firing pin (I'm supposing no primer). I have not had the rear site base loosen, and I didn't loose any of the small parts when I dissambled it for cleaning (forewarned is forearmed). Currently, I have been putting CCI MiniMags and Remington Thunderbolts through with the failure being with the Remington ammo (the ammo is from my father and is over 5 years old).
Browning: Real nice feel to it, stylish with more classic lines, mine has been reliable so far, inexpensive.
Sig: Beautiful looking, but I'm not about to pay out the kind of money they want for a plinker.
Of course, YMMV
I looked at these two and others very recently myself and went with a standard Browning Buckmark w/ a 5.5" slabside barrel. The Trailside is a very nice looking gun, but I've heard several unfavorable reports about the plastic magazines and other failures of the gun (I wish I could ellaborate, but I am tired).
The Browning has also certainly had its number of complaints, none of which I have encountered in 500 rounds. I had 1 failure to fire, but I am 100% certain that it was a bad round, as a deep strike was left on the rim by the firing pin (I'm supposing no primer). I have not had the rear site base loosen, and I didn't loose any of the small parts when I dissambled it for cleaning (forewarned is forearmed). Currently, I have been putting CCI MiniMags and Remington Thunderbolts through with the failure being with the Remington ammo (the ammo is from my father and is over 5 years old).
Browning: Real nice feel to it, stylish with more classic lines, mine has been reliable so far, inexpensive.
Sig: Beautiful looking, but I'm not about to pay out the kind of money they want for a plinker.
Of course, YMMV
humanfly, either one would be a good pistol. There were some early reports of problems with the Trailside but as far as I can see they've been corrected.
I own a trailside I've put about 1,000 rounds through without any failures. Let me correct that. I have 4 spare magazines, all plastic. The first 20-40 rounds through each magazine had feeding problems but since then I've not had any problems at all.
I didn't like the grips either so I made my own out of a piece of walnut I had lying around. There are some aftermarket grips available that look much more ergonomic. They're made by essex but I can't find the url.
I have the 4.5" bbl with fixed sights. It just seems better balanced and better proportioned than the Browning. It's still more accurate than I'll ever be.
I own a trailside I've put about 1,000 rounds through without any failures. Let me correct that. I have 4 spare magazines, all plastic. The first 20-40 rounds through each magazine had feeding problems but since then I've not had any problems at all.
I didn't like the grips either so I made my own out of a piece of walnut I had lying around. There are some aftermarket grips available that look much more ergonomic. They're made by essex but I can't find the url.
I have the 4.5" bbl with fixed sights. It just seems better balanced and better proportioned than the Browning. It's still more accurate than I'll ever be.
Two fine choises, but what are the criteria besides being a .22 LR?
For a plinker, the Buckmark is a much better deal. From what I was told, there is no difference in trigger quality in models, so the lower cost camper model is a great deal.
If you want to get a model for competition, a Sig is probably a better choise. The Buckmark has competition models, but I get the feeling that the high end for Sig is higher than Brownings.
My Buckmark needed a couple hundred rounds to wear in properly. The only ammo problem I have now is with very hard primers. I had one Remington take 6 attempts before it went off. Now each trigger pull left a deep dent on the casing, so it was not the Buckmark. I got a deal for a Buckmark Plus Micro, which means that it has nice walnut grips (the plus part), a 4.5" barrel, and costs more (again, the plus part).
The trigger pull is light and crisp. The only better trigger I have felt is for a S&W 625 from the Performance Center. I guess I got lucky on that part, but I did try it out before buying. After shooting my Buckmark I can really acutely feel the flaws in my other triggers.
I found that getting a fiber optic front sight did wonders for my grouping. Black on black sights never work for me.
I doubt I will ever be as accurate as the Buckmark. This more .22 LR as I can ever use.
Really, if you have the money either way, you will not go wrong.
For a plinker, the Buckmark is a much better deal. From what I was told, there is no difference in trigger quality in models, so the lower cost camper model is a great deal.
If you want to get a model for competition, a Sig is probably a better choise. The Buckmark has competition models, but I get the feeling that the high end for Sig is higher than Brownings.
My Buckmark needed a couple hundred rounds to wear in properly. The only ammo problem I have now is with very hard primers. I had one Remington take 6 attempts before it went off. Now each trigger pull left a deep dent on the casing, so it was not the Buckmark. I got a deal for a Buckmark Plus Micro, which means that it has nice walnut grips (the plus part), a 4.5" barrel, and costs more (again, the plus part).
The trigger pull is light and crisp. The only better trigger I have felt is for a S&W 625 from the Performance Center. I guess I got lucky on that part, but I did try it out before buying. After shooting my Buckmark I can really acutely feel the flaws in my other triggers.
I found that getting a fiber optic front sight did wonders for my grouping. Black on black sights never work for me.
I doubt I will ever be as accurate as the Buckmark. This more .22 LR as I can ever use.
Really, if you have the money either way, you will not go wrong.
Go for the Trailside. I use mine in the local bullseye league, probably have 3k rounds through mine. I also shoot a S&W M41 in the league and for the money, the Trailside is a better deal.
It is 100% reliable. I got one of the first ones out, never had a problem, eats any ammo (including hi-velocity), ejects very reliably, has integral scope rails and is easily upgraded. Plus, perhaps the greatest asset is that Larry Carter at www.larrysguns.com supports it with all the parts and upgrades that you could want. I have upgraded mine with the ergo grips (X-esse is a trademark of Hammerlli), barrel weight, adjustable trigger and adjustable second stage plunger. Trigger in now a very crisp 2lbs. In everything except shear mass the Trailside is equal to or better than the M41 (I just sent the M41 to Clark for a trigger job, so will have to compare again when it gets back).
I'd get the plinker model and upgrade as needed. If your not going to put a red dot on it be sure to order the adjustable rear sight from Larry ($39.95) as the one on the plinker model is just molded plastic and is only drift adjustable (you can easily push it around with your thumb).
Jerry
It is 100% reliable. I got one of the first ones out, never had a problem, eats any ammo (including hi-velocity), ejects very reliably, has integral scope rails and is easily upgraded. Plus, perhaps the greatest asset is that Larry Carter at www.larrysguns.com supports it with all the parts and upgrades that you could want. I have upgraded mine with the ergo grips (X-esse is a trademark of Hammerlli), barrel weight, adjustable trigger and adjustable second stage plunger. Trigger in now a very crisp 2lbs. In everything except shear mass the Trailside is equal to or better than the M41 (I just sent the M41 to Clark for a trigger job, so will have to compare again when it gets back).
I'd get the plinker model and upgrade as needed. If your not going to put a red dot on it be sure to order the adjustable rear sight from Larry ($39.95) as the one on the plinker model is just molded plastic and is only drift adjustable (you can easily push it around with your thumb).
Jerry
I have owned three Buckmarks and two Trailsides. I wish I could recommend the Trailside since it is a much nicer gun. All of the Buckmarks worked perfectly. Neither of the Trailsides would run right. Sig replaced the first one which wouldn't run at all with the second one. It was better, but still not reliable. I traded #2 off. The plastic magazines on the Trailside suck. Perhaps Sig/Hammerli has fixed things, but I no longer have any desire to be a guinea pig. Watch-Six
Watch-Six
Did you try the newer split lip mags? While I have never had a problem with the older style, after break-in (20rounds) the newer style do "feel" better in a way I can't explain.
Also, did you look at the inside of the mags for mold marks? I jamed one of the old mags while loading by getting a round vertical in the rear track (nothing I haven't done in my 41 mags which are very similar) . Unlike the 41's metal mag, I scratched the inside of the plastic mag when extracting the bullet (trying to get ready for rapid and was hurried). That particular mag did become a little fussier when loading bullets into the mag, but still zero FTFs. Just needed to sand the scratch down to fix that self-induced problem.
As for ammo, I have used with zero problems: CCI SV and Green Tag; Federal Target and UltraMatch; PMC Scoremaster; Federal-Wallyworld Hi-Vel, and assorted Eley match and pistol rounds. That's a wide range, but I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't a brand somewhere that chokes my Trailside. 22's are notoriously ammo sensitive (for example my 41 chokes on anything by Federal and a teammate's Ruger will ONLY swallow Blazers).
Jerry
Did you try the newer split lip mags? While I have never had a problem with the older style, after break-in (20rounds) the newer style do "feel" better in a way I can't explain.
Also, did you look at the inside of the mags for mold marks? I jamed one of the old mags while loading by getting a round vertical in the rear track (nothing I haven't done in my 41 mags which are very similar) . Unlike the 41's metal mag, I scratched the inside of the plastic mag when extracting the bullet (trying to get ready for rapid and was hurried). That particular mag did become a little fussier when loading bullets into the mag, but still zero FTFs. Just needed to sand the scratch down to fix that self-induced problem.
As for ammo, I have used with zero problems: CCI SV and Green Tag; Federal Target and UltraMatch; PMC Scoremaster; Federal-Wallyworld Hi-Vel, and assorted Eley match and pistol rounds. That's a wide range, but I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't a brand somewhere that chokes my Trailside. 22's are notoriously ammo sensitive (for example my 41 chokes on anything by Federal and a teammate's Ruger will ONLY swallow Blazers).
Jerry
Hello all,
Another vote for the Trailside here. I have put about 2000 rounds through mine, and have to say that it is really an exceptional gun. It is true that I have had a few FTFs, but I attribute these to the cheesy plastic mag (a mark against it, to be sure). The gun feels great in my hand, has excellent trigger feel, and is far more accurate than I will ever be. It is well worth the extra money. Buy the six inch model with standard sights, and slap a nice red dot scope on it. You will not be disappointed.
I have had the opportunity to fire Buckmark's in the past, and have nothing but good things to say about them. But for my money, you can not pass up a Hammerli for under $400.
Hope that helps,
John
Another vote for the Trailside here. I have put about 2000 rounds through mine, and have to say that it is really an exceptional gun. It is true that I have had a few FTFs, but I attribute these to the cheesy plastic mag (a mark against it, to be sure). The gun feels great in my hand, has excellent trigger feel, and is far more accurate than I will ever be. It is well worth the extra money. Buy the six inch model with standard sights, and slap a nice red dot scope on it. You will not be disappointed.
I have had the opportunity to fire Buckmark's in the past, and have nothing but good things to say about them. But for my money, you can not pass up a Hammerli for under $400.
Hope that helps,
John
My gunsmith...
...refers to the SIG as the "Trailslime".
You'd think that, for the price, they'd include magazines that weren't stolen from an airsoft gun. Also, the couple that I've shot have convinced me that SIG keeps a *&* Model 41 or a Benelli MP95e in the basement for shooting those "test targets" they include in the box.
...refers to the SIG as the "Trailslime".
You'd think that, for the price, they'd include magazines that weren't stolen from an airsoft gun. Also, the couple that I've shot have convinced me that SIG keeps a *&* Model 41 or a Benelli MP95e in the basement for shooting those "test targets" they include in the box.
I only tired the one style of mags that came with the two guns. I did, however, try other identical mags that a friend of mine had with his Trailside. They all had the same poor performance. Perhaps things have improved. As my memory is recalling the whole miserable event I just remembered a comment by the lady at Sig when I called about the first gun. I told her that I had several Sig pistols and had never had this kind of problem with a Sig before. She reminded me that the Trailside is NOT A SIG, but a Hammerli. I was not consoled. Watch-Six
Trailside
I recently faced the same decision. I was between sig trailside and browning 5.5 target. I was set on the Browning. The deciding factor for me was the fact that I called every gun dealer in town, and no one could find the Browning. They could order it for me and have it in 90-120 days.
I then bought the sig target, and I have never looked back. It is much nicer in terms of fit and finish than my buckmark camper, and the trailside target has a much better competition wood grip.
I recently faced the same decision. I was between sig trailside and browning 5.5 target. I was set on the Browning. The deciding factor for me was the fact that I called every gun dealer in town, and no one could find the Browning. They could order it for me and have it in 90-120 days.
I then bought the sig target, and I have never looked back. It is much nicer in terms of fit and finish than my buckmark camper, and the trailside target has a much better competition wood grip.
About 2 years ago I purchased a Browning Varmitter model target pistol I put a Tasco PDP-3 red dot sight on it and paid $400 for the combo. The Browning has been very reliable exept for the screw on the rear of the barrel works loose if it is not very tight. I have found at 25 yards the gun is as accurate as my Ruger 10-22T and the trigger is adjustable from 3 lbs. up to 4.5 lbs. I have owned high-end Ruger MK II's but the Browning is a better and more accurate target pistol IMHO. I have approx. 2500 round of Federal 711B target ammo through it.
trailside is sweet
9mmpara is right the trailside is really nice. as far as the mags go they seem to break in and get more dependable as they get used. I think it is sig who made a slightly differnt magazine that works better then th original but it to need some rounds run through it.
6946
ps john u would be more accurate if you worked on your stance a little haha :
9mmpara is right the trailside is really nice. as far as the mags go they seem to break in and get more dependable as they get used. I think it is sig who made a slightly differnt magazine that works better then th original but it to need some rounds run through it.
6946
ps john u would be more accurate if you worked on your stance a little haha
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