Late last year, I picked up my first Browning Buck Mark. Since I already had a few Ruger Mark IV pistols, and a S&W SW22 Victory, it seemed like it was time to complete the rimfire trifecta. The model I got is the Camper Stainless URX. Like most Buck Mark pistols, it comes with Browning’s usual alloy receiver and an attractive matte stainless finish that almost looks like nickel. The tapered bull barrel is unthreaded, which is a bit disappointing. And the overmolded ambidextrous grips don’t look great, but feel pretty good in hand. What sold me on it was the nice (for factory) trigger and their Pro-Target adjustable sights, though I later experimented with upgrades like the TandemKross Marksman Sight System.
Like many owners, I quickly started looking at a few simple **Browning Buck Mark upgrades** that could improve reliability and usability without turning the pistol into a full competition race gun.
With its “good enough” trigger, bright fiber optic TruGlo front sight, and an unthreaded barrel, I had some decisions to make. I could go all-in, replacing the barrel with something like a Tactical Solutions Trail-Lite barrel upgrade, adding an optic and mount like the Outer Impact Buck Mark red dot mount, and installing new internals and trigger. That would easily double my cost and turn this pistol into another Steel Challenge race gun. Or I could just leave it stock.
Well… we know I’m not likely to leave something stock.
In the end, I decided to add a few upgrades for reliability and ease of use while keeping it mostly factory. These modifications are the first ones I would recommend for most Buck Mark owners. More importantly, they are simple enough that anyone with basic tools and a little patience can install them. No gunsmith required.
Halo Charging Ring for the Browning Buck Mark
I’d like to meet the person who doesn’t use a Halo on their Buck Mark. Of the “big three” rimfire pistols, the Buck Mark has the narrowest slide. My big hands and fingers don’t fit well between the grips and rear sight. Pinching it works, but it isn’t ideal.
Of course, the benefit of that slender slide is that the Halo charging ring is also very narrow. It’s the least obtrusive one I’ve used, but the loop is still big enough to get one of my fat fingers into. I almost always install the Halo first, since many other operations are easier with it already installed.
Installation of this lightweight aluminum ring is very simple. Remove the magazine and lock the slide back. Confirm the Buck Mark is unloaded. Slide the Halo onto the rear of the slide and center it so it isn’t too high or too low. Install the two cross bolts and tighten them until snug. I alternate between the two screws, tightening them evenly about a quarter turn each time.
Once installed, perform a quick function check to make sure it doesn’t interfere with normal operation. With the Halo installed, it becomes far easier to chamber a round, clear a jam, and lock the slide open to render the pistol safe. At $49.99, consider it money well spent.
Buy the TandemKross Halo Charging Ring here.
The next three items are easiest to install in the order shown below.
Eagle’s Talon Extractor for the Browning Buck Mark
Factory extractors are usually stamped steel to keep costs down. They can last through thousands of rounds, but they do wear eventually and may contribute to failures to extract. That’s annoying during casual shooting and unacceptable in competition.
The Eagle’s Talon extractor is machined from hardened tool steel and features a sharper hook than the factory part. That design helps eliminate extraction issues. For just $12.99, it’s cheap insurance.
Buy the Eagle’s Talon Extractor here.
TandemKross provides a simple instruction sheet with photos and step-by-step guidance.
Firestarter Titanium Firing Pin for the Browning Buck Mark
.22LR ammunition isn’t what it used to be. Even decent bulk ammo can occasionally produce a click instead of a bang. While I can’t verify the claim that titanium firing pins reduce lock time, I do know they tend to provide more positive ignition.
For $22.99, the Firestarter firing pin pairs well with the upgraded extractor to increase overall reliability.
Buy the Firestarter Titanium Firing Pin here.
Installation is a little more involved since the bolt assembly must be removed, but TandemKross provides excellent instructions.
Eliminator Buck Mark Recoil Guide Rod by Striplin Custom Gunworks
TandemKross collaborated with Striplin Custom Gunworks to produce the Eliminator recoil guide rod. This $22.99 stainless guide rod has two advantages over the factory part.
First, it eliminates the C-clip, removing the possibility of losing that small component during maintenance. Second, the polished stainless construction should run with less friction.
Buy the Eliminator Buck Mark Recoil Guide Rod here.
Green Springs Magazine Springs for the Browning Buck Mark
Browning magazines are well made, but the factory spring could be stronger. TandemKross Green Springs are about an inch longer than the OEM springs and improve feeding reliability in both new and worn magazines.
Buy Green Springs Magazine Springs here.
Buck PRO Extended Magazine Bumpers for the Browning Buck Mark
Flush-fit Buck Mark magazines work well, but they aren’t always the easiest to seat quickly. The Buck PRO extended bumpers add a small extension that ensures positive seating every time.
Buy Buck PRO Extended Magazine Bumpers here.
How to modify a Buck Mark case to allow for a Halo. Thx. The Halo is great.