I’m not a handgun guy. Not that I don’t love them; I do. My issue is that I don’t shoot them well. From revolvers to semi-auto builds, I have difficulty putting lead on the mark with handguns. 

Still, I couldn’t resist the chance to put Browning’s Buck Mark Hunter through the paces. Maybe this single-action, blowback operated, semi-automatic .22 LR handgun would make me feel better about my pistol-shooting skills.

The Browning Buck Mark Hunter arrives in a sleek black zippered case, complete with a lock and comprehensive instructions. The first thing that caught my eye was the alloy frame, boasting a striking matte blue finish that eliminates any potential glare. The Browning-branded cocobolo-colored laminated wood target grips and gold trigger add a touch of elegance. A Picatinny rail runs along the top of the receiver and extends onto the 7-1/4-inch barrel, providing ample space for accessories. 

The front of the barrel features a TRUGLO/Marble Arms fiber-optic (fluorescent green) sight that is complemented by the target-style, adjustable Pro-Target rear sight. The Pro-Target rear sight offers 16 clicks of windage for finer adjustment.

Other immediate noticings include the sizeable magazine release between the trigger guard and the upper part of the grip. The magazine is a single-stack 10-round capacity, and Browning incorporates an easy-to-reach slide stop and safety lever.

The target grips welcomed my hand. I applaud the raised section, which creates ideal thumb placement. My other three fingers fell perfectly onto the lower part of the grip. This grip promotes a “thumbs forward” grip, which is the most recognized grip by IPSC and USPSA shooters.

The pistol’s overall length is 11-1/4 inches, and its total weight without a red-dot sight or anything attached to the rail is 38 ounces (about 1.08 kg). I like the heavy feel and longer length. I hoped both would improve shot-to-shot consistency once I got the handgun to the range. Manipulating the slide is easy thanks to recessed grooves in the slide. I was also an immediate fan of the notched rear sight. It aligns perfectly with the front sight. Plus, I was thrilled that the rear sight was easily adjustable. The gold trigger is perfectly angled, and the curvature welcomed my index finger. 

The magazine release was easy to use, as was the slide lock. The safety offered sure engagement. The heat-treated steel construction of the magazine is designed for durability. Loading is as easy as pushing down on the button on the left side to lower the follower so cartridges can be dropped into the magazine without spring pressure. 

Finally at the range, the magazine quickly accepted my 40-grain Browning Pro 22 LR ammo. Sliding the magazine into the pistol, I took careful aim and sent my first five rounds from five yards at an oversized target with an excellent backstop. My target was a single white sheet of paper with a one-inch orange dot in the middle. 

My first shot broke clean and crisp, and before sending another round, I pushed the safety lever up and admired the handgun. The combination of length, weight, and caliber eliminated jump and shock. The Buck Mark didn’t move at all when the trigger broke. The spent casing flew feet away, and surprisingly, my five-yard group was reasonably good. 

I knew the handgun was praised for its accuracy in several reviews. Accuracy is essential, but I want to touch on how enjoyable this handgun is to shoot. My youngest son, who is a small-framed and 70-pound-soaking-wet 12-year-old, handled and fired the gun with ease. When he blew through the first 100 rounds, he looked at me and said, “I know we have more in the truck.”

This is the type of handgun that builds immediate shooting confidence. It doesn’t beat you up —at all — and the more you shoot it, the more accurate you get. It’s simple and straightforward to use, and I must praise the trigger. The pull is smooth and light. There is zero creep and pull weight is around four pounds.  

After my first 30 rounds, I made some quick adjustments to the rear sight. This process is painless, the adjustment screws are clearly labeled UP and R (right). All you need is a small flathead screwdriver. Just know that a little movement goes a long way. The 16-click revolution Pro-Target sight offers a finite range of adjustment. 

After punching paper at five and 10 yards, I moved to 20 yards. My first shot knocked a soda can off the wood log and sent it tumbling into the dirt backstop. Yes, I know, I’m a kid at heart. Isn’t that what makes a handgun like this so awesome, though? You’re not purchasing this shooter for concealed carry. You get this handgun because it’s crazy fun to shoot and, in my case, made me feel like a much better handgunner than I am. Sure, I shot some groups on paper at distances up to 50 yards, which was a blast. However, most of my time behind the Buck Mark Hunter was spent sending lead into steel targets, busting soda cans, and having a blast plinking. 

The slide is easy to manipulate, and an upward push of the safety eases the safety lever into the safety groove. The magazine release is smooth, and the coil-spring magazine with spring assist makes loading the magazine a breeze and helps push the rounds out to ensure smooth shooting. Like the safety, the slide lock is smooth and simple to manipulate. Pull the slide back and push the lock up. 

Between my wife, myself, and my three kids, we put 325 rounds through the Buck Mark Field Target. Not once did we experience a feed jam or any handgun malfunction. The CNC frame, made from 7075-T6 aluminum alloy boosts overall longevity, and mechanically, this handgun is a breeze to break down for cleaning. 

Personally, I’m a fan of the wood grip, but as Browning does with most of its firearms, the Buck Mark comes in multiple models, including the new-for-2024 Buck Mark Vision Black/Gold Suppressor Ready - Vortex Red Dot, Buck Mark Hunter 5.9, and Buck Mark - Medallion Rosewood - Vortex Dot. If you opt for a comes-with-a-red-dot model and take the time to sight in, the accuracy of this handgun should be unreal. 

Everyone needs a Buck Mark in their handgun arsenal. Competitive shooters will benefit from its pin-point accuracy, while plinkers (me) can have a blast punching paper, dotting cans, and creating shooting games on the range. Anyone can shoot this handgun well, and if you’re looking for a small-game shooter, the Buck Mark will make an excellent rabbit, squirrel, etc. handgun.