Browning Buckmarks, how often to field strip?

[His lordship.]

I bought a new Browning Buckmark on Saturday, shot 70 rounds on Sunday.  So far, I am very impressed.  Had two jams with the Winchester brand, but she ate the low velocity Eleys, and the high velocity CCIs extreamly well.  Even shot it at 100 yards, 4 out of the 5 rounds fired hit, outstanding for a .22 RF pistol.  Seems tolerant of different brands too, my CZ made guns are like that, will shoot anything reasonably well, with a particular favorite being the best.

One of the main reasons I went with Browning is that I thought it would be easier to field strip over my old Ruger MK. 2.  After 14 years, I could not get my Ruger apart to properly clean it.  Had to spray Break Free into the action, and manually clean the chamber.  Someone at the factory had hit the release strap on the frame with a hammer and I could not get it loose.  Sold the gun. 

But, the Browning seems to say from the instructions that you have to unscrew the top part, with the 2 screws, to get at the inside.  All my centerfire pistols have easy release parts to field strip in seconds, no tools needed.  How often do you guys take apart your Buckmarks to get at the inside? 

Thanks.     

[Zen900]

You only need to remove the rear sight screw to field strip. Not both front and rear. This is handy particularly if you mount a scope.

[Keith L]

I am a poor example of proper Buckmark care.  I have several thousand rouinds through mine and have never taken it down for a good cleaning.  Mine shoots mainly Federal bulk and has never failed with them.  It has jammed and failed to fire some Remington bulk, but really likes the Remington target.

[Questor]

The buckmark seems to be an interesting creature in that it tends to stay clean. We've had ours for a few years and I've never thought it needed to be taken down for cleaning. I've got other 22 semi autos and they do tend to need frequent cleaning. The only issue I have with our buckmark is that it fails to cycle when it's very cold out (as in well below freezing). Federal/Walmart bulk ammo does very well in ours, and since it's a plinker that's what we use exclusively.

Actually, I have done a little cleaning in the action with a solvent-dipped Q-tip, but that's about the extent of it. And I did take it down once to inspect the work of a trigger job I had done. It was easy to do, and was trouble-free.

[Dee]

I've never taken mine apart either. Spray a little Remoil in the action ever now and then though. I guess it has a thousand rounds or so thru it. I don't think it's ever jammed.

[akr]

I bought a new Browning Buckmark on Saturday, shot 70 rounds on Sunday.  So far, I am very impressed.  Had two jams with the Winchester brand, but she ate the low velocity Eleys, and the high velocity CCIs extreamly well.  Even shot it at 100 yards, 4 out of the 5 rounds fired hit, outstanding for a .22 RF pistol.  Seems tolerant of different brands too, my CZ made guns are like that, will shoot anything reasonably well, with a particular favorite being the best.

One of the main reasons I went with Browning is that I thought it would be easier to field strip over my old Ruger MK. 2.  After 14 years, I could not get my Ruger apart to properly clean it.  Had to spray Break Free into the action, and manually clean the chamber.  Someone at the factory had hit the release strap on the frame with a hammer and I could not get it loose.  Sold the gun. 

But, the Browning seems to say from the instructions that you have to unscrew the top part, with the 2 screws, to get at the inside.  All my centerfire pistols have easy release parts to field strip in seconds, no tools needed.  How often do you guys take apart your Buckmarks to get at the inside? 

Thanks.     

Chris, I go pick up my new Buckmark on Tuesday, the 26th....can't wait.  Maybe we can share Buckmark stories. 

[sburd]

Eventually you have to replace the little buffer that the slide recoils into.  If you start having jams you may want to check that part.  I have 2 Buckmarks over 15 years old and recently had to replace the buffer on both.  One had started to jam the other worked fine but both buffers fell out in pieces.  New $2 part and both guns work fine again.

[1marty]

I've never cleaned mine and after several thousand rounds it still appears clean. Once in awhile a I spray some oil but that's about it.
I've been shooting cci mini mags RN and never had a jam.

[Dee]

Since my last post in oct. of 06, I have ran another 500 to 700 rounds thru mine with no jams, and a little oiling. I never clean the bore on ANY 22, because of the lubes the bullet companies use I see no need, unless accruacy becomes an issue.

[Questor]

I've removed the top end from the frame for cleaning a few times, maybe once a year which is about 1200 rounds. It's not that difficult to do. I have had no difficulties with it. By the way, cleaning that frequently seems excessive. It's an easy gun to keep clean just by wiping about the chamber and magzine well. The innards of the gun are well protected from burnt powder and other crud that results from shooting.

You'll like the gun. The only problem I've had with mine is that it really needed a trigger job to lighten the 10+ pound trigger pull.

[Savage]

Don't own a Buckmark.  I have two Mk ll Rugers that I use for falling plates. I field strip and clean them about 4 times a year, or about every 500rds. Probably not necessary, but it makes me feel better. I would think the same regiment would be appropriate for the Buckmarks. I use the CCI copper washed Mini Mags, and they are reasonably clean. The lubed lead bullets are much dirtier and may require more frequent cleaning.
Savage
edit: For reliable function in cold weather use the white lithium grease.

[222]

Only to change springs every couple of years unless I fall in the river with it.
Ray

[dalv]

+1 on sburd
I have a Challenger III essentially an older version of the Buckmark.  Put a reddot on it (49 yr old eyes) and enjoy!   It's a shooter but I started having jams, took it apart and buffer was in pieces.  Numrich had in stock, dropped it in and away we went. Probably should have bought two.

Numrich Arms has exploded view on the website, tear down really isn't bad - go for it.  Let's you clean the nooks and crannies.

[papajohn428]

I shoot the cheapest bulk ammo I can get, usually the Federal and Remington stuff, and the breechface gets grungy after several hundred rounds.  I also keep a tool handy to tighten the sight base screws, as they loosen up now and then in cold weather.  My buffer is still hanging in there after over 20,000 rounds in 15 years, but I guess I ought to order a few.  Has anyone ever had to replace the slide spring in theirs?  I just keep the gun reasonably clean and lubed, and it shoots better than it has any right to.

Papajohn