Posted: 12/8/2011 4:30:19 PM EDT
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I've got a used Buckmark slabside that I got a decent price on used. It looks like it's been sliding around someone's glove box for the past few years & has some scratches that I don't like to have on my guns. While I WON'T be putting a can on it (already have a threaded Buckmark for that), I think I'd like to look at some aftermarket options for a barrel replacement.
I know I can google up brands & so forth, but I'd prefer to hear some firsthand info from current owners about the good, the bad & the ugly. So if y'all would be kind enough to give me a variety of options & your opinions, please? I have no real purpose in mind as of now. I think it might be one of those "I'll know it when I sees it" kind of thing........... 
Thanks in advance! |
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I have a barrel/receiver for a Ruger and an aluminum barrel for a Buck Mark - both made by Tactical Solutions. Both are accurate and caused no reliability problems. Both are too darn light for my liking.
There are lots of take-off Buck Mark barrels at reasonable prices since TacSol replacements are fairly popular right now. All Buck Mark barrels (and Challenger III barrels) will fit your grip frame. Refinishing is an option if you like its current barrel. I had one pistol done in Robar NP3 and another in hard chrome. I'll go w/ hard chrome on another older Belgian Browning project that's been in the works for a while. Here's a second model International Medalist I already had done in HC: 
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Quoted:
TacSol seems to be the most popular aftermarket barrel maker - I've got two (1 threaded, one not) and I'm happy with them because of the weight reduction. You can also find OEM barrels for $40 to $100 (or more) depending on configuration. http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s131/bdaleray/Firearms/Holster_BM002.jpg Wow, now that's a NICE looking Buckmark!!!!!! 
You know, I never really thought about getting another OEM bbl for it.  Thanks for that idea. The local fun shop has a loooooong barrelled Buckmark in stock (not sure the model name) that looks enticing. I might check out that upper.
My threaded model is the bull barrelled Camper Whisper model, so I'm able to have both a can host as well as a tack driver in compact form. This is why I was thinking of something different, I just don't know what yet.............
But thanks to both for the ideas. Hopefully more will follow along shortly. |
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I have a 9 7/8" barrel for my Buckmark (along with the original 5.5" slabside barrel & a 4" threaded barrel). The long barrel I have is from the Varmint model & has no sights, just a picatinney rail along the length of it, which is sporting a Burris Fastfire II. There is also a Silhouette model that has the same rail, but also has iron sights, this is the one I wish I had gotten, but they are rare and pretty pricey.
Changing barrels on a Buckmark is so easy, I never felt the need to buy another whole pistol, just aquire the barrels I wanted for the different configurations. |
I went to Gun Broker & saw some real nice 7"~ aftermarket barrels, both threaded & non-. I kinda like the fluted barrel look as well. The only downside is most of them are in the $200~ range! Ouch! 
I know quality isn't cheap & all that, but I only paid $265 or so for the gun, used. 
But a thanks to all for the info & ideas! |
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Where are all of these take off barrels that you talk about ?
I have a barrel/receiver for a Ruger and an aluminum barrel for a Buck Mark - both made by Tactical Solutions. Both are accurate and caused no reliability problems. Both are too darn light for my liking. There are lots of take-off Buck Mark barrels at reasonable prices since TacSol replacements are fairly popular right now. All Buck Mark barrels (and Challenger III barrels) will fit your grip frame. Refinishing is an option if you like its current barrel. I had one pistol done in Robar NP3 and another in hard chrome. I'll go w/ hard chrome on another older Belgian Browning project that's been in the works for a while. Here's a second model International Medalist I already had done in HC: http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Refinished_IM2A.JPG |
| Gunbroker has 9 right now. Most of them are listed by MGW (they're a little proud of their stuff, but I think it's new), but there are a few reasonably priced ones on there. Rimfire Central has one factory threaded barrel now. I'm sure other auction sites have them as well. I've picked up some for as cheap as $50 shipped and will have the chance to do so again if I just keep my eyes open. |
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Oh, shit! I like that one!!!!!!
Dare I ask what it cost, please? Did you have to change the color of the front sight insert or did it come that way? |
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Tactical Solutions 7.25 inch fluted barrel- $189.95 (They have shorter ones and with threaded ends with screw on cap if you want one for a suppressor)
Tactical Solutions Integrated Sight Rail- $66.00 (They have a cheaper one without the adjustable rear sight) Tactical Solutions "High" front FO sight- $22.00 (They sell "High and Low" front sights depending on what rear sight you use in different colors) .45 Grip Panels from Rusty_22- $55.00 (Offered in different colors of powercoat as well as beadblasted) Hogue .45 Grips- $22.00 Nickel Grip Screws,Nickel Slide Release and Nickel Safety from Browning- abt $20.00 (Nickel parts including slide available from Browing Parts Dept.) I have a Mueller Quick-Shot Red Reflex Sight that I have yet to mount. Same pistol with Pachmyer Grips. 
Here's a pic of another Buckmark owner's pistol that inspired me. 
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There's no front sight.................... 
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Quoted:
Tactical Solutions 7.25 inch fluted barrel- $189.95 (They have shorter ones and with threaded ends with screw on cap if you want one for a suppressor) Tactical Solutions "High" front FO sight- $22.00 (They sell "High and Low" front sights depending on what rear sight you use in different colors) I like the set-up but I have no need for a threaded bbl as my Whisper model handles my can. Still, $189 seems a bit high (for me) just for a Buckmark bbl assembly, IMO. |
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Nuthin's free.
One's options are limited in regards to aftermarket parts for the Buckmark. You could mix and match some OEM Buckmark parts for a different look. Or you could try something like Rusty_22 has done: Rusty22's Site |