GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

The Browning Buck Mark Rifle is a single-action autoloading rifle that utilizes a straight blow-back, recoil-operated design for simplicity and reliability. Cartridges are fed from a removable magazine that makes loading the rifle fast and easy. With the chamber and magazine loaded and the “safety” in the off safe or fire position, the rifle will fire a single cartridge with each successive pull of the trigger until the chamber and magazine are empty. The slide of the rifle is designed to stay open after the last cartridge has been fired. The frame is made from CNC-machined 7075-T6 aluminum to ensure tight, consistent parts fit and excellent reliability. 

NOTICE: DO NOT DRY FIRE THE BUCK MARK RIFLE. DRY FIRING MAY DAMAGE THE FIREARM COMPONENTS, POSSIBLY RENDERING THE FIREARM INOPERABLE.

NOMENCLATURE

In conventional firearm terminology, the position and movement of parts are described as they occur with the rifle horizontal and in normal firing position; i.e. the muzzle is forward or front; the sights are upward or on top. For general nomenclature refer to Figure 1. General functions and procedures are described and illustrated using a Buck Mark Sporter Rifle. Procedures unique to individual models are discussed separately.

SERIAL NUMBER

The serial number of your Buck Mark Rifle can be found stamped on the left side of the rifle frame, in front of the trigger guard.

The Buck Mark Rifle incorporates a manual thumb-operated, sear blocking “safety.” To put the mechanism on safe, the slide must be fully forward with the hammer cocked. The manual thumb “safety” lever is then pushed upward into the recess provided for it in the slide (Figure 2). Note: This may require firm pressure. Be sure the lever travels to its maximum upward movement and is completely engaged in the recess. Although the sear is now blocked, abusive handling such as a sharp blow could dislodge the hammer or otherwise cause the firing pin to move forward and discharge a cartridge.

The slide release / stop latch is on the left side of the slide, above the magazine release (Figure 3). It automatically engages after the last cartridge in the magazine has been fired. It can also be used to lock the slide in the rearward position when the magazine is removed. 

To engage the slide release/stop latch, pull the slide completely rearward and push upward on the slide release/stop latch. 

To release the slide when no magazine is in the rifle and the slide is locked rearward, press the slide release/stop latch downward. When pressed, the slide is released and will close under spring pressure.

WARNING: MAKE SURE YOUR FINGERS ARE SAFELY AWAY FROM THE CHAMBER WHEN THE SLIDE IS RELEASED TO AVOID PINCHING THEM WHEN THE SLIDE CLOSES.

CLEANING

Various exposed metal parts of your new firearm have been coated at the factory with a rust preventative compound. Before firing your rifle, clean the anti-rust compound from the inside of the barrel, receiver and the action-chamber areas. A fine, light gun oil is ideal for removing this compound and for giving your new firearm its first lubrication. However, any quality firearm oil may be used. Clean the barrel using a cleaning rod and patch as explained under the “Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions” section below. If your Buck Mark Rifle is to be stored, it is acceptable to leave the rust preventative compound on the rifle and keep it in its original packaging. 

NOTICE: NEVER ATTEMPT TO TAKE YOUR FIREARM APART FURTHER THAN EXPLAINED IN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL. YOUR FIREARM IS A SPECIALIZED, FINELY FITTED MECHANISM. YOU MAY PERMANENTLY DAMAGE IT BY ATTEMPTING TO DISASSEMBLE THE INNER MECHANISM ASSEMBLIES. IF FURTHER DISASSEMBLY FOR SERVICE OR CLEANING IS REQUIRED, TAKE YOUR FIREARM TO A QUALIFIED GUNSMITH, OR CONTACT OUR ARNOLD, MISSOURI SERVICE FACILITY AS EXPLAINED UNDER THE “SERVICE OR REPAIR” SECTION.

The barrel and action of this firearm have been made with safety margins over the pressures established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) for Service Cartridges. However, we assume no responsibility for incidents which occur through the use of cartridges of nonstandard dimension or those developing pressures in excess of SAAMI established standards.

The SA-22 must be used only with 22 Long Rifle rimfire ammunition as designated on the barrel.

The magazine capacity of the Buck Mark Rifle is 10 cartridges.

WARNING: WHEN LOADING YOUR RIFLE ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN  A SAFE DIRECTION, THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION, AND  YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

REMOVING AND LOADING THE MAGAZINE

1. Inspect the chamber to be sure it is empty (Figure 4). 

2. Pull the slide rearward and push the slide release/stop latch up to lock the slide to the rear.

3. Remove the magazine from the rifle by pressing the magazine release button with your thumb (Figure 5).

4. With the chamber empty, close the slide using the slide release / stop latch. To reduce the chance of inadvertently feeding a cartridge into the chamber from the magazine, always close the slide using the slide release/stop latch and place the “safety” in the on safe position before inserting a loaded magazine.

5. Place the “safety” up into the on safe position.

6. Load the magazine by sliding the magazine follower button located on the side of the magazine down with the thumb of one hand while inserting the cartridges with the other hand (Figure 6). 

LOADING THE RIFLE

1. Insert the loaded magazine into the rifle, being certain that the magazine is pressed completely in and is being retained by the magazine latch.

2. Slide the “safety” lever down into the off safe position.

3. Pull the slide completely back and release the slide. It will move forward under spring pressure and feed the first cartridge from the magazine into the chamber (Figure 7). 

WARNING: THE RIFLE IS NOW READY TO FIRE. UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT, IMMEDIATELY RETURN THE “SAFETY” TO THE ON SAFE POSITION.  FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

SINGLE-SHOT LOADING

If you wish to use your Buck Mark Rifle as a single-shot rifle, as when teaching a newcomer how to shoot, it is recommended that you use the following procedure. 

1. Pull the slide rearward and push the slide release/stop latch up to lock the slide to the rear. Inspect the chamber to be sure it is empty (Figure 4). 

2. Remove the magazine from the rifle by pressing the magazine release button (Figure 5).

3. With the chamber empty, close the slide by pushing the slide release/stop latch downward. To reduce the chance of inadvertently feeding a cartridge into the chamber from the magazine, close the slide by pushing the slide release/stop latch down and place the “safety” in the on safe position before inserting a loaded magazine.

4. Place the “safety” up into the on safe position.

5. Load a single cartridge into the magazine.

6. Insert the magazine into the rifle, be certain that the magazine is pressed completely in and is retained by the magazine latch.

7. When ready to fire, slide the “safety” lever down into the off safe position. 

8. Pull the slide completely back and release it. It will move forward under spring pressure and feed the cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. 

WARNING: THE RIFLE IS NOW READY TO FIRE. UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT, IMMEDIATELY RETURN THE “SAFETY” TO THE ON SAFE POSITION.  FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: NEVER CHAMBER A CARTRIDGE OR MOVE THE “SAFETY” FROM THE  ON SAFE POSITION UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

DO NOT USE UNORTHODOX SIGHTING METHODS. YOU WILL HAVE OBSERVED WHEN COCKING THE RIFLE THAT THE SLIDE MOVES REARWARD ABOUT ONE INCH PAST THE REAR OF THE FRAME. TO PREVENT THE SLIDE FROM CAUSING INJURY IN ITS REARWARD MOVEMENT WHEN YOU ARE SHOOTING, KEEP THE RIFLE AWAY FROM THE EYES OR FACE, AND NEITHER HAND SHOULD BE IN A POSITION WHERE IT COULD BE HIT BY THE SLIDE. 

1. Load a cartridge into the chamber as explained previously. Immediately place the “safety” in the on safe position. 

2. With a cartridge in the chamber, you need only move the “safety” to the off safe position to make the rifle ready for firing. 

3. When ready to fire, move the “safety” down into the off safe position, take aim and squeeze the trigger. 

After a cartridge has been fired, the slide moves rearward, ejects the empty case, then returns forward, loading a cartridge from the magazine. You may continue to fire the rifle until the magazine is empty by pulling the trigger to fire each cartridge. After the last cartridge is fired, the slide release/stop latch automatically holds the slide in its open or rearward position. If firing is no longer imminent, remove the magazine and close the slide by pushing down on the slide release/stop latch.

WARNING: AFTER THE LAST CARTRIDGE HAS BEEN FIRED, OR WHEN SHOOTING  IS NO LONGER IMMINENT, IMMEDIATELY PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD  RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

4. If the magazine is empty and you wish to continue shooting, follow the instructions in the “Loading” section. If you are finished shooting, follow the instructions in the “Unloading” section. 

When reloading the rifle, it is recommended that you inspect the chamber to be sure it is empty, then close the slide and place the manual thumb “safety” in the on safe position.

To reduce the chance of inadvertently feeding a cartridge into the chamber from the magazine, always close the slide using the slide release/stop latch and place the “safety” in the on safe position before inserting a loaded magazine.

If your Buck Mark Rifle is to be put away and stored, do not insert a loaded magazine in the rifle. The chamber and magazine should remain empty.

WARNING: WHILE UNLOADING YOUR RIFLE ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED  IN A SAFE DIRECTION, AND YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS  INJURY OR DEATH.

UNLOADING THE RIFLE

1. Depress the magazine release and remove the magazine. Remember, merely removing the magazine does not mean the chamber is unloaded.
2. Slide the manual thumb “safety” down into the off safe position.
3. Pull back on the slide and eject the cartridge in the chamber.  Lock the slide to the rear by sliding the slide release/stop latch up.
4. Inspect the chamber to ensure no cartridge is present.
5. When you are certain your rifle is fully unloaded, push down on the slide release/stop latch and allow the slide to return forward.
6. Place the “safety” in the on safe position.

UNLOADING THE MAGAZINE

1. Depress the magazine release and remove the magazine. Remember, merely removing the magazine does not mean the chamber is unloaded.
2. Unload the rifle as explained previously, make sure the chamber is completely unloaded.
3. Strip the cartridges from the magazine by pushing forward on the rim of the top cartridge and sliding each cartridge out, one at a time, as each moves up in the magazine. 
4. Unload any extra magazines.

WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING SIGHT ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES, MAKE SURE YOUR RIFLE IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. REMOVE THE MAGAZINE, CHECK THE ACTION AND CHAMBER FOR CARTRIDGES. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

The tapered-barreled Buck Mark Sporter Rifle comes with an integral scope mount and high-visibility fiber-optic sights. While the sight on your rifle may vary slightly, the adjustment procedure is the same. No adjustment of the front sight is necessary. Adjust the rear sight  as follows: 

1. Windage: Adjustments are made by loosening the rear screw (Figure 8) and sliding the sight assembly to the left or right by hand. Be sure to tighten the screw after adjusting. Move the sight assembly in the direction you would like the point of impact to move.
2. Elevation: Adjust using the middle screw. To raise the point of impact, turn clockwise. To lower the point of impact, turn counterclockwise. 

NOTICE: USE ONLY A DAMP CLOTH TO CLEAN THE FIBER OPTIC LIGHT PIPES. USE OF SOLVENTS OR OTHER CHEMICALS COULD DAMAGE THE FIBER-OPTIC LIGHT PIPES.

WARNING: BEFORE INSTALLING A SCOPE OR OPTICAL SIGHT, MAKE SURE YOUR RIFLE IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. REMOVE THE MAGAZINE, CHECK THE ACTION AND CHAMBER FOR CARTRIDGES. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Some Buck Mark Target Rifles include an integral scope rail intended to be used with a scope or electronic sight (sold separately). Be sure to follow manufacturers’ mounting instructions that are included with any accessories you install on your rifle.

WARNING: THE ADDITION OF A RECOIL REDUCING MUZZLE BRAKE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES NOISE AND MUZZLE BLAST. YOU, AND EVERYONE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FIREARM, SHOULD ALWAYS WEAR HEARING PROTECTION TO HELP PREVENT HEARING LOSS OR DAMAGE AND SAFETY GLASSES TO HELP PREVENT DEBRIS FROM INJURING THE EYES. 

WARNING: WHEN USING A SUPPRESSOR, ALWAYS WEAR HEARING AND EYE PROTECTION. EVEN THOUGH SOUND IS REDUCED WHEN USING A SUPPRESSOR, THE NOISE LEVELS ARE STILL SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH TO CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS. BE AWARE THAT USING A SUPPRESSOR INCREASES THE BACK PRESSURE IN THE BARREL WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS FIRED. THE INCREASE IN BACK PRESSURE MAY CAUSE DEBRIS FROM THE CARTRIDGE TO EXIT THE EJECTION PORT OF THE FIREARM AND CONTACT YOUR EYES, EARS AND FACE, OR THOSE OF ANYONE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FIREARM. THE INCREASE IN BACK PRESSURE MAY ALSO RESULT IN THE DEPOSIT OF ADDITIONAL DEBRIS IN YOUR FIREARM; ACCORDINGLY, AN ACCELERATED CLEANING SCHEDULE FOR YOUR FIREARM MAY BE NECESSARY. 

WARNING: ENSURE THAT ANY MUZZLE BRAKE OR SUPPRESSOR THAT YOU INTEND TO USE ON YOUR FIREARM IS DESIGNED FOR USE WITH YOUR FIREARM’S CALIBER. NEVER USE A MUZZLE BRAKE OR SUPPRESSOR THAT IS DESIGNED FOR RIMFIRE USE ONLY ON A CENTERFIRE FIREARM. BEFORE INSTALLING OR REMOVING A MUZZLE BRAKE OR SUPPRESSOR TO/FROM YOUR FIREARM, READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL AND ANY OWNER’S MANUAL INCLUDED WITH THE DEVICE, AND PRECISELY FOLLOW ALL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY THE SUPPRESSOR OR MUZZLE BRAKE MANUFACTURER. DURING INSTALLATION OR REMOVAL, ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED, WITH THE MAGAZINE REMOVED AND THE ACTION IN THE OPEN POSITION. WARNING: KEEP ALL AMMUNITION AWAY FROM THE CLEANING AREA. NEVER TEST THE MECHANICAL FUNCTION OF YOUR RIFLE WITH LIVE AMMUNITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: PERIODICALLY CHECK THE MUZZLE BRAKE OR SUPPRESSOR TO ASSURE THAT IT IS TIGHT AND FIRMLY SEATED. BEFORE CHECKING, FOLLOW ALL SAFETY GUIDELINES PREVIOUSLY OUTLINED. ENSURE THE MUZZLE BRAKE OR SUPPRESSOR IS COOL BEFORE TOUCHING IT.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR THOSE AROUND YOU!

Most Browning rifles equipped with a muzzle brake also include a thread protector that can be installed in place of the muzzle brake. Whether using the thread protector, muzzle brake or suppressor, be aware that your firearm’s point of impact may change as the harmonics of the barrel are affected when changing the weight at the end of the barrel.

WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING CLEANING PROCEDURES, MAKE SURE THE MAGAZINE IS REMOVED FROM THE FIREARM AND THE CHAMBER IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN DISASSEMBLING AND CLEANING YOUR RIFLE TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF SPRINGS, SPRING-TENSIONED PARTS, SOLVENTS OR OTHER AGENTS FROM CONTACTING YOUR EYES, RESULTING IN INJURY. 

WARNING: KEEP ALL AMMUNITION AWAY FROM THE CLEANING AREA. NEVER TEST THE MECHANICAL FUNCTION OF YOUR RIFLE WITH LIVE AMMUNITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

CLEANING PROCEDURES

Your Buck Mark Rifle will function better and more reliably over a longer period of time if it is properly maintained and kept clean.

Clean your Buck Mark Rifle after every day of shooting, and more often if it becomes excessively dirty. A minimum cleaning includes wiping down the action and oiling key parts. Most regular maintenance will also include cleaning the barrel. If you encounter a function problem be sure to clean your firearm thoroughly to see if it solves the problem before seeking the services of a Browning Recommended Service Center or our Service Facility in Arnold, Missouri, or a qualified gunsmith. 

NOTICE: DO NOT PLACE LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL INTO THE ACTION. EXCESS OIL WILL RUN BACK INTO THE WOOD OF THE GRIPS (IF SO EQUIPPED) AND SOFTEN THE WOOD, WITH CONSEQUENTIAL LOOSENING OF THE GRIPS.

1. Pull the slide rearward and lock it open with the slide release / stop latch. Visually inspect the action and chamber to be certain they are empty.

2. Dip or spray a small, stiff-bristled nylon brush with a quality gun cleaning solvent and scrub the breech and face of the slide to remove build up (Figure 9). 

WARNING: MOST SOLVENTS ARE HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. WEAR EYE PROTECTION AND PRACTICE APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES WHEN WORKING WITH SOLVENTS TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY.

3. Clean the bore using a rifle cleaning rod with a tip and a patch made for 22 caliber rifles. Ordinarily a lightweight high-quality gun oil will suffice for cleaning the bore. Carefully insert the rod and patch into the muzzle and run it back and forth several times. Do not allow the cleaning rod to strike the crown of the muzzle, as damage to this area can affect the accuracy of your rifle. Depending on the amount of use, the bore may need to be cleaned with a good quality nitro solvent. Inspect the chamber and bore for powder fouling. A normal amount of powder residue can be expected and is not serious. It can usually be removed with a  patch saturated with nitro solvent. If, or when, fouling should become heavy, it can be removed with a brass bore brush. Dip or spray the brush with nitro solvent and scrub the chamber and  bore until the fouling is removed. To prevent brass bristles from breaking off, the brush should be pushed completely through the barrel before being withdrawn.

Browning offers a complete line of products to make cleaning your firearm fast and easy. Be sure to follow all instructions when using any product to clean your firearm.

4. After all fouling has been removed, the chamber and bore should be wiped dry. Next pass a lightly oiled patch through the bore for preservation. A fine, light gun oil is recommended.

5. Use a small nylon brush to remove dirt or other foreign matter from the other parts of the action. 

6. Lightly lubricate all moving parts, the frame where the slide contacts it and the spring guide with a high-quality, lightweight gun oil. Use oil sparingly, a very light film is sufficient. A fine, lightweight gun oil is ideally suited for this purpose.

NOTICE: DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE LUBRICANT. USING TOO MUCH LUBRICANT CAN INTERFERE WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF YOUR RIFLE.

CLEANING THE MAGAZINE

Frequently inspect magazines to determine the need for cleaning as lubricant and dirt will gradually collect in the mechanism. Normally, the magazine should be cleaned after firing 500 to 1000 cartridges. 

1. Clean the magazine by spraying it both inside and out with an aerosol solvent that will not adversely affect the polymer magazine follower or corrode the metal components.
2. Cycle the magazine follower to loosen and remove dirt and grease.
3. Depress the follower and, using a cleaning rod with a tip and patch that will fit into the top of the magazine, clean any deposits of built-up material from the front of the magazine.
4. Spray the magazine again with polymer-safe solvent both inside and out, to loosen debris.
5. Shake all excess solvent from the magazine and dry with a cloth or blow dry with compressed air, if available.

NOTICE: NEVER ATTEMPT TO TAKE YOUR FIREARM APART FURTHER THAN EXPLAINED IN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL. YOUR FIREARM IS A SPECIALIZED, FINELY FITTED MECHANISM. YOU MAY PERMANENTLY DAMAGE IT BY ATTEMPTING TO DISASSEMBLE THE INNER MECHANISM ASSEMBLIES. IF FURTHER DISASSEMBLY FOR SERVICE OR CLEANING IS REQUIRED, TAKE YOUR FIREARM TO A QUALIFIED GUNSMITH, OR CONTACT OUR ARNOLD, MISSOURI SERVICE FACILITY AS EXPLAINED UNDER THE “SERVICE OR REPAIR” SECTION BELOW.

If your firearm should require service or repairs, we suggest you first contact a local recommended Browning Firearms Service Center.  

To locate a service center visit browning.com, contact our Customer Service Department or your Browning firearms dealer for the address of the Service Center nearest you. Otherwise, you may send your firearm directly to our Service Department in Arnold, Missouri. 

Parts listings, Firearm Service Center lists, service procedures, service/repair form and general product information are also found on the internet at browning.com. For technical questions about your firearm or service, contact:

When returning your firearm for servicing, you must do the following:

1. Be sure it is completely unloaded.

2. Remove any optics, optic mounts or other accessories.

3. Package it securely in a cardboard container.

4. Enclose the service/repair form available at browning.com or a letter that clearly describes the trouble experienced, the ammunition used and the repairs desired. Also include your name, e-mail address (if possible) and a daytime phone number where you can be reached.

5. Never return ammunition with your firearm. It is against postal and most commerce regulations.

BROWNING.COM

US: Morgan, Utah 84050-9326

CANADA: Browning Canada Sports Ltd/Ltée, St-Laurent, Quebec H4S 1W6

INTL: Parc Industriel des Hauts-Sarts, B-4040 Herstal, Belgium

18-BFA-194