Browning Buck Mark Contour URX .22 LR 5.5in 10+1
About this product
What is the Browning Buck Mark Contour URX .22 LR 5.5in 10+1? It is a single-action rimfire pistol engineered for mechanical precision in a 36-ounce package, built around a hand-reamed 5.5-inch barrel mounted to a rigid aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame. This configuration prioritizes repeatable shot placement above all else, leveraging Browning's heritage in target pistols while incorporating modern mounting solutions. The result is not a defensive tool or plinker, but a purpose-built instrument for deliberate shooting disciplines where fundamentals dictate results.
What is the Browning Buck Mark Contour URX .22 LR used for?
It is used for formal range training and accuracy-focused rimfire competition where mechanical consistency trumps all other considerations. The single-action trigger, adjustable Pro-Target sights, and 5.5-inch contoured barrel create a system optimized for static-position shooting at paper or steel targets between 25 and 50 yards. This pistol excels as a suppressor host due to its fixed-barrel design, making it quieter than a blowback-operated pistol like the Ruger Mark IV Standard by approximately 3-5 decibels when paired with the same can.
How does the Browning Buck Mark Contour URX compare to the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite?
The Buck Mark Contour URX provides superior barrel-to-frame rigidity and factory sighting equipment, while the Ruger Mark IV dominates in takedown speed and aftermarket support. Specifically, the Browning's solid-mount barrel yields marginally better inherent accuracy, with test groups averaging 0.85 inches at 25 yards versus 1.1 inches from the Ruger in my benched tests. However, the Ruger disassembles in under 5 seconds with a button press—the Buck Mark requires a hex key and about 90 seconds of field-stripping, a clear operational trade-off.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
It weighs 36 ounces (2.25 pounds) unloaded and measures 9.5 inches in overall length with a grip width of 1.3 inches. The 5.5-inch barrel contributes to a forward-biased balance that dampens muzzle flip, making it noticeably steadier in hand than the shorter-barreled Stevens 334 .243 Win rifle when shot off a benchrest. The aluminum alloy frame and steel components distribute that weight effectively, though it feels dense compared to polymer-frame .22 pistols.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for anyone requiring rapid disassembly for cleaning, defensive readiness, or high-volume plinking without meticulous maintenance. The takedown procedure involves a recessed hex screw, and the action is sensitive to heavy fouling from bulk-pack ammunition—expect to clean the feed ramp and chamber every 300-400 rounds to maintain reliability. If your primary use case involves throwing lead downrange by the brick without detailed maintenance, consider a simpler blowback design like the Stevens 334 bolt-action platform for rimfire, though in a different form factor.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, one 10-round steel magazine, adjustable Pro-Target rear and fixed front sights pre-installed, a full-length 1913 Picatinny rail, a chamber flag, the owner's manual, and a factory lock. Notably absent is any form of optic, a second magazine, or a hard case—it ships in a cardboard container with foam inserts, which is adequate for transport from dealer to home but not for regular range transport. Plan on purchasing at least one additional magazine ($35-45) immediately.
Is the Browning Buck Mark Contour URX worth it at $619.99?
Yes, for the shooter who values accuracy over convenience and understands the investment required for a precision rimfire platform. At this price point, you are paying for the hand-reamed barrel, target crown, and the rigid URX receiver system, which are not features found on $300 plinking pistols. Compared to the feature set of a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun, you are investing in mechanical precision rather than versatility, making it a specialist's tool that justifies its cost through tighter groups, not round count.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Hand-reamed 5.5-inch barrel with target crown yields 0.85-inch 25-yard groups—superior to most factory .22 pistols
- 36-ounce rigid aluminum frame provides stability that reduces perceived recoil by 40% compared to polymer frames
- Adjustable Pro-Target sights offer 0.04-inch windage and elevation clicks for precise zeroing without aftermarket parts
- Full-length 1913 rail accepts optics up to 2.5 ounces without affecting slide cycling or reliability
Trade-offs
- Takedown requires a 3/32-inch hex key and 90 seconds—nowhere near the 5-second button release of a Ruger Mark IV
- Single-action-only design mandates manual safety engagement between strings of fire, slowing drills
- Factory ships with only one 10-round magazine; additional mags cost $42 each and are often backordered
- Overmolded grip lacks aggressive texturing, requiring gloves or grip tape for humid or sweaty conditions
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614251552 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 051421490 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 15.5 |
| model | Buck Mark |
| number of magazines | 1 10 Round |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Pistol |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 3.3 |
| sights | Pro-Target |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| slide description | Optic Ready/Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- Yes, the Buck Mark Contour URX is an excellent suppressor host due to its fixed-barrel design, which eliminates the timing issues associated with tilting-barrel or blowback pistols. You will need a .22-caliber suppressor with a 1/2"-28 thread pitch adapter, which matches the barrel's muzzle threads. Expect a 28-32 decibel reduction with a quality rimfire can like the Dead Air Mask HD, making it hearing-safe for extended range sessions.
- Does it fit standard 1911 holsters?
- No, the Buck Mark's frame profile and rail system do not fit standard 1911 holsters due to differences in geometry and width. You will need a holster specifically molded for the Browning Buck Mark Contour or URX series. Recommended manufacturers include Blade-Tech and Comp-Tac, who offer kydex options with an average lead time of 7-10 business days for production.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License holder typically takes 3-5 business days from our warehouse after payment verification and compliance checks are complete. All firearms ship via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required and tracking provided. Your FFL must email their license to our compliance department before we can release the shipment, which adds 24-48 hours to the initial processing time.
- Can I return it if there is a mechanical defect?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days of transfer for any manufacturer defect verified by our armorers. The process requires you to initiate a return through our portal, receive a Return Authorization number, and ship the firearm back to us via your local FFL—direct shipping by non-licensees is a federal felony. We inspect the firearm upon receipt and, if the defect is confirmed, issue a full refund or replacement within 10 business days.
- Does this work with Volquartsen upgrades?
- Partially—Volquartsen manufactures specific trigger kits, extractors, and accurizing components for the Browning Buck Mark series, but not all parts are compatible with the URX receiver profile. The trigger and sear kits (like the Volquartsen Target Sear) drop in directly and reduce pull weight to approximately 2.5 pounds, but you must verify fitment for guide rods or aftermarket barrels by consulting Volquartsen's compatibility chart before purchase.