Browning Buck Mark Contour URX .22 LR 5.5-inch Stainless
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning Buck Mark Contour URX 5.5-inch Stainless is a precision-focused semi-automatic .22 LR pistol engineered for controlled-range applications where repeatable accuracy matters more than tactical utility. This model represents a specific evolution within the Buck Mark lineup, prioritizing a contoured steel barrel and balanced factory optics mounting over the minimalist plinker profile of other rimfire pistols. It arrives configured for the serious recreational shooter who understands that consistent 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards require more than just a reliable action—they demand a stable platform, crisp sighting, and predictable handling characteristics.
What is the Browning Buck Mark Contour URX .22 LR 5.5-inch Stainless used for?
This pistol excels as a dedicated training, target, and varmint-control tool where .22 LR ballistics are appropriate. Its primary function is delivering sub-2-inch 10-shot groups at 25 yards from a benched or supported position, making it ideal for honing trigger control and sight picture fundamentals without the recoil or cost of centerfire ammunition. The 5.5-inch contoured barrel provides optimal sight radius and velocity for standard-velocity match ammo, while the 34-ounce weight dampens movement during dry-fire drills. I’d pair it with a quality red dot like a Holosun 407K on the integrated rail and use it for everything from casual steel challenge practice to introducing new shooters to precision pistol mechanics.
How does the Browning Buck Mark Contour URX compare to the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite?
The Buck Mark Contour URX prioritizes traditional target-shooting ergonomics, while the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite emphasizes modularity and suppressor-ready performance. The Browning’s 34-ounce static weight and full-length steel barrel provide superior stability for bullseye-style shooting, whereas the Ruger’s aluminum-shrouded design cuts weight to approximately 28 ounces for faster handling. Both accept optics via integrated rails, but the Ruger’s one-button takedown system offers a distinct maintenance advantage—field-stripping the Browning requires a hex key and careful attention to the recoil spring guide rod alignment. For pure 25-yard accuracy and a classic target pistol feel, the Buck Mark holds an edge; for a versatile, easy-to-clean suppressor host, the compared here: Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is the better platform.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 34 ounces (963 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 9.5 inches and a grip-to-muzzle distance of 5.5 inches precisely. The width across the controls measures 1.25 inches at its widest point, and the trigger reach is 2.75 inches from the backstrap—dimensions that accommodate medium to large hands comfortably. This weight distribution, with the majority forward of the trigger guard, creates a muzzle-heavy balance that significantly reduces muzzle flip and settles faster between shots compared to lighter-barreled .22s like the Smith & Wesson Victory.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this pistol if you need a lightweight trail gun, a rapid-fire plinker, or a suppressor host for frequent subsonic use. The 34-ounce weight and 5.5-inch barrel make it cumbersome for extended carry in a backpack or field kit, and the lack of a threaded barrel option (without aftermarket modification) limits suppressor compatibility out of the box. Shooters wanting a takedown pistol for quick cleaning should look at the Ruger Mark IV series instead, as the Buck Mark’s field-strip process is more involved and requires a 3/32-inch hex key not included in the box.
What’s in the box?
You receive the pistol, one 10-round steel magazine, a polymer pistol rug for storage, a Browning manual, and a cable lock for compliance. Notably absent is the necessary 3/32-inch hex key for disassembling the barrel from the receiver—a tool you must supply yourself for routine cleaning. The packaging is utilitarian, designed to protect the firearm during shipping rather than for retail display, which aligns with our direct-to-consumer model. For those needing a full cleaning kit and targets to start, we recommend our more on starter rimfire maintenance package.
Is the Browning Buck Mark Contour URX worth it at $619.99?
At $619.99, this pistol positions itself against higher-end rimfire target options, and it justifies its price through its hand-fitted barrel and superior out-of-the-box sights. You’re paying for the Browning name, the guaranteed sub-2-inch accuracy at 25 yards with match ammo, and the robust Picatinny rail that doesn’t require adapter plates. If your priority is entry-level plinking, a Taurus TX22 or Heritage Rough Rider at half the cost will suffice, but for deliberate accuracy work and a platform that won’t limit your skill progression, the Buck Mark’s construction and inherent precision represent a solid long-term investment. It’s a specialist’s tool, not a generalist’s toy.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 34 oz (963 g) balance point forward of trigger—reduces muzzle flip by an estimated 40% compared to polymer-frame .22s
- 5.5-inch contoured steel barrel delivers 1,150 fps with standard velocity ammo for consistent 1.5-inch 25-yard groups
- Integrated Picatinny rail accepts optics without adapter plates—saves $30-50 and maintains lower bore axis
- Pro-Target rear sight offers 1/2 MOA windage and elevation clicks for precise zeroing
Trade-offs
- No factory-threaded barrel option—adds $200+ and gunsmith work for suppressor use
- Field strip requires a 3/32-inch hex key not included—a $5 oversight from Browning
- Alloy frame anodizing shows holster wear faster than Cerakote or stainless steel frames
Key attributes
| upc | 023614062400 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 051507490 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Stainless |
| length | 15 |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 7.7 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| shipping weight | 3.35 |
| sights | Black Front, Black Rear |
| sights type | Pro-Target |
| slide description | Serrated w/Picatinny Rail |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No, this specific Contour URX model features a non-threaded 5.5-inch stainless steel barrel as shipped from Browning. To add a suppressor, you must either have the barrel professionally threaded by a gunsmith like Tornado Technologies or purchase an aftermarket threaded barrel assembly, which typically adds $180-250 and 4-6 weeks of lead time to the project.
- Does it work with high-velocity .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, the Browning Buck Mark’s blowback action is designed to cycle reliably with standard-velocity, high-velocity, and hyper-velocity .22 LR rounds ranging from 710 fps to 1,640 fps. For optimal accuracy and reduced fouling in the 5.5-inch barrel, I recommend sticking with 40-grain CCI Standard Velocity or similar match-grade ammunition, which maintains consistent pressure and velocity over the full 500-round break-in period.
- Is the optics rail compatible with a Vortex Venom red dot?
- Yes, the integrated Picatinny rail (MIL-STD-1913 spec) will directly accept any micro red dot with a standard Picatinny mounting foot, including the Vortex Venom, Burris Fastfire III, and Holosun 407 series. The rail provides a solid, non-reciprocating mounting surface that maintains zero even during the slide’s 0.75-inch rearward travel during cycling—a critical advantage over slide-mounted optics on striker-fired pistols.
- What is Ironclad Armory's shipping timeline for firearms?
- We process and ship all in-stock firearms via FedEx 2Day to your selected FFL dealer within 1-2 business days of receiving a cleared background check and payment. Once shipped, transit time is typically 2-3 business days, but you must coordinate directly with your FFL for pickup once they receive and log the firearm into their bound book—a process that can add another 24-48 hours depending on their volume.