The Browning Buck Mark Practical Red Dot is a .22 LR semi-automatic pistol designed for recreational target shooting with optics included straight from the factory. As part of the long-established Buck Mark series which has long been lauded as one of the best .22 pistols ever made, this variant combines time-tested mechanical reliability with modern ergonomics and a factory-mounted red dot sight for enhanced accuracy and ease of use.
Key Features
Chambering: .22 Long Rifle (LR) — economical and low recoil.
Barrel: 5.50-inch camper contour steel barrel with matte blued finish.
Frame / Receiver: Gray anodized aluminum alloy for a durable and lightweight platform.
Grip: Ambidextrous Ultragrip RX (URX) grips with rubber overmolding for a secure, ergonomic hold.
Sights / Optics: Factory-mounted Crimson Trace red dot sight with co-witnessed iron sights.
Capacity: 10 + 1 rounds.
Overall Length: Approximately 9.50 inches.
Weight: Approximately 34 to 36 ounces (unloaded).
Trigger / Action: Single-action, semi-automatic blowback operation.
Generational Improvements
Factory optic integration: Eliminates the need for aftermarket mounting by including a red dot sight pre-installed and zeroed.
Enhanced grip design: Upgraded URX grips provide improved control and comfort over earlier grip panels.
Optics-ready slide and barrel upgrades: Modern Buck Mark variants offer better support for optics, co-witnessing, and enhanced sight alignment.
Reputation as a category benchmark: Over several decades, the Buck Mark has earned widespread recognition for reliability, accuracy, and performance—frequently appearing on top rimfire pistol lists and treated as a standard within the .22 pistol category.
Incremental performance refinements: The Buck Mark series has evolved since 1985 with improved ergonomics, accessory compatibility, and better sighting systems without altering its core mechanical reliability.
Specifications
Model Number: 051591490
Caliber / Gauge: .22 LR
Action: Single-action, semi-automatic blowback
Barrel Length: 5.50 in (camper contour)
Overall Length: ~9.50 in
Capacity: 10 + 1 rounds
Frame / Receiver: Aluminum alloy, gray anodized
Finish: Matte blued barrel, gray frame
Grips: URX / Ultragrip RX rubber overmolded, ambidextrous
Sights / Optic: Crimson Trace red dot + iron co-witness sights
Weight (unloaded): ~34 to 36 oz
Competing Items
Ruger Mark IV Tactical / Mark IV 22/45 — Optics-ready .22 LR pistols with modular upgrades.
Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory — Stainless steel frame target pistol with modular barrel system.
Walther GSP (Optics models) — Target-grade .22 LR pistol with advanced adjustment features.
Tisas Zigana TS-22 — Budget-oriented .22 pistol with optic mount compatibility.
Conclusion
The Browning Buck Mark Practical Red Dot combines classic Buck Mark reliability with modern optic functionality and ergonomic improvements. As part of a platform known for its consistency and accuracy across decades, this variant offers a refined out-of-the-box experience ideal for target shooters and plinkers seeking precision with minimal setup.
