[dwight55]

Just a curious question, . . . I recently picked up a Buckmark Challenger that is really nice, got it for what I thought was a fair price ($300).

Saw one on another site, . . . guy wanted $550 for it.

Anybody know any reason other than it is (and his IS !!!! ) a really nice old gun, . . . that the price variance should be there??

I'm wondering if there was any special shooting ability, . . . trigger, . . . accuracy, . . . or whatever.

Any info will be appreciated.

May God bless,
Dwight

 

[JEFFJP_N_JJ]

I have a Browning Buckmark target model that I love; have not shot it in years though... :-(

 

[charlie98]

The Challenger was the pre-Buckmark model, they had polished blue finishes, wood grips, and were probably a bit more hand assembled. The Bucks, in comparison, are alloy-framed, and matte finished (except certain barrels, like my Standard model.)

I have a very early Buckmark, love the thing. I would not sneeze at a $300 Challenger, particularly if it was in very good shape, or better. The price of a new Buck Standard is $400, so ~$500 for a Challenger in excellent condition isn't too far out of the realm, but something is only worth what you are willing to pay for it.

EDIT: I stand corrected... sort of. The Challenger III is the Buckmark predecessor, the Challenger/Challenger II are the pistols I was thinking of. OP, which do you have?

 

[Middkid]

It sounds to me like you got it at a good price. I had my Challenger II valued at the St Louis Cabelas this past weekend for trade possibilities - man said retail of $500 and they give 70% on trade. He said it would be worth considerably more if it was Belgian made rather than US.
Ymmv

 

[gyrsriddle]

I have a Belgian made challenger with target grips I bought in 1970 used for $100. I would refuse $1000 for it now. Not sure what it is worth but it shoots really, really well .

 

[Sniper_M-14]

When I shot bullseye competition a lot of the guys shot them with good results. I think 300 is a fair price.

 

[dwight55]

Mine is a USA product.

It'll out shoot me, far more accurate than I can ever take advantage of.

I also have a little black one (both have the flat sided barrels), . . . that I would never think twice on carrying if my 1911's were all disabled or something.

A friend asked me one time how I would use it, . . . and I figure 9 or 10 .22 LR's in a guys face, . . . he may not be very antagonistic at that point.

This one has a longer barrel, . . . would be a bit more to carry, . . . but not as bad as my Buckmark Silhouette shooter. It's the one that takes all the marbles for accuracy.

May God bless,
Dwight

 

[Albud3]

Browning made the Medalist/Challenger/Nomad line of .22LR pistols from 1961 to 1974. The Medalist was an OOB target pistol with all steel construction, barrel lengths of 6 1/2" to 8"+ iirc. The Challenger line was similar to the Medalist line, but not as finely finished in finish and trigger work. The Nomad was the "economy" version with 4.5, 6.5 and 8" barrel's, plastic grips and in later years an alloy frame. Barrel's were "quick change" using a single screw, and front and rear sights were part of the barrel assembly. All barrel's/sights and grips were interchangeable throughout the models. Magazines held 10 rounds and used the European"Heel" type release. All models were considered very reliable, dependable and accurate, even the Nomads. Triggers were smooth on take-up and broke cleanly around 3-4 pounds. The Medalists were available with adjustable triggers that were gold-plated as were the earlier Challengers. Originally made by FN/Browning in Belgium, the later models were made in the US. They were Browning's response to Colt's Woodsman and were almost direct copies. Both were designed by John Browning's grandson, James.
The Medalists/Challengers/Nomads are sought out by Browning collectors and shooters that enjoy "Old World" quality and workmanship. They are good "investment while shooting" guns and will last for many generations of shooting.