Browning Buckmark Rifle Vs. Thompson R-55 Benchmark

[Boregard]

Hello all,

I'm new to the thread, and honestly new to the firearms market. My girlfriend and I have been going out plinking, once a week for a month now, and we've both decided to buy new rifles. (We're hunting apples between 50-100 yards). She loves the look and feel of the Henry Lever Octagon, and eventually I'd like to buy her the Henry Pump Octagon to make a matching set.

I personally am interested in excessively short .22 semi-auto carbines. I would like something that can be scoped, and keep up with my girl's lever. (She's a natural Dead-eye.) I've seen the Walther G-22... very nifty, but I'll save that for later. I've seen the Marlin Model 60 and will likely pick up a few just to have around for friends to shoot. For Myself... I've boiled it down to two models... and Let's Face It... I might have to break down and buy both... any help or advice would be awesome.

The Browning Buckmark FLD Grey Laminate Bull Barrel
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=004B&cat_id=021&type_id=030
OR
The Thompson R-55 Benchmark
http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/rimfireR55Benchmark.php

P.S. The trigger is 2.0 lbs on the Browning, and 3.3 lbs. or so on the Thompson, from what I'm told... the Thompson is also 2" longer overall, but has the same length barrel.

 

[rangerruck]

boy , this is a toughie, these are both fine pics. but i would take the thompson, as they have outstanding accuracy, and thompson really stands behind their products.

 

[DWARREN123]

I like the looks of the Thompson more but either should work well.

 

[waterhouse]

I have no experience with the Thompson. I had a stock Buckmark and it was very nice, decently accurate and fun to shoot, but I eventually found the barrel to be a little too heavy for long walks. If you are just going to the range this won't matter.

I ended up getting a lightweight barrel from Tactical Solutions and it is much better on the long walks now.

 

[Boregard]

How's the accuracy on the browning?

... Although I'm sure both guns could outshoot the shooter...

I'm looking for something to grow into.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I'd get the T/C over a BM(bowel movement) anyday everyday.

Can ya tell I have a strong opinion on the subject???

 

[Leif]

What's wrong with the BM? Many people on Rimfire Central seem to like them.

 

[Boregard]

No ... really... are there any problems with the Browning I should know about? I like the look and feel of the compact little rifle...

 

[P-32]

I have a BM 5.5 target which is very accurate with PMC Scoremaster. 1 ragged hole at 50 feet off the bench. But this is a pistol. I did have a friends trigger job (I shoot indoor 22 bulls eye in the winter) go south and Browning took care of me at no charge. I ended up with a wonderful and crisp 2 lb factory trigger.

I have shot a BM rifle. It seemed handy and seemed to shoot well. The problem is I was getting unburned powder in the face. It could be it was the ammo, I don't remember what it was but I think it was Wal Mart Remington bulk in the milk carton.

I own 4 .22 rifles, 3 are auto loaders. I have never had unburned powder burn my face before shooting the B/M.