Plymouth picked up their first win in six games and Bury could have no complaints after their customary early exit from the FA Cup.
The Shakers have performed superbly in the Worthington Cup and LDV Vans Trophy this season. But they were no match for last season's Third Division champions after the opening 15 minutes.
And the only surprise was that Paul Sturrock's team didn't win with more to spare.
Bury were second best in every department as Argyle avenged their FA Cup defeat from the last time they played-in 1915! Even with prodigal son Ian Lawson in the striking line-up, there was no spark up front for the Shakers.
Had Jon Newby taken an early chance it might have been different-but probably not.
Newby's weakly struck effort was saved by highly rated French keeper Romain Larrieu who had little else to do on his return from injury.
Mickey Evans put Argyle in front after 19 minutes and Jamie Stuart headed an own-goal from Paul Wotton's free kick 12 minutes later.
The second half didn't improve for Bury and but for Glynn Garner they could have fallen further behind.
Garner's handling of crosses may have been suspect but there was nothing wrong with his shot stopping until four minutes from time.
The Welshman was gasping for thin air as Wotton's 35 yard pile driver flew past him.
"I asked them to come out and kill the game off," said Sturrock. "But as it worked out Bury had a couple of chances that could have changed the game.
"However, overall we worked hard and we got what we deserved. Romain Larrieu didn't have a lot to do though he could have done better with his kicking.
"I don't mind who we get next providing some one can guarantee me a home tie. And that will please the chairman." Disappointed Bury chief Andy Preece said: "We worked hard on Plymouth's strength's and weaknesses in training and for the first 15 minutes it showed.
"We were bullying them around but the first goal changed all that. After that we folded really badly."