Type Rifle Designed 1997 Produced 1997–present | Place of origin United States Manufacturer Remington Arms Weight 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) | |
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The Remington Model 597 is an American semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Remington Arms. The .22 Long Rifle version has a removable 10-round magazine, while the magazines for the larger .22 WMR and .17 HMR cartridges hold 8 rounds. The standard and WMR versions have been in production since 1997, and the .17 HMR version since 2002. The unique bolt-guidance system uses two steel guide rails. The 597 is built in Remington's Mayfield, Kentucky plant.
Contents
The Remington 597 is a competitor to the Marlin Model 795 and Ruger 10/22.
Overview and variants
The Model 597 is available in a number of configurations. Both synthetic and laminated wood stocks are available. The standard barrel length is 20 inches. The bolt system rides on twin rails, and locks in the open position when the last round is fired.
The receiver has integral 11 mm dovetail mounts (sometimes called "tip-off" mounts), as well as pre-drilled and tapped mount points that will accommodate an optional Weaver-style scope base. The "tip-off" mounts are suitable only for small, light scopes for air rifle or rimfire use. For heavier scopes, the Weaver base is recommended rather than the tip-off mounts, since the greater mass may cause the scope to shift and "lose zero."
A target model is available with a 16.5-inch bull barrel with no sights, as well as a "tactical" variant that is all black with a threaded barrel tip to accommodate a flash hider, muzzle brake or suppressor. Two exclusive models sold by Dick's Sporting Goods come with a 3–9× scope, with one having a 20-inch bull barrel.
Magazines
The 597 has had at least three generations of magazines. Early magazines were made of plastic and caused a number of feeding problems when loaded with more than three to four rounds. This early magazine was seen as a major detractor to what was otherwise a good rifle. As the magazine aged and dirt, oil and unburned powder got ground into the magazine and the follower the feeding problems could increase.
The second generation of magazines were made from investment-cast aluminum alloy. These were available for purchase in the year 2000. The base cap and follower were still made of plastic. This new magazine was a great improvement over the first generation. The new-style magazine was shipped with the later rifles. These magazines were also available separately for purchase.
The third generation of magazines were very similar to the second generation with only small differences, but a noticeable improvement in reliability. Third-generation magazines can be identified by the number "10" stamped on the side; the second generation has just "10", while the third generation also has a circle stamped around the number.
Currently there are third-party magazines available to purchase for the 597.
Aftermarket parts
The 597 is gaining more aftermarket parts but still lacks the enormous variety of the Ruger 10/22, which is its competitor in the marketplace. There are now after market barrels, iron sights, hammers and extractors available for the Model 597, as well as the higher-capacity magazines noted earlier. Volquartsen Custom offers aftermarket barrels, hammers, and extractors. Tech-SIGHTS offers adjustable aperture sights.
Model history
Recall information
As of October 2014, Remington has warned customers to discontinue use of the Model 597, .17 HMR, due to safety issues. They offered reimbursement coupons for all Model 597 rifles chambered in .17 HMR, and any Remington-brand .17 HMR ammunition, upon return to Remington.