Remington 597 Review: Reliability, Accuracy, Accessories & More

Quick Answer

A budget .22 LR semi-auto, the Remington 597 (produced from 1997 to 2019) offers light weight, decent accuracy, last-round bolt hold-open, and occasional scope bundles. Reported pain points include finicky feeding tied to magazine generation, ammo sensitivity, and fouling, plus more involved disassembly and a relatively long length of pull. Compared to the Ruger 10/22, the 597 historically sold in a similar price bracket but, according to many user reports and reviews, tends to lag in aftermarket depth and out-of-box dependability. 

Key Takeaways

• Light, accurate .22 LR with last-round hold-open
• Feeding depends on magazine generation and cleanliness
• Older plastic mags problematic; aluminum mags preferred
• Disassembly is tool-heavy and fussy
• Aftermarket exists, but smaller than 10/22
• Scope bundles add value at entry price

The Remington 597 emerged as an alternative to the popular Ruger 10/22. It offers features like last-round bolt hold-open and bundled scopes at competitive prices. Over its 22-year production run, owners discovered its strengths and quirks - from magazine evolution to cleaning needs. The 597 is no longer in current production and now shows up primarily on the used market. Condition, magazine type, and how well it’s been maintained matter more today than the original box label. 

What Is the Remington 597?

The Remington 597 came to market in 1997 as the company’s answer to the popular Ruger 10/22. Remington built it as a semi automatic rimfire for the .22 LR cartridge. The lineup also included versions in .22 WMR and .17 HMR. The .17 HMR version was later recalled for safety reasons, with Remington advising owners to stop using that semi-auto model and return it to the company.

One big mechanical feature stands out on the 597. The bolt rides on dual steel guide rails. Remington used this layout to keep the action smooth even after a lot of range time. The rifle also includes a last round bolt hold open. That small touch makes reloads easier and is missing on many rifles in this class.

Remington built the 597 in the United States for roughly two decades before discontinuing the line, giving it a production run of a little over 20 years.. The official Remington Arms history page lists many different versions over that time. You will see basic models, heavier target versions, and even special runs with NASCAR themes.

Core Specs Snapshot

• Barrel: 20" (standard .22 LR model)
• Overall length: about 40"
• Weight: about 5.5 lb (unscoped)
• Action: blowback, semi-automatic
• Magazine: 10-round detachable (.22 LR standard; higher-capacity aftermarket options exist)
• Sights/Optics: barrel-mounted adjustable irons; receiver drilled and tapped for a scope base; some models shipped with a bundled scope

Reliability: What Owners Report

The 597's track record with feeding and extracting seems to hinge on three factors: magazine quality, ammo type, and cleanliness.

Early 597s shipped with plastic magazines that many owners found unreliable, especially when loaded to full capacity. Remington later introduced metal-bodied magazines that most users consider a clear improvement. In general, later metal magazines paired with regular cleaning tend to give the best feeding performance. 

As for cleanliness, one detailed review noted issues starting around the 100-round mark, with problems becoming more frequent by 300 rounds without cleaning. The .22 LR cartridge is notoriously dirty, and the semi-auto action of the 597 seems particularly sensitive to buildup.

Ammo pickiness is also one of the issues with this gun. Even with clean guns and good magazines, some ammunition types just don't cycle as smoothly as others in the 597.

Accuracy & Shootability

Despite mixed opinions on cycling, the 597 earns steady praise for practical accuracy. It will generally group well enough for small-game hunting and informal target work when paired with ammunition the rifle likes. 

The rifle sports traditional open sights mounted on the barrel—functional but basic. Where the 597 shines for many users is when topped with a scope. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base, and some rifles came from the factory with a base or scope already installed and this added appeal for first-time buyers.

The trigger receives moderate marks—not match-grade but serviceable. Reviewers describe some take-up and sponginess but note a decent reset. The light recoil and mild muzzle rise make it accessible to newer shooters.

Ergonomics, Controls & Safety

The 597 weighs about five and a half pounds. You can carry it all day in the field and still feel ready to shoot. Long practice sessions on the bench are easy on your shoulders with that kind of weight. The magazine release sits above the trigger and you can hit it with your trigger finger. Many owners like this more than the layout on the Ruger 10/22.

Safety duty goes to a cross bolt button behind the trigger, just like on many Remington shotguns. You press it with your trigger finger. It feels simple and fast once you get used to it.

Reviews from users share one common gripe. The length of pull is about fourteen inches, which is long for smaller framed people. On a soft kicking .22 this does not ruin the rifle for most adults. It can still feel awkward for younger shooters or anyone with shorter arms.

The charging handle rides on the right side of the receiver. That is a common spot for many semi auto rimfire rifles and feels natural for most right handed owners. The last round bolt hold open shows up here again as a plus. When the magazine runs dry, the bolt stays open so you see it right away and reload without guesswork.

Disassembly

This is where the 597 draws the most complaints. Field stripping and deeper disassembly are more involved than on some competing rimfires. You’ll need basic tools and a bit of patience, and it pays to follow the factory manual or a good step-by-step diagram instead of guessing.

The trigger group and internal parts can be fiddly during reassembly; if pins or springs are bumped out of place, issues may only show up once the rifle is fully reassembled and test-fired.

The factory trigger group adds its own headache. If you bump the wrong pins during reassembly, you can create problems that only show up after the rifle is fully back together. That part can feel a bit like putting a tricky puzzle back in place.

Once the rifle is apart, the cleaning work itself feels simple. Focus on the chamber, the bolt face, and the guide rails. Rimfire ammo leaves a lot of dirty residue in those spots. The magazines also like a good scrub from time to time so they keep feeding rounds in a steady way.

Price, Variants & Value

During its production run, the 597 typically retailed in the roughly $200–$300 range for basic .22 LR models, positioned directly against the Ruger 10/22. Today, prices are set by the used market and depend heavily on condition, configuration, and whether the rifle comes with extras like a scope. 

Remington offered the 597 in various configurations:

• Standard model with 20" barrel
• Target models with heavier barrels
• Models with wood or synthetic stocks
• Various finishes including black, green, and camo patterns
• Special editions like the Dale Earnhardt themed versions

A notable value proposition: some 597 packages included a mounted scope at no extra cost. For new shooters looking for a ready-to-shoot setup, these bundles offered good entry-level value.

Accessories

The aftermarket for the 597 never reached the massive scale of the Ruger 10/22 ecosystem, but it wasn't barren either. Over time, a respectable selection of upgrades became available.

Options included:

• Extended and higher-capacity magazines from third-party makers
• Replacement barrels
• Trigger and spring upgrades
• Aperture and upgraded iron sights
• Improved extractors and small parts

Companies like Volquartsen Custom offered premium components for those looking to enhance their 597's performance. Tech-SIGHTS developed aperture sight options as noted in the Wikipedia article. For most casual users, however, adding a scope and perhaps a sling would cover the basics.

Use Cases (Owner-Reported)

The 597 found its home in several common rimfire applications:

Plinking comes first—casual target shooting at cans, spinners, or paper. The light recoil and decent accuracy make it fun for informal range sessions.

Small-game hunting represents another common use. For squirrels, rabbits, and similar quarry (where legal), the .22 LR chambering and acceptable accuracy work well at appropriate distances.

Finally, new shooter education. The 597's light weight, mild report, and minimal recoil create a beginner-friendly platform—though the longer length of pull might not suit every new shooter.

Remington 597 vs Ruger 10/22 

Feature	Remington 597	Ruger 10/22
Feeding (reports)	More sensitive to magazine type, ammo choice, and cleanliness in many owner reports	Generally regarded as having a stronger track record with bulk .22 LR
Aftermarket	Moderate	Extensive, industry-leading
LRBHO	Yes	Typically no (varies by model/kit)
Bundled scope	Common on some trims	Less common; many base models ship without optics
Disassembly	More involved	Simpler, well-documented

Pros & Cons 

Pros

• Light and handy at 5.5 pounds
• Last-round bolt hold-open convenience
• Scope bundles improve starter value
• Decent accuracy with good ammo
• Convenient magazine release placement

Cons

• Feeding can dip with fouling and bulk ammo
• Early plastic magazines underperformed
• Disassembly is fussy compared to competitors
• 14" length of pull too long for some shooters
• Smaller aftermarket than the Ruger 10/22

Verdict

The Remington 597 sits in an odd corner of the rimfire semi auto market. It is not the default choice in the way the Ruger 10/22 is. It still brings enough unique touches to deserve a close look.

For a new buyer, the choice comes down to what matters most to you. If you want massive aftermarket support and a huge crowd of owners who share tips, the 10/22 is still hard to beat. But if you like the last round bolt hold open, prefer the way the 597 feels, or spot a sharp deal on a scope combo, the Remington starts to look very tempting.

The 597 story has clear highs and lows. The magazine line changed over time, and that change shows Remington listened to early complaints and improved the design. The dual guide rail system points to careful engineering. At the same time, the tricky disassembly and picky feeding with some ammo types show where more work could have helped.

At its heart, the 597 is a budget friendly rimfire. With the right magazines, regular cleaning, and decent ammo, it can handle casual plinking, small game duty, or training new gun owners. You just need to be a little more strict about upkeep and ammo choice compared to some rival rifles.

If you already own a 597, the main habits are simple. Stay with the aluminum magazines, clean the rifle on a routine schedule, test and keep the ammo it likes, and enjoy a rimfire that feels different from the common 10/22.

The Remington 597 is one of the more underrated semi-auto .22 rifles, offering a smooth-shooting platform for plinking, training, and small-game use. If you’re still deciding which rimfire rifle best fits your needs, our Top .22 LR Rifles: A Comprehensive Guide breaks down today’s best options across every major category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Remington 597 still dependable today?

Reports are mixed. Later aluminum magazines and regular cleaning help, but bulk .22 LR fouling can trigger stoppages.

2. How accurate is the Remington 597?

Adequate for plinking and small game. Many owners prefer adding a 3–9× optic for best groups.

3. Which magazines work best for Remington 597?

Later-production metal factory magazines are commonly cited as more consistent than the early plastic versions.

4. Does the Remington 597 come with a scope?

Some trims shipped with a bundled scope, adding value for first-time buyers.

5. How does Remington 597 compare to the Ruger 10/22?

Similar price; the 10/22 typically wins on feeding reputation and aftermarket, while the 597 offers LRBHO and bundle value.

About the Author

The Pro Armory writing team put this guide together using current research. We drew on work from trusted sources such as the Journal of Military Science, Firearms News, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The team also checked information from official defense publications and major firearm groups such as the ATF, the NRA, and factory manuals.

Disclaimer: This review is for education only. Laws can change and they are not the same in every state or city. Use safe handling at all times. Read your owner’s manual. Check your local rules before you buy, carry, or train with any firearm, and always test any used rimfire thoroughly with your chosen ammunition before relying on it.