597 vs. 10/22 - final decision

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bnight90

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I have been reading up on both Remington's 597 lineup, as well as
Ruger's 10/22's. I have a fairly good idea of each, however I am still left
wondering.. The initial price of a 597 (not the VTR) is listed somewhere
in the range of a hundred bucks less than the base 10/22 carbine, (give or
take a few). All i have been hearing is that when it comes to the VTR vs. the
modified 10/22 or even the SR-22, is that it cannot compare as far as
reliability, (out of the box). Does that ring true for the stock 597 as well?

I'm looking to buy my first rifle, and I really can't break the bank. However I
would rather spend the extra cash if it means it will work.

The one other issue I have is the look of the sock 10/22. I simply prefer the
factory 597. I know it's customary to dress up a 10/22, but couldn't the
money I save on a stock 597, (that $100 or so) later go towards a heavy
barrel, and a scope? That way I don't spend cash on the look of the gun, but
rather put it more towards the functionality, when I have more dough to
spend.

I'd love to hear your thoughts out there, I'm eager to get shootin' this
summer. I also haven't seen many upgraded (from stock that is) 597's.

thanks!
 
As far as functionality, I've always had better experiences with the 10/22: less jamming, easier to strip down and clean, more compact and I like the factory sights better. There's a huge aftermarket parts selection for the 10/22, as you already know, so that's the deciding factor right there as far as I am concerned. Remington makes excellent firearms, but my vote goes to the Ruger product for the self-loading .22 rifle.
 
I had a 597 for a bit, but stripping it is a pain in the ass! Accuracy is decent, and mine functioned fine, but all those little screws were a joke! Also the handguard never seemed to be that solid! I sold it after 2 months and don't regret it!
 
Just some simple 10/22 things to consider....:redface:...they have yet to develop steel-lipped hi-cap magazines for the Remington....:(...., the reliability of a "stock" 10/22 for firing-and-feeding is immensly increased and then almost wholly by a simple $12 additional part (the VQ extractor)....;)...., and there is a veritable emberassment of riches so far as other add-ons are concerned, for when additional funds become available later on......:wave:
 
Another vote for the 10/22 here. I'm not one to junk-up my .22 with tactical stuff, but there is obviously plenty of options if you go that route~as you've already acknowledged. As valuable as the accessories is the pool of knowledge on Ruger. With something like 6 million+ in circulation, there is nothing you can't find out about, or possibly trouble shoot if you have any issues. Heck, I've even found a subsonic round my 10/22 will digest!

A few performance add-ons (unseen except the charging handle in my case) refine the gun's manners, but they shoot really well out of the box too. Allows you to save/upgrade a little at a time.

Good luck, sounds like the brass will be flying for you this summer!
 
It sounds like you want to go with 597. While I certainly prefer the 10/22 for all the reasons listed above, it's your choice and you should go with whatever you like best.

You won't see many upgraded 597s because there aren't many aftermarket parts compared to the 10/22. You might find that upgrading the 597 will cost you more in the long run because parts are harder to find on the EE, so you may have to source new stuff out of the States.
 
I own two 597's and 1 10/22 - The 597 would outshoot my 10/22 in stock form, now that 10/22 has a dlask barrel (+180$) my 10/22 shoots better as far as accurracy goes. Triggers on both are heavy, 10/22 more so than 597.
+1 on the steel lip mags for 10/22. I wore out 3 - 30 rounder mag lips with my 597 (10 rounds are ok) I have since jbwelded the lip so it is not worn and it works like new again.

If you are planning on modding the rifle at all, there is alot more support for 10/22 so I would go that route..... but if your not planning on modifying I would go with a 597. I did have to adjust tightness of the set screws on the guide rods which is easy, because if they are tight it will cause jams.

If you have the money buy both and sell the one you dis-like the most :)
 
I have always wondered about buying a Remington 597 also because I like the looks of them. I have had a Ruger that had very good accuracey and it was just a Carbine model. I just bought a Winchester Wildcat, that is a actually a Russian TOZ, that I am extremely pleased with. I think I might buy my oldest son(12) a Remington 597, just to give it a go because I know it won't ever by modified so I won't have an issue with it there.

I really don't see the sense of spending $500 in parts on a Ruger though, because if accuracey was the main priority, then someone would be better suited in buying a high quality bolt action .22lr, such as a CZ or ever a Win Wildcat like the one I have with a heavy Barrel, and adjustable trigger. Just my .02 cents though anyways, from trial and error.
 
I compared the SR-22 to the VTR 597 and they look almost identical. I'm liking the Remington these days because it shoots awesome. I only use CCI Mini Mag and I never have issues. I bet they are about the same. They look the same.
 
I had a 597 and it was junk as far as I'm concerned. Accuracy was good but constant jam's and FTF no matter what ammo was enough for me. And yes I cleaned it and adjusted the guide rail screws. Got a Ruger 10 22 and never have had a problem.
 
I have a 597 and I have had a few 10/22's. The Remington is nice and light, good accuracy and does function. I will say the plastic mags with plastic loading ramps for the 597 are cheap and have light spring pressure, and I have had far more functioning foul-ups with my 597. I have replaced the mag as it shows wear on loading ramp after about 300-500 shots. Have yet to try the 30rd mags for the 597. I am considering buying another 10/22 for high volume shooting as all the rugers I've had seem to just work and work problem free. I do remember going out and shooting bricks(500) of ammo with the rugers and never having a jam. My 597 would be lucky to get threw 100 rounds with out a jam-up.
 
I put a VQ extractor in my VTR and not a hicup since. I can fire off a brick of any of the cheap fodder and no problems. So the gun is $100 cheaper spend $20 on an extractor and you have a more accurate just as reliable gun.
 
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