Remington 597 - accuracy, reliability, bull barrel
- Thread starter timandkimandshea
- Start date
I had a base model 597 and accuracy was not a word you used when describing it no matter what ammo was used. The 30 round mags were a pain in the ass to load after 15 rounds and also required sanding around the sides so they would fit into the mag well properly. The rifle operated properly for the most part depending on ammo, CCI Blazer worked the best.
I had a 597 laminate stock heavy barrel in .22 LR. It was very accurate but had lots of stoppages out of the box. It didn't take long to get it tuned up though. I installed a volquartsen extractor and polished the guide rods and hammer. Make sure you are running 3rd generation or newer mags and only tighten the guide rods finger tight.
ISaidShotgun!
CGN Regular
- Location
- Northern Alberta
I own the AAC-SD model. Pretty accurate at 50 metres with a red dot scope. I plan on putting a real scope on it in the near future. I must be the exception, I have two 30 round magazines and they run great. YMMV.
You're going to have to beat around the bush or buy used if no one gives you any suggestions. The 597 VTR was discontinued last year. Keep in mind there are THREE versions of the VTR, with the quad rail version commanding a premium (really cool but really heavy rifle). Which one were you looking for?
I have a 597 target model and it's my go to gun for new shooters. It's very accurate and make for lots of smiles when people that aren't in to guns are able to hit the target. I put a VQ hammer in mine and polished up the guide bars too. I find it's plenty reliable. I do have the odd magazine stoppage with the 30's but not enough that I find them a pain in the ass. I also have a 10/22 so don't consider me biased
I bought a 597 last year used base model with open sights. it had a Boyd's laminate thumhole stock on it.
When I first got it I thought it was inaccurate didn't like it much and was thinking of selling it for a 10/22. After alot of thought i decided to keep it for a bit and and try putting a decent scope on it. I bought a mueller 4.5-14apt on it after much fourm reading. I then did my own trigger modding and brought the heavy creepy trigger down to around 3 pounds with no more creep. I polished and adjusted guide rails and floated the barrel as it was touching the stock. the 30 rd mag i bought would not work properly to tight wouldn't feed reliably after sanding it down to the same specs as the reg 10 shot mag it worked great. A bit of ammo testing ended up with cci standard velocity or subsonic ( seem to shoot the same) well for a $150 gun and a $200 scope I can't believe how well it shoots, 100 yards no problem shooting moa on a calm day and 200 when it's very calm out have got 3/4 moa groups, usually only 3 or 4 shot groups due to one or 2 Beeing flyers maybe cci ? Or my poor shooting skills or over heating the barrel. This is plenty good for me considering the money invested
When I first got it I thought it was inaccurate didn't like it much and was thinking of selling it for a 10/22. After alot of thought i decided to keep it for a bit and and try putting a decent scope on it. I bought a mueller 4.5-14apt on it after much fourm reading. I then did my own trigger modding and brought the heavy creepy trigger down to around 3 pounds with no more creep. I polished and adjusted guide rails and floated the barrel as it was touching the stock. the 30 rd mag i bought would not work properly to tight wouldn't feed reliably after sanding it down to the same specs as the reg 10 shot mag it worked great. A bit of ammo testing ended up with cci standard velocity or subsonic ( seem to shoot the same) well for a $150 gun and a $200 scope I can't believe how well it shoots, 100 yards no problem shooting moa on a calm day and 200 when it's very calm out have got 3/4 moa groups, usually only 3 or 4 shot groups due to one or 2 Beeing flyers maybe cci ? Or my poor shooting skills or over heating the barrel. This is plenty good for me considering the money invested
I've not tried a heavy barreled model, but do love my 597.
read of lots of problems, but mine hasn't displayed issues. One of my factory 10rd magazines required some attention (sanded follower). Accurate, full sized rifle. Cycles well, and that bolt is silky smooth.
Only upgrade I made was the scope base. It was 12 bucks, and I went that route as it was cheaper than buying rimfire rings.
read of lots of problems, but mine hasn't displayed issues. One of my factory 10rd magazines required some attention (sanded follower). Accurate, full sized rifle. Cycles well, and that bolt is silky smooth.
Only upgrade I made was the scope base. It was 12 bucks, and I went that route as it was cheaper than buying rimfire rings.
Hi,
I own a 597 VTR with fixed stock, it comes with a bull barrel.
Accuracy is excellent. I get great groupings at 50 and 100 yards, at least for my level of shooting... Action is very smooth. I do have some occasional FTEs, but will be installing a Volquartsen Exact Edge extractor soon, so that should solve all issues. I will probably drop in a Target Hammer at the same time. It is quite heavy for a 22 with the metal handguard and bull barrel, but I personally like it this way.
I did read a lot of bad press on the web while doing some research before buying it, but I don't regret it at all. A great rifle really, and my shooting partner keeps borrowing it from me, so it must be a good sign !!
I think I saw one for sale on the EE recently btw...
I own a 597 VTR with fixed stock, it comes with a bull barrel.
Accuracy is excellent. I get great groupings at 50 and 100 yards, at least for my level of shooting... Action is very smooth. I do have some occasional FTEs, but will be installing a Volquartsen Exact Edge extractor soon, so that should solve all issues. I will probably drop in a Target Hammer at the same time. It is quite heavy for a 22 with the metal handguard and bull barrel, but I personally like it this way.
I did read a lot of bad press on the web while doing some research before buying it, but I don't regret it at all. A great rifle really, and my shooting partner keeps borrowing it from me, so it must be a good sign !!
I think I saw one for sale on the EE recently btw...
