I had the same questions as you did IM LUGGER , but i finally made my choice with a Remington 597 , and i could not be happier. My friends has a 10/22, which initially got peaked my interest into .22 , and even my friend prefers handling my 597. I was reluctant about buying my 597 after an exhausting search on numerous forums of it having jam problems, but as long as your 597 is manufactured with the past 3 years and comes with the new metal mags you should have no problems. I have had no malfunction other then having bad ammo with mine. Handling both the 10/22 and 597 i have to admit ,and so does my friend , that the 597 feels more beefier and more rifle like, not taking anything away from 10/22 owners but i like the beefier feel of the stock itself.Do a search with my name to see pics of my 597. Hope i helped in your search. Good shootin! Snake Eyes