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Remington Model 597
View on WikipediaThe Remington Model 597 is an American semi-automatic rifle that was manufactured by Remington Arms at the company's Mayfield, Kentucky and Huntsville, Alabama plant. The .22 Long Rifle version has a removable 10-round magazine, while the magazines for the larger .22 WMR and .17 HMR cartridges hold eight rounds.
Key Information
The .22 LR and .22 WMR versions began production in 1997, and the .17 HMR version in 2002. Remington announced that the 597 had been discontinued in 2019.[2]
Overview and variants
[edit]The Remington 597, a competitor to the Marlin Model 795, the Mossberg 702 Plinkster, and the Ruger 10/22, was available in a number of configurations, with both synthetic and laminated wood stock options. The standard barrel length is 20 inches. Its unique bolt-guidance system uses two steel guide rails, and the bolt locks in the open position when the last round is fired.
The receiver has integral 11 mm dovetail rail (sometimes called "tip-off" scope 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
[edit]The 597 had at least four 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 was 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 was 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.[3]
The fourth-generation magazine features a black coating which is intended to improve feed reliability.
Aftermarket extended-capacity magazines are also available.
Aftermarket parts
[edit]The 597 is gaining more aftermarket parts, but it still lacks the enormous variety of the Ruger 10/22, which is its competitor in the marketplace. There are now aftermarket barrels, iron sights, hammers and extractors available for the Model 597, as well as the magazines noted earlier. Volquartsen Custom offers aftermarket barrels, hammers, and extractors.[4] Tech-SIGHTS offers adjustable aperture sights.[5]
Model history
[edit]- .22 Long Rifle (1997–2019)
- .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (1997–2019)
- .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (2002–2009)
Recall information
[edit]In August 2009, Remington warned customers to discontinue use of the Model 597 in .17 HMR due to safety issues. The company asked that all Model 597 rifles chambered in .17 HMR, along with any Remington-brand .17 HMR ammunition, be returned to Remington, and offered reimbursement coupons in exchange.[6][7] A subsequent class-action lawsuit, William S. Yancey v. Remington Arms Company, LLC; Cascade Cartridge, Inc. a/k/a CCI Ammunition, complained that the amounts were below the original purchase prices of the rifles and ammunition, and that they were only good for purchase of further Remington products.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "Model 597 HB". Remington Arms. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
- ^ "Model 597 | Remington". Archived from the original on 25 May 2020.
- ^ "597 magazine comparison - RimfireCentral.com Forums". Archived from the original on 27 September 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2006.
- ^ Volquartsen Custom
- ^ "Home". tech-sights.com.
- ^ Remington Arms Company. "Remington 17 HMR Ammunition And Model 597™ HMR Product Safety Warning And Recall Notice". www.remington.com. Archived from the original on 30 March 2016.
- ^ Remington Ammunition (31 August 2009) [2009-08-20]. "17 HMR Ammunition Product Warning". www.remington.com.
- ^ Pierce, Sarah (22 December 2011). "Defective Remington 597 17 HMR Semiautomatic Rifle Class Action Lawsuit". Top Class Actions. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
External links
[edit]Remington Model 597
View on GrokipediaDevelopment and production
Design origins
The Remington Model 597 is a semi-automatic rimfire rifle introduced by Remington Arms in 1997, aimed at the market for affordable plinking and target shooting rifles.[1][6] Developed as a direct response to the enduring popularity of competitors like the Ruger 10/22, which had dominated the segment since the 1960s, the Model 597 sought to offer a reliable, user-friendly alternative with modern manufacturing techniques.[6] A key engineering innovation in the Model 597 was its proprietary bolt-guidance system, featuring twin tool-steel guide rails that direct the bolt's movement internally, enhancing stability, feeding reliability, and overall durability compared to traditional designs.[7][8] This system, combined with a simple blowback operating mechanism, minimized wear and improved cycle consistency across various ammunition types.[6] The rifle's construction emphasized cost-effectiveness through extensive use of lightweight polymer for the stock and components, while incorporating a modular layout that allows for straightforward field disassembly without specialized tools.[6][9] Initially chambered in .22 Long Rifle for its widespread availability and appeal to casual shooters, the design from the outset accommodated expansion to higher-velocity options, with .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire versions entering production alongside the .22 LR model in 1997 and .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire variants following in 2002.[10][6]Manufacturing timeline
The Remington Model 597 entered production in 1997 at the company's newly opened facility near Mayfield, Kentucky, marking the rifle's debut as a semi-automatic rimfire option designed for recreational and target shooting.[11] This plant, located in the Hickory Industrial Park, was specifically established to manufacture the Model 597 family, with initial output focused on .22 Long Rifle chamberings.[12] In 2014, Remington announced a major expansion to a new 500,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama, investing over $110 million to increase overall production capacity across its product lines, including rimfire rifles like the Model 597.[13] The Mayfield plant closed in 2016, with operations consolidated and transferred to Huntsville by 2017 to streamline manufacturing amid growing demand.[14][1] Production of the Model 597 continued from 1997 until its discontinuation in 2019, a period during which it gained significant traction among plinkers and entry-level shooters in the 2000s due to its affordability and reliability in casual applications.[1][15] The rifle's discontinuation in 2019 stemmed from Remington Outdoor Company's financial challenges, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2018 driven by declining sales and litigation costs, which led to operational cutbacks and model rationalization.[1][16] Following a second bankruptcy in 2020, the company's assets were restructured and sold, with the core firearms business, including rights to legacy models like the 597, acquired by Roundhill Group LLC for $13 million.[17][18]Design and features
Operating mechanism
The Remington Model 597 is a blowback-operated semi-automatic rifle that utilizes the recoil energy generated by the firing of rimfire cartridges to cycle the action.[6][4][19] This simple and reliable mechanism relies on the mass of the bolt and the pressure from the cartridge to drive the bolt rearward after ignition, ejecting the spent casing and loading a new round from the magazine without the need for gas ports or locking lugs.[6][19] The bolt design features a free-floating configuration supported by twin tool-steel guide rails, which minimize direct contact between the bolt and the receiver interior to reduce friction, wear, and binding during operation.[20][21] These guide rails, along with dual recoil springs, ensure smooth and consistent cycling, contributing to the rifle's reputation for reliable performance across various ammunition types.[20][19] Safety is provided by an ambidextrous cross-bolt mechanism positioned behind the trigger guard, which blocks the trigger and hammer when engaged by pushing the button to the right (revealing a red warning dot when disengaged).[3][6] This design allows easy operation for both left- and right-handed users without altering the rifle's ergonomics.[6][2] The trigger is a factory-set single-stage unit with an approximate pull weight of 5 pounds, delivering a consistent break without adjustable features in its standard configuration.[20][22] Nickel-Teflon plating on the hammer and sear enhances smoothness and reduces drag for a crisp release.[23] For maintenance, the Model 597 allows disassembly by first unloading the rifle, engaging the safety, and removing the magazine, followed by loosening the two takedown screws at the front and rear of the receiver using a 1/8-inch Allen wrench to separate the upper and lower halves.[3] The bolt and guide rails can then be removed by pulling the operating handle rearward and sliding out the assembly pin, facilitating thorough cleaning of the action and chamber without specialized tools beyond the wrench.[3] The design integrates seamlessly with the detachable magazine system, where the bolt hold-open feature locks the action open after the last round is fired to aid in reloading.[3]Technical specifications
The Remington Model 597 is chambered primarily in .22 Long Rifle (LR), with variants available in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) and .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR).[3][8] The standard model features a 20-inch (51 cm) carbon steel barrel with a 1:16 twist rate, while a heavy barrel variant offers a 16.5-inch (42 cm) length.[8][24][25] The overall length measures 40 inches (102 cm) for the standard configuration, with an unloaded weight of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg).[8][6] It utilizes detachable box magazines with a capacity of 10 rounds in .22 LR, reduced to 8 rounds for magnum calibers.[3] Using high-velocity .22 LR ammunition, the rifle achieves a muzzle velocity of approximately 1,300 ft/s (396 m/s) from the 20-inch barrel.[26] The effective range for plinking and small game is up to 150 yards, though the theoretical maximum ballistic range is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) under ideal conditions.[2][27] Standard sights include a fixed front post and an adjustable rear peep sight, factory zeroed at 100 yards for elevation and windage.[3] Select models incorporate a receiver-mounted rail compatible with Picatinny optics mounts.[3][28]| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 LR (standard); .22 WMR, .17 HMR (variants) |
| Barrel Length | 20 in (51 cm) standard; 16.5 in (42 cm) heavy barrel |
| Overall Length | 40 in (102 cm) |
| Weight (unloaded) | 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds (.22 LR); 8 rounds (magnum calibers) |
| Muzzle Velocity (.22 LR high-velocity) | ~1,300 ft/s (396 m/s) |
| Effective Range | Up to 150 yd (137 m) for plinking |
| Sights | Adjustable rear peep, front post; optional Picatinny rail |
