Remington Model 597

The Remington Model 597 is a semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Remington Arms. The .22 Long Rifle version has a removable 10-round magazine, while the magazines for the larger .22 WMR and .17 HMR cartridges hold 8 rounds. The standard and WMR versions have been in production since 1997, and the .17 HMR version since 2002. The unique bolt-guidance system uses two steel guide rails. The 597 is built in Remington's Mayfield, Kentucky plant.

The Remington 597 is a competitor to the Marlin Model 795 and Ruger 10/22.

Variants
The 597 is available in a number of configurations. Both synthetic and laminated wood stocks are available. The standard barrel length is 20 inches. A target model is available with a 20 inch bull barrel with no sights. The receiver has integral 11 mm dovetail mounts (sometimes called tip-off mounts). An optional weaver style scope base mounts to pre-drilled and tapped mount points.

The tip-off mounts are suitable only for small, light scopes for air rifle or rimfire use. Heavier scopes will tend to move on their mounts and thus lose zero. For these types of scope the weaver mounting system provides a more secure mount.

Magazines
The 597 has had at least three 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 were 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 generations of magazines were very similar to the second generation with only small differences.

Currently there are third party magazines available to purchase for the 597.

Aftermarket parts
The 597 is gaining more after market parts but still lacks the enormous variety of the Ruger 10/22 which is its competitor in the marketplace. There are now after market barrels, hammers and extractors available for the 597, as well as the high capacity magazines noted earlier. Volquartsen Custom provides barrel, hammer and extractor upgrades.

Model History
The .17 HMR model was discontinued due to complaints of out-of-battery discharges.
 * 22 Long Rifle (1997–Present)
 * 22 Win Mag (1997–Present)
 * 17 HMR (2002–2009)

2012/12/27 From Remington website SAFETY WARNING AND RECALL NOTICE For any consumer questions or instructions on how to return of your Model 597 17 HMR semi-automatic rifle or your Remington branded 17 HMR ammunition, please contact the Remington Consumer Service Department at 1-800-243-9700, Prompt #3.

Recall Information
Remington has announced a recall for Remington 597 rifles chambered in .17 HMR and Remington .17 HMR ammunition. Remington provides coupons for the exchange of Remington 597 .17 HMR firearms, but they are highly undervalued compared to market pricing for the .17 HMR rifles, so many owners choose to keep or sell these rifles.