Description
I was out back, plinking at some old cans with a buddy who was complaining about his finicky semi-auto .22. It was jamming, it was picky with ammo—just a headache. I handed him my Remington Model 597 22LR 16.5 Inch Heavy Barrel With 5-R Rifling Blue Finish Od Green Synthetic Stock. Fifty rounds of cheap bulk ammo later, without a single hiccup, he just looked at me and said, “Okay, where’d you get this?”
Here’s the thing—the Remington Model 597 is a no-nonsense, reliable semi-automatic .22 LR rifle built around a heavy-contour 16.5-inch barrel for stability and accuracy. It features Remington’s proprietary 5-R rifling for reduced fouling and better bullet engagement, all wrapped in a durable OD Green synthetic stock. At $209.70, it’s a workhorse rimfire that eats any ammo you feed it and begs for more.
Let’s talk about that heavy barrel. It’s not just for looks. That extra mass out front does wonders for balance and reduces muzzle jump, making follow-up shots quicker and easier. It also dissipates heat better during long sessions, which helps maintain point of impact. I’ve put bricks of Federal AutoMatch and CCI Mini-Mags through this rifle, and the consistency is impressive for a rimfire in this price range. The 5-R rifling is a legit feature you usually see on higher-end precision rifles; it’s designed to be easier to clean and can contribute to better accuracy by causing less deformation to the bullet as it travels down the bore.
The action itself is robust. It uses a dual-opposing lug bolt design that provides a solid lockup, and the feed system from the 10-round rotary magazine is famously reliable. I’ve found it to be far less finicky than some other popular .22 semi-autos when it comes to ammunition. The OD Green synthetic stock is tough, weather-resistant, and provides a solid platform. It’s a simple, functional design that just works. The rifle tips the scales at a manageable 5.5 lbs, making it easy to carry all day for small game hunting or a long afternoon on the range.
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
| Barrel Length | 16.5″ Heavy Barrel |
| Rifling | 5-R, 1:16″ Twist |
| Overall Length | 37.5″ |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: exceptional reliability with a wide range of ammo, a stable and accurate heavy barrel, and the practical benefits of 5-R rifling. The value for the money is hard to beat. On the downside, the trigger pull from the factory can be a bit heavy and gritty—it’s a common point for improvement. Some shooters might also prefer a more traditional wood stock for aesthetics, but the synthetic one here is all about durability and function. That said, aftermarket support exists, with companies like DIP Inc. making great trigger upgrade kits if you decide to tweak it later.
Who is this rifle for?
It’s perfect for the Missouri hunter looking for a dependable small-game rifle that won’t let you down in the field. It’s for the new shooter who needs a first rifle that just runs, building confidence instead of frustration. It’s for the seasoned plinker who wants a truck gun or a low-cost training tool that mimics the handling of a heavier centerfire. This is a tool, not a toy, and it’s built to perform without fuss. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases, of course, and this model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Model 597 compatible with magazines from other Remington .22 rifles?
A: No, it uses its own proprietary 10-round rotary magazine. You’ll want to stick with Remington Model 597-specific mags for reliable function.
Q: How does the 5-R rifling affect cleaning?
A: In my experience, it does make a noticeable difference. The flat surfaces of the 5-R lands seem to accumulate less copper and powder fouling compared to traditional rifling, and a few passes with a bore brush typically gets it clean. It’s a nice practical benefit.
Q: Can you mount a scope on this rifle easily?
A: Absolutely. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard rimfire scope base. It’s a drop-in ready platform for optics—I mounted a Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm on mine using a set of Weaver-style bases, and it was a straightforward, zero-gunsmithing process.
If you’re tired of a .22 that’s more temperamental than a Missouri spring day and just want a solid, accurate rifle that goes bang every time, take a closer look at this Remington 597.
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