What is your thought 597 VTR

[BJB]

I am looking to get a nice 22cal to do some plinking with. I know all about the 10/22 and that most prefer it over other 22cal. I have been looking at the Remington 597 VTR and like what I am finding. Does anyone have any experience with this gun and how would you compair it to the 10/22. Thanks BJB

[Tncobra]

A friend has the Remington and it shoots great. But before you even try that, go test drive a M&P 15-22 if you haven't. I can't say enough about this plinker.

[Guest Jcochran88]

Very accurate but if you are wanting to customize then its no comparison to the 10/22. If you want a traditional .22 rifle that's less expensive than the 10/22 I would check out a marlin 60.

[Guest Aces&8s]

I have the basic 597, and it is a great shooter. Very accurate, even with the standard barrel, and the dual action rods give it a smooth action. The trigger leaves a bit to be desired, but the Volquartsen drop-in hammer makes a huge difference with that. As with most .22LRs, ammo is the biggest factor in accuracy, mine happens to do best with Remington Golden Bullets, CCI Mini-Mags, and Blazer, with acceptable (hunting) performance out of most others (except Thunderbolts and Winchester Super-X, which open up significantly, if the rounds fire at all). Using Wolf Match Extra, I can get sub-dime sized groups at 100 yards using a bi-pod. Not bad for a $140 rifle.

Remington was having trouble with their heavy barrels for a while a few years ago, with many people at rimfirecentral.com complaining about horrible performance out of the target models. It seems like they have gotten their act together with this new generation of 597s though.

[MacGyver]

I personally prefer the 10/22 platform for the variety of aftermarket parts that are available, but the 597 platform is a solid, well-built rifle.