Remington 597 VTR (SS Tested August 2010)

Like the Ruger SR22 the Remy 597 VTR is a standard, sporting 22 semi. Major changes are a heavier barrel in a free-float forend and an alloy outer body that mounts an A2 butt and pistol grip, giving a passing AR15 look. Controls consist of a cross bolt, safety in the trigger guard and a sliding mag catch on the right of the action. There are no iron sights but Remington include a 1” weaver type rail that screws onto the receiver.  Feed is from a 10-round box mag that offers automatic last round hold open; though a 30-shot banana clip is also available. The VTR is accurate and shows a good trigger, but I found the standard mag gets full of crud very quickly and cause stoppages so needs to be kept clean, the larger version is more reliable.

Due to the outer body shell, disassembly for cleaning is not fast or easy, but essential if you want to keep the gun running reliably. Like the SR22 and given the realism of the majority of this class of rifle the VTR though accurate is neither fish nor fowl…  Remington 597 VTR it shoots well enough but the semi AR15 look might not be to your taste

•Capacity 10 and 30
•Barrel 18”
•Iron sights N
•Scope base Y
•Automatic last round hold open Y
•Price: £748
•Magazines 10-shot £15, 30-shot £24
•Contact: Edgar Brothers Ltd, 01625 613177
•For: Accurate with an AR15-like look
•Against: Not a real AR
•Verdict: Shoots well enough with some good control features