Remington Model 597 HB reviewed by Shooting Times

Barrels

• One really good feature that enhances the Model 597’s performance stems from the good barrel-to-receiver fit that solidly locks the two together, yet allows the barrel to be removed very easily.
• This is achieved by the elongated breechface that slots into machined recesses in the action, and the union is secured by a separate block that effectively wedges the two together.
• The finish is typically matt blued, which negates any unwanted glare while out in the field, and the muzzle is threaded with a ½in UNF thread for sound-moderator fitment.
• The barrel diameter is 21mm and straight tapered to the barrel contour with a length of 16.5in, making for a shorter, stiffer barrel. This aids consistent accuracy and to some extent helps eliminate the need 
to free-float the barrel.
• The stock is an injection-moulded type with reinforced areas in the fore-end 
to eliminate or control flexing; as far as synthetic stocks go it is actually pretty solid and sturdy.
• There is no chequering, but the sculpted pistol grip and scalloped fore-end help.
• There aren’t any sling-swivel 
studs, which is a no-no in my book, 
as a hunting arm needs studs to fit a sling while walking and for bipod fitment. However, this is easily remedied and inexpensive to correct.
• The length of pull was 14in, which was good, but I found the comb a little low with a 2.25in drop, though the low-profiled Weaver one-piece base places the scope lower than normal.
• The horrible hard black plastic recoil pad remains.
• It mounts like a shotgun, but is chequered for some grip.

Trigger and safety

The trigger mechanism is in 
a polymer housing with the vital parts such as the sear and hammer being Teflon/nickel-plated for a smooth trigger pull. With its single-stage pull, the trigger is crisp for a semi-automatic rimfire with a weight 
of 3.5lb and minimal creep. The safety is the tried-and-tested yet simple cross-bolt blocking plunger sited in the rear of the trigger-blade, which blocks the travel of the trigger. It operates only when the rifle is cocked.