I have a 597 M and it's never jammed even once and i've owned it for several years now. I use it to shoot pest around the farm and it's quite accurate. I have a straight 7.5X Leupold on it. There were issues with early guns jamming and it caused 3 different designs of the clips... I think for the most part Rem. is past those problems.
I like the synthetic stock as i bought it to be maintance free, and it has been! Many times it sits out in the shop or ??? and i don't have to worry about wood swelling or anythingelse like that.
I also have a Ruger 10/22, and it's a total PITA to carry around, as it feels like a beached whale in your hands!!! The clip requires a FAT stock and i just hate it!! In general i think you'll find the Rems. are more accurate "out of the box" than the Rugers too.
I shot the below group while leaning onmy 4 wheeler so, i'm sure it would be even better off a bench.
Drilling Man