I have a 597M (22 WRM version) and it's accurate and totally reliable... It's only use is for "pest" control here on my place, and it works perfectly for that...

As for what you can anchor with a 22lr at 50 yards... i'd say with the right ammo, fox "size" animials are about it, but i'm sure someone will come along and tell us how they shot a deer-moose-elephantor what ever so it have to be "ok" for them too...

DM