I wouldn't do it. Those rifles are junk from what I hear and you've got something that you'll be able to enjoy in your 22. If you're really looking for something for the 597 then I would go to a dealer and see what you can get for it or sell it to your friend for what you have into it. I would definately shop around for a good used rifle to get in a cartridge that you like. If you're trying to rush so that you have something that you can shoot in a few weeks on opening day then I would strongly recommend a muzzleloader. A lot of the cheap ones will shoot great for not a lot of money. But definately buy a quality used rifle instead of a cheap used rifle (you can get a good used 30-30 for 200ish I bet).