Don't know much about this .22LR, so I thought I would ask your opinions of it. My wife got me a Remington 597 (set up w/ a Remington 3x9 scope) for Christmas and was wondering what your overall impressions of it was.

Good? Bad? Other?

Basically, my desire for a .22LR was only for squirrel hunting. And, still being new to the hunting scene, I was also wondering what else it would take down within 50 yards. Thanks.

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

I've got a 597 in 17hmr. I like it, probably hasn't seen 100 rounds shot through it yet. Topped it off with a Bushnel scope, sighted it in and it's in my safe

I agree with DM on the "fox-sized" stuff...
Some fearless folkswith greatdogs use.22lr for wild hogs.(behind ear)
It always comes down toproper bullet placement.

I also have the 597M (wmr) it shoots great and have had no problems with it. I would say you can kill coyotes with it inside 50 yards but that would be my limit. I wouldnt hesitate with the wmr. Like it was said bullet placement and that gets trown around alot here. But it is important!!!!!!!!!

I have the exact same rifle. I've put maybe 300 round through it so far.

It's a good, reliable rifle. It's also a major PITA to reassemble after cleaning. Just make sure to not overtighten the set screws for the guide rails after cleaning. I recomend leaving the rails slightly loose. If you overtighten, they will bow out and the bolt will not close fully after you fire, causing your next shot to be a misfire.