remington 597 Magnum, 597 User Guide
Owner’s
Manual
Owner’s
Manual
Instruction Book for:
Instruction Book for:
Model 597 & 597 Magnum
.22 Long Rifle Caliber Rimfire
or .22 Win. Mag. Caliber
Rimfire
Autoloading Rifles
page 2 ........the ten commandments of
firearm safety
page 7 ........important parts of the firearm
page 10 ......how to load and unload
page 11 ......lubrication and maintenance
page 15
......
how to obtain parts and service
Model 597 & 597 Magnum
.22 Long Rifle Caliber Rimfire
or .22 Win. Mag. Caliber
Rimfire
Autoloading Rifles
IMPORTANT!
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS IN THIS
BOOK BEFORE USING THE FIREARM.
2
Eliphalet Remington’s first
flintlock launched a proud tradition
of accuracy & responsibility.
1st COMMANDMENT
2nd COMMANDMENT
A Tradition of Performance and Safety.
In 1816 Eliphalet Remington was confident he could make a flintlock that was as good or
better than any he could buy. His confidence was well founded. The barrel he handcrafted
set a new standard for firearm accuracy and spawned generations of products that have
made Remington
®
Arms America’s leading gunmaker. While performance and style are
certainly hallmarks of Remington firearms, one factor ultimately drives their performance.
Safety. Eliphalet Remington never lost sight of the fact that his rifles were potentially
lethal and could kill someone if handled improperly. And after more than 180 years the
same holds true for any firearm, including your new Remington. Eliphalet Remington’s
first flintlock launched a proud tradition of accuracy and responsibility.
Safety is Critical to Performance.
A superbly crafted gun is only as good as the hands that hold it. You can never be too careful. Shooting
accidents are often caused by careless oversights such as failing to control the direction of the muzzle, failing to
fully engage the safety, leaving ammunition in the chamber or using improper loads. These oversights can result
in the destruction of life, limb or property. There’s no calling back a bullet once it’s been fired, so it’s
critical that you know the principles of safe gun handling and storage before you ever take your new Remington
firearm out of the box.
The proper use and performance of your firearm depends on correct assembly and maintenance, so it’s critical
that you familiarize yourself with the information in this instruction book. Even if you’re a veteran shooter with a
collection of Remington firearms, take the time to read this literature. Not all firearms are the same. That means
the first step in safe handling is to learn the features and requirements of your new Remington.
THET
ENCOMMANDMENTS OFFIREARMSAFETY
The Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety should be etched in your memory forever. Let them govern your
action wherever and whenever you’re involved with firearms. In the field. On the range. Or in your home. Please
take the time to review and understand these rules.
Always Keep the Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction.
This is the most important gun safety rule. A safe direction is one in which an accidental
discharge will not cause injury to yourself or others. Never allow your gun to point at
anything you don’t intend to shoot. Be especially careful when you’re loading or unloading.
Treat every gun as if it were loaded. And make it a habit to know where the muzzle is
pointed at all times, even when your firearm is unloaded. No one will be injured by an
accidental discharge if you keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction. It’s as simple as that.
Firearms Should be Unloaded When Not Actually in Use.
Load your firearm only when you’re in the field or on the target range and ready to fire. Never let a loaded gun
out of your sight or out of your hands. Unload it as soon as you’re finished shooting – before you bring it into
your car, camp or home. Remember, unloading your firearm means unloading it completely, so there is no
ammunition in the chamber or in the magazine. Before handling a firearm or passing it to someone else, visually
check the chamber, receiver and magazine to be certain they do not contain ammunition. Always keep the gun’s
action open when not in use. Never assume a gun is unloaded even if you were the last person to use it. Always
check for yourself.
Let common sense rule when you carry a loaded gun. If you’re in a situation that could risk
accidental discharge – such as crossing a fence, wading through a stream or climbing a
tree – always unload your gun. Never pull or push a loaded firearm toward yourself or
another person. And never carry a loaded gun in a scabbard, detached holster or gun case.
Certain firearms (including some Remington
®
rifles and shotguns) are equipped with internal
security devices to prevent unauthorized use. In addition, some firearms owners use external
devices, such as cable locks and trigger blocks, for the same purpose. Even if you use such
a device, you should still keep your firearm unloaded when stored or not in use. And
using internal or external devices cannot substitute, however, for securing your firearms
and ammunition in a separate, locked location.
Safe storage of firearms is just as critical as safe handling. Never store guns loaded. Be
sure to keep your firearms in a secure place where unauthorized persons cannot get
their hands on them without your knowledge.
Take special care if there are children around. Kids are fascinated by guns. It’s a natural curiosity that can have
tragic consequences when not properly supervised. Store your firearms in a locked gun safe or some other location
that physically bars a child from gaining access.
Ammunition should be stored and locked in a location separate from your firearm. Never leave an unsecured
firearm or ammunition in a closet, dresser drawer or under the bed. Remember, it is your responsibility to make
sure that children and others unfamiliar with firearms cannot get access to your firearm and ammunition.
Don’t Rely on Your Gun’s Safety.
Treat every gun as if it can fire at any time, whether or not there’s pressure on the trigger. Your firearm has been
carefully designed to maximize performance and safety. However, because a gun’s safety is a mechanical device,
it could fail.
Human error is a more likely reason for a gun safety to fail. By mistake, you may think the safety is on when it
really isn’t. Or the safety may have been disengaged without your knowledge. Or you could think your gun is
unloaded when there’s actually a cartridge or shell in it. A mechanical safety is not a substitute for common
sense. It’s merely a supplement to your proper handling of a firearm.
Never touch the trigger on a firearm until you are ready to shoot. Keep your fingers away from the trigger when
you’re loading or unloading. And don’t pull the trigger when the safety is engaged or positioned between safe
and fire.
Before using your gun, read this instruction book to understand the exact location and operation of your firearm’s
safety. Even when the safety is on, maintain control of your loaded firearm and control the direction of the
muzzle. In other words, don’t rely on your safety to justify careless handling. If your firearm’s internal
mechanisms are broken or have been altered, your firearm may fire even when the safety is on. Remember, you
and your safe gun handling practices are your gun’s best safety.
Be Sure of Your Target and What’s Beyond It.
You can’t stop a shot in mid-air, so never fire unless you know exactly
where your shot is going and what it will strike. Never fire at a
sound, a movement or a patch of color. A hunter in camouflage can
easily be mistaken for a target by an impulsive shooter. Before you
pull the trigger be absolutely sure of your target and what’s behind it.
Make sure the shot has a backstop such as a hillside or dense material like
sand. Remember, bullets can travel great distances with tremendous velocity. Know
how far your shot will go if you miss your target or the bullet ricochets.
Firearms should be stored in a
secure place where children cannot
access them. A gun safe is an ideal
way to secure your firearm.
3rd COMMANDMENT
4th COMMANDMENT
3
Use Proper Ammunition.
Every firearm is designed to use a certain caliber or gauge of ammunition. Using the wrong ammunition, mixing
ammunition or using improperly reloaded ammunition can cause serious personal injury or death. And it only
takes one cartridge or shotshell of the incorrect caliber or gauge, or which has been improperly reloaded, to
destroy your firearm. It’s your responsibility to make sure the ammunition you use exactly matches the caliber or
gauge of your gun. Refer to this instruction book to find out the specific requirements of your firearm. Always
read and heed the instructions on ammunition boxes.
Confusing shells or cartridges can cause serious personal injury or death and destroy your firearm. Examine
your shells or cartridges closely and use only the precise caliber or gauge for your specific firearm. For
example, suppose you accidentally loaded a 20 ga. shell into a 12 ga. shotgun. Because the 20 ga. shell is too
small for the chamber, the 20 ga. shell could travel down the barrel and get lodged in the bore. If you then loaded
a standard 12 ga. shell behind it and fired, the 12 ga. shot will slam into the lodged 20 ga. shell and may cause
the barrel to explode right in your hand. This is commonly called a 12/20 burst, and it can kill you.
Check all ammunition before you load it to make sure it matches your gun’s requirements. Every Remington
®
cartridge and shell is head-stamped with its caliber or gauge for easy identification. Likewise, you’ll find the
caliber or gauge of your new Remington firearm imprinted on the barrel.
Reloading Requires Extra Diligence.
If you’re an ammunition reloader, you are responsible for personally assuring that the loads and components of
your reloaded ammunition meet your gun’s factory-tested standards. Never use ammunition which has been
reloaded by someone else!
Many shooters handload as a hobby or to save money on commercial, factory-made ammunition. However, it requires
a thorough knowledge of reloading procedures and a deep respect for the explosive potential of gunpowder.
Firearms are designed, manufactured and proof-tested to standards based on factory-loaded ammunition.
Handloaded or reloaded ammunition that deviates, either intentionally or accidentally, from load or component
recommendations can be very dangerous.
Reloaders must observe all possible safety precautions and practices related to the proper handling of explosives.
Whether you’re a seasoned reloader or just starting out, you should study the subject, watch reloading demonstrations
and talk to experienced reloaders.
The first rule of reloading is to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the components you’re using.
They’ll tell you to follow certain guidelines. Namely:
1. Don’t mix or substitute powders or primers.
2. Don’t use unknown or substandard components.
3. Use only suitable components that have been factory-tested
by reputable ammunition, powder and bullet manufacturers.
4. Always be sure to use the manufacturer’s recommended recipe when reloading.
Not following these guidelines could result in severe injury to yourself or severe damage to your firearm.
Dangerously high pressure and explosions can result from an overcharge of powder or other deviations from
established reloading guidelines. Be very careful. The process of reloading exposes you to environmentally
hazardous material. Lead, which is known to cause cancer and birth defects, is the most common substance
in bullets and shot. It is important to handle lead bullets and shot with extreme care. Work only in a wellventilated area and always wash your hands after exposure and before eating. Never smoke while reloading.
Primers and powders are also highly toxic and flammable. So after reloading be sure to clean up all materials
from your work area. Don’t leave primer or powder spills anywhere on the floor or bench top. Dispose of all waste
material in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Finally, when reloading or handloading concentrate on what you’re doing at all times. Do not be distracted by
talking to others, listening to the radio or watching TV while reloading. Never reload after consuming alcoholic
beverages or drugs of any kind. You are working with extremely hazardous materials and you can’t risk even a
few seconds of distraction. Remember, if you reload, you are the ammunition manufacturer and you are responsible
for the performance and safety of your reloaded ammunition.
4
5th COMMANDMENT
5
6th COMMANDMENT
7th COMMANDMENT
8th COMMANDMENT
9th COMMANDMENT
If Your Gun Fails to Fire When the Trigger is Pulled, Handle With Care.
If for some reason the ammunition doesn’t fire when you pull the trigger, stop and remember the 1st
Commandment of Firearm Safety – always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keep your face away from
the breech, then put the safety on, carefully open the action, unload the firearm and dispose of the cartridge safely.
Remember that anytime there’s a shell in the chamber, your gun is loaded and ready to use. Even if you tried to
shoot and your gun didn’t fire, treat your firearm as if it could still discharge.
Always Wear Eye and Ear Protection When Shooting.
Your sight and hearing risk injury from shooting and should be protected at all
times. Wear protective shooting glasses to guard against falling shot, clay target
chips, powder residue, ruptured cartridge cases and even twigs and branches in the
field. Also be sure to wear eye protection when you’re disassembling or cleaning a gun so that
tensioned parts (like springs) and cleaning solvents don’t come in contact with your eyes. Continued exposure
to shooting noise can permanently damage your hearing. On the range, where shooting volume is the loudest,
be sure to use the maximum protection of a headset. And learn to use ear protection in the field, especially in
confined locations like duck blinds.
Be Sure the Barrel is Clear of Obstructions Before Shooting.
Before loading your gun, open the action and make sure there’s no ammunition in the chamber or magazine.
Check the barrel for any obstructions or debris. Even a small amount of snow, mud, excess lubricant or grease
in the bore can dangerously increase pressure and cause the barrel to bulge or burst when firing. Use a
cleaning rod and patch to wipe away anti-rust compounds or any other residues or obstructions in the barrel.
Never try to shoot out an obstruction by loading another shell and firing!
When firing, rely on your instincts. If the noise or recoil of your firearm seems weak, stop everything, unload
your firearm and be sure nothing is lodged in the barrel. Remember the 12/20 burst? That’s what can happen
when the barrel is obstructed. So always be sure you’re using the correct ammunition in your firearm and that
it’s free of obstructions.
Don’t Alter or Modify Your Gun and Have it Serviced Regularly.
Your firearm has been designed to operate according to certain factory specifications. You’ll jeopardize your safety
and that of others around you by attempting to alter its trigger, mechanical safety or other mechanisms. So never
alter or modify your firearm in any way.
Like any mechanical device, a firearm is subject to wear. It must be maintained and
periodically serviced to assure optimum safety and performance. Only a qualified
service facility should service, repair or modify your Remington
®
firearm. Consult
your instruction book for instructions on how to send your firearm to the factory or
for the location of the nearest Remington repair station.
Proper cleaning and lubrication are also important to firearm maintenance and are
necessary to assure accuracy, safety and reliability. Before cleaning, always make
sure that your gun is completely unloaded. And always clean the barrel from the
chamber end to the muzzle when possible.
Make it a practice to clean your bore every time you’re going to shoot. Be sure to clean your entire gun before
and after long-term storage and no less than once a year. It’s also important to clean your gun whenever it’s been
exposed to adverse conditions such as rain, dirt, mud, snow, sleet or saltwater.
For safe and dependable operation of your firearm, all parts of your gun must be properly cleaned and lubricated.
Periodically inspect the internal workings of your firearm to be sure they’re clean and free of rust, unwanted dirt
and debris.
Use recommended lubricants on your gun and do not over-lubricate. Excessive use of a non-recommended
lubricant could adversely affect the function and safe operation of your firearm. Remember, you are responsible
for the proper care and maintenance of your firearm. Failure to properly maintain your firearm can not only
damage or ruin your firearm, it can expose you and others to unnecessary risks of personal injury or death.
Remington
®
has a wide range of firearm care products and resources for best results when cleaning your gun.
Everything from solvents and lubricants to rods and patches. They’re all available from your Remington dealer.
Learn the Mechanics and Handling Characteristics of Your Firearm.
Not all guns are alike. They have different mechanical characteristics that dictate how you should carry and handle
them. Anyone who plans to use a firearm should first become totally familiar with the type of firearm it is and the
safe handling procedures for loading, unloading, carrying, shooting and storing it.
Before you even unpack your new Remington firearm, read this instruction book
from cover to cover and familiarize yourself with the different component parts of
the gun. Then read, understand and follow the Ten Commandments of Firearm
Safety in this book.
WARNING!
Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning
firearms or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead, a
substance known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, cancer and
other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash
hands thoroughly after exposure.
SHOOT SOBER!!
There’s one other rule that must be followed when handling firearms. In fact, respect for this rule is necessary in
order to effectively practice the Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety. The rule is: SHOOT SOBER! Guns and
alcohol or drugs make a deadly combination. Never consume anything that would mildly impair your judgment
or physical coordination when you’re using a firearm. A staggering percentage of the shooting accidents that
occur every year involve alcohol or drugs. Be smart. Always shoot sober and stay alive.
WARNING!
Failure to follow any of these safety rules may cause personal injury or death to the shooter or
bystander and damage to property. Do not use a firearm until you fully understand and practice the Ten
Commandments of Firearm Safety. If you have any questions about the safe use of a Remington firearm, write to
us at Remington Arms Company, Inc., Consumer Service, P.O. Box 700, Madison, NC 27025-0700, or call us at
1-800-243-9700.
DON’T KEEP THIS TO YOURSELF.
Now that you’re a gun owner you have the obligation to help ensure that shooting sports are safe for everyone –
participants and bystanders alike. You can do that by practicing these principles of firearm safety and passing
them on to others – especially new shooters. Set an example for beginners. Be a guide to their safe entry into
the exciting world of shooting sports. Invest your time and patience for the love of the sport and for its future.
After all, it’s your love of the sport that led you to buy a new Remington.
Firearm ownership is a right and privilege. It’s a right guaranteed in this nation’s Constitution. It’s a privilege
which carries with it a personal responsibility to use your firearm in a way which will ensure your safety and the
safety of others. The preservation of this right and privilege depends on the personal commitment of you and
your fellow shooters to the safe and responsible use of firearms. Let the Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety
outlined in the book guide you at all times. Teach and promote these rules whenever you can. Remember, firearm
safety depends on you! That’s the only way to really enjoy your new Remington firearm and to preserve sport
shooting as we know it today.
6
10th COMMANDMENT
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