Remington 597 owners often find themselves wanting more than the standard magazine capacity. Upgrading your Remington 597 magazine can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're plinking at the range, participating in competitions, or engaging in small-game hunting. This guide will explore various upgrade options, address common concerns, and help you choose the best solution for your needs.
Understanding Remington 597 Magazines
The standard Remington 597 magazine typically holds 10 rounds. While sufficient for some, many shooters desire higher capacity for extended shooting sessions or to reduce reloading frequency. Several factors influence magazine choice, including capacity, reliability, and cost. Let's delve into the options available to upgrade your Remington 597's magazine capabilities.
Standard Capacity Magazines: The Foundation
Before exploring aftermarket upgrades, it’s important to understand the limitations and capabilities of the factory-supplied magazines. These 10-round magazines are often reliable, but their capacity can be limiting for some shooting activities. Properly maintaining these magazines through regular cleaning and lubrication is crucial for ensuring reliable feeding and function. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to malfunctions.
High-Capacity Magazines: Increased Firepower
The most common upgrade for Remington 597 owners is a high-capacity magazine. These typically hold between 15 and 25 rounds, depending on the manufacturer and design. This significant increase in capacity allows for more continuous shooting before needing a reload, which is crucial for target practice and certain types of hunting.
Pros:
- Increased shooting time between reloads.
- Reduced interruption during shooting sessions.
- Enhanced utility for target practice and certain hunting situations.
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than standard capacity magazines.
- May require more robust springs and potentially different feed lips for reliable function.
- May impact the balance of the rifle, especially with heavier, high capacity magazines.
Extended Magazines: A Balance of Capacity and Handling
Extended magazines aim to provide more capacity while attempting to minimize the impact on handling and balance. Some manufacturers create extended magazines with a slightly more streamlined profile than the largest capacity offerings. The trade-off is usually a slightly smaller capacity than the highest capacity alternatives available.
Pros:
- Offers a balance between increased capacity and maintainable handling.
- Can improve reload speed compared to high capacity alternatives in some cases.
Cons:
- Capacity is generally lower than some high capacity magazines.
- Some designs might still impact the balance of the firearm.
Choosing the Right Remington 597 Magazine Upgrade
Selecting the appropriate magazine upgrade depends largely on your intended use. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
| Use Case | Recommended Magazine Type | Capacity (Rounds) | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Practice (casual) | Standard or Extended | 10-15 | Balance between cost and convenience |
| Target Practice (competitive) | High-Capacity | 15-25 | Prioritize reliability and consistent feeding. Consider weight impact on accuracy. |
| Small Game Hunting | High-Capacity or Extended | 15-25 | Capacity matters, but reliability is paramount. Choose a magazine that feeds reliably in various positions. |
Installation and Maintenance
Installing a new Remington 597 magazine is generally straightforward. Most aftermarket magazines are designed for drop-in installation. However, it's always wise to consult the manufacturer's instructions. Regular cleaning and lubrication of your magazines, regardless of brand or capacity, are essential for ensuring consistent performance and preventing malfunctions. Failure to maintain your magazines will lead to reduced reliability and potential jams.
Case Study: Experience with a ProMag Magazine
One user reported consistently excellent performance with a ProMag high-capacity magazine. They found the capacity increase significantly improved their target practice sessions, reducing the need for frequent reloads. However, they also noted the increased weight of the magazine subtly affected the balance of their Remington 597, which required slight adjustments to their shooting technique. This illustrates the importance of considering the trade-offs associated with different magazine choices.
Conclusion: Enhance Your Remington 597 Experience
Upgrading your Remington 597 magazine can dramatically improve your shooting experience. Carefully consider your needs and shooting style when selecting a high-capacity or extended magazine. Remember that proper maintenance is key to ensuring the reliable performance of any magazine. Choose wisely, and enjoy the enhanced capabilities of your upgraded Remington 597!