Remington Rimfire Rifles, Models, And Caliber Choices
Rimfire rifles occupy a useful place in the shooting world. They are generally economical to shoot, produce modest recoil, and suit training, small-game hunting, target practice, and recreational plinking. Remington has built several well-known rimfire rifles over the decades, including semi-automatic, pump-action, and bolt-action designs.
The right rifle depends on how you plan to use it, the ammunition available in your area, and whether you prefer a traditional or modern operating system. A compact .22 LR may be ideal for informal range sessions, while a carefully maintained bolt-action rifle can offer the consistency needed for precise target work.
Many Remington rimfire rifles are discontinued models, so condition and provenance matter as much as the model name. When shopping online, review photographs, descriptions, serial information, bore condition, and the seller’s policies. Firearms must be transferred according to applicable federal, state, and local laws through the required FFL process.
Why Choose A Rimfire Rifle
The .22 rimfire family is popular because its ammunition is usually less expensive and easier to manage than centerfire rifle cartridges. A .22 LR rifle creates relatively little recoil and muzzle blast, allowing new shooters to concentrate on sight alignment, trigger control, and safe gun handling.
Rimfire rifles are also versatile. They can support basic marksmanship practice, hunting small varmints where legal, and teaching responsible firearm use under qualified supervision. Their limitations should be understood, however. Rimfire cartridges are not intended for every hunting application, and their performance varies significantly with bullet weight, velocity, and barrel length.
A rimfire action also affects the rifle’s personality. Semi-automatic rifles provide quick follow-up shots, pump actions offer a distinctive manual cycle, and bolt actions are often favored for simple operation and deliberate accuracy.
Remington Semi-Automatic And Pump Models
The Remington 552 Speedmaster is one of the company’s most recognizable rimfire rifles. This semi-automatic model is chambered for .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle cartridges, giving it unusual ammunition flexibility. Its tubular magazine and traditional styling make it attractive to collectors and shooters who appreciate classic sporting rifles.
The Remington 597 is another important model. It was designed as a .22 LR semi-automatic rifle and was offered in several configurations, including different stock materials, barrel lengths, and sight arrangements. Buyers considering a used 597 should inspect the magazine, bolt movement, extractor, and receiver for wear, since replacement parts and configuration details can vary.
Remington’s Model 572 Fieldmaster uses a pump-action mechanism and is associated with .22 rimfire versatility. Like the 552, it can accommodate .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 LR ammunition. A pump rifle can be appealing to users who want manual control over cycling without the operating complexity of a semi-automatic action.
Bolt-Action Rimfire Rifles
Remington bolt-action rimfires include several classic designs that emphasize deliberate shooting and straightforward maintenance. Models such as the 521-T, 540-X, 541-S, and 541-T have earned attention from collectors, trainers, and target shooters. Exact specifications differ, so a listing should be checked carefully rather than judged by the model number alone.
The 541 series is particularly associated with accuracy-oriented sporting and target configurations. Depending on the variant, a rifle may have a heavier barrel, a target-style stock, adjustable sights, or provisions for an optic. Older target rifles can be excellent performers, but their value depends heavily on bore condition, trigger function, stock integrity, and originality.
Bolt-action rimfires typically offer a controlled pace that helps reinforce careful shot placement. They are also mechanically uncomplicated compared with many semi-automatic rifles. For a used rifle, verify that the bolt locks smoothly, the firing pin operates correctly, and the safety functions as intended before any live-fire use.
Rimfire Calibers And Ammunition
.22 LR is the most broadly useful Remington rimfire caliber. It is widely available in standard-velocity, high-velocity, hollow-point, and solid-bullet loads. Standard-velocity ammunition is often selected for target practice, while hollow-point loads may be considered for small-game use where permitted. The rifle’s manual and barrel markings should guide ammunition selection.
.22 Short and .22 Long are less common today, but some Remington rifles, especially the 552 and 572, were designed to accept all three cartridges. Ammunition compatibility does not guarantee identical reliability or accuracy with every load. A rifle may cycle certain cartridges more consistently than others, particularly when its action is dirty or worn.
| Caliber | Common Characteristics | Typical Uses | Important Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| .22 Short | Light recoil and compact cartridge | Low-noise practice where permitted, classic rifle use | Availability is more limited |
| .22 Long | Intermediate historical loading | Older compatible rifles and informal practice | Less widely stocked than .22 LR |
| .22 Long Rifle | Broadest ammunition selection | Training, target shooting, plinking, and small game where legal | Confirm the rifle’s chamber and load limits |
| .22 WMR | Greater power than .22 LR | Small-game and varmint applications where appropriate | Requires a rifle specifically chambered for .22 WMR |
.22 WMR, also called .22 Magnum, should never be used in a rifle chambered only for .22 LR. The cartridges are different in dimensions and pressure. A .22 WMR Remington rimfire rifle must be clearly marked for that cartridge, and ammunition should be matched precisely to the barrel designation.
Comparing Models Before Purchase
A model’s intended role can narrow the search quickly. The 552 Speedmaster and 572 Fieldmaster suit buyers interested in classic multi-caliber operation, while the 597 is a more modern .22 LR semi-automatic choice. Bolt-action models may be preferable for slow-fire accuracy, training, or collecting.
Condition is especially important with older Remington rifles. Examine the crown, bore, chamber, stock, sights, magazine tube, and fasteners. Surface wear may be cosmetic, but deep pitting, a damaged chamber, a cracked stock, or a non-functioning safety deserves serious attention. If the rifle’s history is unclear, a qualified gunsmith should inspect it before use.
Collectors may also care about factory markings and production dates. Remington’s barrel-code guide can help provide historical context, although markings should be read alongside the full model configuration and serial information.
Buying And Maintaining A Remington Rimfire
Online listings should provide enough information to compare the rifle’s chambering, barrel length, action type, magazine arrangement, and condition. If details are incomplete, contact the retailer before ordering. Remington Firearms Store provides an online firearm catalog, along with order support and shipping arrangements to customers’ chosen FFL dealers for eligible firearm purchases.
The transfer process should be arranged in advance. Confirm that the receiving FFL accepts transfers, that the seller can ship to that dealer, and that the purchase complies with local requirements. Buyers should also review identification rules, waiting periods, magazine restrictions, and any other regulations that apply in their jurisdiction.
A short cleaning routine helps preserve reliability. Unload the rifle completely, follow the manufacturer’s disassembly instructions, remove powder residue from the chamber and action, and apply only a light amount of appropriate lubricant. Store the firearm locked, separate from ammunition when required or preferred, and inaccessible to unauthorized users.
Practical Selection Recommendations
Use the following points to match a Remington rimfire rifle to its likely role:
- Choose .22 LR when ammunition availability, low operating cost, and general versatility are the main priorities.
- Consider the 552 or 572 when classic styling and compatibility with .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 LR are important.
- Select a 597 or another semi-automatic model for convenient follow-up shots and recreational range use.
- Favor a bolt-action 521, 540, or 541 variant when deliberate shooting, simple mechanics, or collectible appeal matters most.
- Treat .22 WMR as a separate caliber and buy it only in a rifle specifically marked and designed for that cartridge.
Ammunition testing should be gradual and safety-focused. Start with quality factory loads, confirm reliable feeding and extraction, and record which ammunition produces the best accuracy. Always use suitable eye and hearing protection, follow range rules, and keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Finding The Right Remington Rimfire
Remington rimfire rifles range from historic bolt-action target arms to versatile pump and semi-automatic sporting rifles. Understanding the difference between .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 LR, and .22 WMR makes it easier to choose a compatible firearm and avoid costly ammunition mistakes.
Review current listings, compare condition and specifications, and arrange the required FFL transfer before placing an order. For broader guidance on responsible online firearm purchasing, read this buyer resource, then browse available Remington products and select the rimfire rifle that fits your lawful shooting needs.