Testing The Remington 572 Fieldmaster Pump-Action .22 Rifle
The Remington 572 Fieldmaster occupies a distinctive place among rimfire rifles. Its slide-action design gives it the familiar operating rhythm of a pump shotgun, while the .22 chambering keeps recoil, noise, and ammunition cost manageable. That combination makes it appealing for small-game hunting, informal target work, and practice sessions focused on smooth gun handling.
This evaluation looks at the rifle as a working tool rather than a collector’s curiosity. Handling, accuracy, cycling, sights, ammunition compatibility, and maintenance all matter when judging an older-style rimfire platform. The goal is to show where the 572 remains practical and where modern rifles may offer greater convenience.
Safe firearm handling should guide every stage of testing. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, treat the rifle as loaded until it has been checked personally, use appropriate eye and ear protection, and test only at a lawful range or other approved location.
Design And Handling
The Fieldmaster uses a steel receiver, a wooden stock and fore-end, and a tubular magazine beneath the barrel. Its proportions feel traditional, with a relatively slim profile that carries comfortably in the hands. The pump fore-end travels along dual action bars, giving the rifle a solid mechanical feel during operation.
At roughly six pounds, depending on configuration, the rifle is light enough for extended use without feeling fragile. The straight-comb stock provides a familiar shoulder position, although shooters accustomed to modern synthetic stocks may find the dimensions less adjustable. The length of pull is best suited to average-sized adults, and younger or smaller shooters may need careful fit assessment.
The cross-bolt safety is easy to locate, and the receiver is commonly grooved for an optic mount. That allows the rifle to remain useful with its factory sights while offering a path toward a low-power rimfire scope or red-dot sight. A careful inspection of any individual rifle is important because finish, sights, wood condition, and small parts can vary with age and production history.
Loading And Safe Operation
The tubular magazine is loaded through the opening in the magazine tube. This arrangement keeps the rifle’s balance clean, but it is slower to replenish than a detachable box magazine. Loading should be performed with the muzzle in a safe direction and the action handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The pump stroke is the central feature of the 572. A firm, complete rearward movement extracts the spent case, followed by a positive forward stroke that chambers the next round. Short-stroking can cause a failure to eject or feed, so the rifle rewards deliberate technique rather than timid manipulation.
Before any live-fire session, inspect the bore, confirm that the chamber is clear, and check the action for unusual resistance. Rimfire ammunition should be clean, undamaged, and matched to the markings on the rifle. If a cartridge does not fire, keep the muzzle pointed safely and follow an appropriate misfire procedure instead of immediately opening the action.
Range Performance And Accuracy
A sensible test begins with a stable bench, a clear backstop, and several ammunition types. Standard-velocity .22 Long Rifle loads are a useful baseline, while high-velocity ammunition can show whether the rifle cycles consistently with a different pressure profile. If the specific rifle is marked for .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle, those cartridges can be evaluated separately, since point of impact and reliability may differ.
At practical rimfire distances, a sound 572 can produce useful groups with its factory sights. The limiting factor is often the shooter’s sight alignment and trigger control rather than the barrel’s basic capability. The front sight must be centered carefully in the rear notch, and the relatively narrow sight picture rewards a consistent cheek position.
A representative accuracy test should record group size at 25 and 50 yards, rather than relying on a single impressive group. Five-shot groups provide a quick comparison, while larger groups give a more dependable picture of ammunition consistency. Older rifles may also benefit from checking stock screws, inspecting the crown, and confirming that the barrel is clean without over-cleaning the bore.
| Test Area | What To Observe | Practical Result |
|---|---|---|
| Handling | Balance, stock fit, pump reach | Comfortable for general range use |
| Sights | Visibility and adjustment range | Effective at rimfire distances |
| Cycling | Extraction, feeding, lockup | Strong when the action is operated fully |
| Accuracy | Group size with several loads | Usually suitable for targets and small game |
| Capacity | Tubular magazine loading time | Convenient, though slower than detachable magazines |
| Maintenance | Ease of cleaning and inspection | Straightforward with regular care |
Cycling And Ammunition Choice
The pump action gives the 572 an advantage when compared with manually operated bolt-action rimfires in situations requiring quick follow-up shots. It does not depend on gas operation or a recoil cycle, so the shooter controls the complete loading sequence. That simplicity can be reassuring when using a variety of standard .22 loads.
Ammunition testing should include more than one brand because rimfire cases, bullet profiles, lubrication, and priming consistency differ. Some rifles prefer standard-velocity ammunition, while others run smoothly with high-velocity loads. Reliability should be judged across repeated cycles, not after a single magazine.
For anyone ordering cartridges online, storage, age verification, shipping restrictions, and local regulations deserve attention before placing an order. The retailer’s guide to online ammunition rules provides useful background, but local and state requirements remain controlling. Ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry location away from unauthorized access.
Field Use And Maintenance
The 572’s handling characteristics suit trail carry, informal plinking, and small-game use where legal. Its tubular magazine avoids the protruding magazine common on many modern rifles, which helps it move through brush and rest naturally against a pack or shooting bag. The tradeoff is a slower reload and the need to manage cartridges individually during loading.
The wooden furniture gives the rifle character but requires more care than polymer. Wipe away moisture after outdoor use, inspect the metal for surface corrosion, and avoid storing the rifle in a case that can trap dampness. A light protective treatment on appropriate exterior surfaces can help preserve the finish, while the bore and action should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
Routine maintenance should include checking that screws remain secure, examining the magazine tube, and looking for unusual wear around the action bars and locking areas. Do not force a stiff action or attempt improvised repairs. A qualified gunsmith is the right choice when the rifle shows feeding problems, damaged parts, excessive play, or signs of unsafe lockup.
Strengths And Buying Considerations
The most compelling quality of the Fieldmaster is its balance of traditional handling and practical speed. It offers more engaging operation than a semi-automatic rifle while avoiding the slower cycling of a bolt action. The controls are uncomplicated, the recoil is mild, and the platform can serve several lawful shooting roles.
Its limitations are equally clear. The factory sights may seem small to shooters with aging eyesight, the stock dimensions are not highly adjustable, and the tubular magazine takes patience to fill. Condition is especially important when buying a used example, since replacement parts and professional service may require more effort than they would for a current-production rifle.
Prospective buyers should compare the rifle’s condition, asking price, intended ammunition, and availability of competent service. A retailer’s customer support team can clarify product availability, shipping procedures, and any questions about an order, while the firearm itself must be transferred through the required FFL process where applicable.
Practical Buying Checklist
- Inspect the bore, crown, stock, sights, magazine tube, and action for damage or excessive wear.
- Confirm the chamber markings and use only ammunition approved for that specific rifle.
- Test several loads for reliable extraction, feeding, and acceptable accuracy before settling on one.
- Budget for a gunsmith inspection when purchasing an older or previously modified example.
- Review shipping, transfer, return, and local compliance requirements before ordering.
For eligible buyers, available purchasing programs can also affect the final cost. Review the retailer’s military discount guide to understand qualification and checkout requirements before assuming a discount applies.
The Remington 572 Fieldmaster remains a capable, characterful .22 rifle when its condition is sound and its controls are used correctly. It is best appreciated as a dependable manually operated rimfire with useful field manners, straightforward maintenance, and enough accuracy for ordinary target and small-game applications. Check current availability, select the appropriate transfer option, and arrange professional guidance whenever the rifle’s condition raises uncertainty.