Can't decide between the two. I know the 10/22 has more aftermarket parts. But out of the box which is the better rifle? The thing I like about the 597 is that it comes with a synthetic stock out of the box for $130. I'm not much for wood stocks. Any suggestions?

Get the 10/22.

Doesn't that remington come with a goofy synthetic receiver?  Seems like they should have left that stuff to Daisy or Crosman.  

What am I saying???  That Nylon 66 of mine is the world's goofiest .22 rifle.  I just wish I had the chrome-plated dust shrould and maybe some conchos hanging off of it.  

I bet the Remington 597 shoots fine.  I don't think you'll go wrong either way, but I'd still go with the 10/22.

If you have more money and like solid steel and black walnut, take a look at Thompson Center's autoloader.  A little off the beaten track, but it looks "very nice."  

10/22

10/22 and in 20yrs you will be glad you made the right choice.
VM

10/22

10/22

597.
I have one of each.  I prefer the 597.  Here's why:
It is a great little firearm "out of the box".  Short of getting some extra 10-rd. magazines and the Remington scope mount (and a scope, of course), the only thing you'll need to do is put on some swivel studs and a sling.  I used Uncle Mike's studs and nylon sling.  I drilled the stock myself (look for the most solid section at the front of the stock) and put the stuff on.
It is accurate, feels good, reliable (be sure to load the magazines correctly and you won't have a problem), and the controls are where my other Remingtons have them...

My 10/22 is also a good rifle.  It, too, is accurate and reliable.  However, if you want more than 10-rd. magazines, you'll pay dearly for them now.  And, you'll fall into the trap of "how many variations of the rifle can I make?"  One won't be enough.  You'll have so many parts you'll need 3 of 'em just to make it worth having all the extra parts!  There are some functional differences between the two.
The Remington can be disassembled and fired that way (ssssshhhhhhhh.....)or so I've read; because of its design.  It also has a bolt-hold-open feature when the magazine is empty, which the Ruger needs an extra part for.  Etc., etc., etc.'
So, right out of the box, the Remington is better, in my experience.  I like my 597 a LOT!

10/22
[heavy]

Either rifle is good out of the box. I gave my grandfather a 10/22 back in '83. He's a rancher and has used it many,many times without malfunction or parts replacement. But for sheer parts availability and accessories, I'd have to say the 10/22. Ever look in a Brownels? Except for the 1911, I think it's the most accessorized firearm out there.

Get the 10/22 and you'll be glad later when you are ready to upgrade the rifle.

I am a 10/22 Fan, but I often wonder about the Remington 597.


Six

I've had both. I still have 2 10/22's
The 597 is just fine, but there are no aftermarket toys to make it better.
Scott

hhhhmmmmm............. mine is all metal, 100% the stock is syn, but avaliable in walnut as well as that cool striped wood, in HB target form. mine is bonestock and way more accurate than mt 10/22.

teh 10/22 does more fast plinking and such, but when i want to reach out, or go hunting, its 597 all the way. also has better iron sights than the ruger

10/22 own 3

10/22 more accsesorys you can turn em into anything from a plinker to a match rifle to a whatever

i would say that neither are very good..they both malfunction..i would stick with a bolt action...if you want precision accuracy go with a marlin 22magnum bolt action it will run around 170 but it will beat the shit out of any 10/22 or 597..at 5o m i can put 50 rounds through a 1/4 inch space and at 100 it makes a 1/2 to one inch grouping

Something to consider...

The Ruger 10/22 has a long and glorious track record and many fans for good reason.

Nothing against the 597 - I have no experience with them.  But consider this - when you produce a less expensive firearm you probably have cut corners or at least have shortened the life of said firearm to make the price break.

What is your intended usage?  Make your choice according to which one will fit your need better.

[sniper]
[b]The Sniper

I'd get the 10/22.  My brother had one and it was one sweet rifle.  I almost married it.

10 22 even if you want stock now. hop up parts can come latter!!! even if you plan to keep it stock now in the future you may change your mind. there is a synthedic stock ruger for 159 at kmart.