The ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer Made a Bold First Impression
As someone who’s spent over a decade immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, I’ve handled everything from high-end sniper rifles to basic survival tools. When I first laid eyes on the ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer, I was immediately intrigued by its promise of transforming a classic .22 into something more versatile and modern. I needed a way to make my trusty Remington 597 more compact for transport and storage.
My 597, while accurate and reliable, always felt a bit unwieldy in its factory configuration. I’d considered other aftermarket stocks, but the ProMag stood out with its folding design and integrated Picatinny rails. The package arrived quickly, and the ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer was nestled securely inside. The polymer felt solid, and the folding mechanism seemed robust.
Compared to other polymer stocks I’ve handled, the ProMag felt noticeably more substantial than the ATI Strikeforce Stock but less refined than the Boyds Rimfire Hunter Stock. I chose the ProMag for its tactical features and the space-saving benefit of the folding stock, even if it might sacrifice a bit on aesthetics. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism – excited to see if this would be the upgrade I was looking for.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer was at my local outdoor shooting range. It was a relatively mild day, but the ground was damp from recent rain. Installation was straightforward, taking about 15 minutes with basic tools; a definite plus.
The pistol grip felt comfortable in my hand, and the length of pull with the stock extended was a good fit. The stock felt reasonably solid during firing. After about 50 rounds, however, I did notice a slight wobble in the folding mechanism that wasn’t present initially.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the ProMag stock has held up reasonably well, but not without some drawbacks. The polymer shows some minor scratches from handling, but there are no cracks or significant damage. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
The folding mechanism, while still functional, has become noticeably looser over time. This impacts the overall feel and stability of the rifle when shooting with the stock extended. While it certainly doesn’t make it unusable, it adds a feeling of instability. Compared to my previous experience with the standard stock, the ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer offered a tactical upgrade, but with compromises in long-term durability.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ProMag.
- Compatibility: Remington Model 597 .22 LR/.22 WMR rifles. This is a crucial detail, as it’s specifically designed for this platform.
- Material: Black Polymer. While lightweight, the polymer needs to be durable enough to withstand repeated use and some level of abuse.
- Folding Stock: Side-folding design with a positive locking mechanism. This is the core feature that sets this stock apart.
- Pistol Grip: Integrated pistol grip with a storage compartment. The grip is a standard AR-15 style grip, allowing for customization.
- Forend: Picatinny tri-rail forend for mounting accessories. This allows for the attachment of lights, lasers, and other tactical gear.
- Recoil Pad: Rubber recoil pad. While .22LR rifles don’t have a lot of recoil, this pad adds to comfort and grip.
- Made in the USA: Indicates a level of quality control and supports American manufacturing.
These specifications create a lightweight, tactical stock option for the Remington 597, enhancing its versatility and portability. The folding stock and Picatinny rails are key features for those looking to customize their rifle and reduce its overall size for transport.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer performs adequately but not flawlessly. Accuracy wasn’t significantly affected after installation, but the wobble in the folding mechanism impacts stability. The pistol grip is comfortable and provides a solid purchase.
The Picatinny rails offer ample space for mounting accessories, but adding too much weight can make the forend feel front-heavy. The main weakness is the long-term durability of the folding mechanism; the looseness that developed over time is a concern. Despite these drawbacks, the ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer meets the basic expectations of a tactical stock for a .22LR rifle.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for a polymer stock at this price point. The ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer feels relatively sturdy, but the folding mechanism is a weak point. The pistol grip ergonomics are good, fitting comfortably in my hand and providing secure control.
There’s a minimal learning curve to using the stock. The folding mechanism is intuitive to operate.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer material is reasonably durable, but the folding mechanism is the main area of concern. Over time, it becomes loose.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and lubrication of the folding mechanism. Disassembling for deep cleaning is not necessary, as the stock is relatively easy to clean while installed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the stock itself. The primary customization option is the ability to mount accessories on the Picatinny rails. Lights, lasers, foregrips, and bipods can be easily attached.
The stock is compatible with most AR-15 style pistol grips, allowing for further customization. There are no other easily swappable parts on the stock itself.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer
Pros
- Provides a tactical aesthetic to the Remington 597.
- Folding stock drastically reduces the overall length for storage and transport.
- Picatinny tri-rail allows for easy mounting of accessories.
- Affordable tactical upgrade compared to other options.
- AR-15 style pistol grip is comfortable and customizable.
Cons
- Folding mechanism can become loose and wobbly over time.
- Polymer material, while lightweight, may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
- Adds some weight to the rifle compared to the factory stock.
Who Should Buy ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer?
- Perfect for: Plinkers looking to add a tactical look to their Remington 597, Small game hunters who need to transport their rifle in a compact package, and Preppers who value the space-saving design.
- Who should skip this product? Those prioritizing ultimate durability and a rock-solid stock should consider higher-end, non-folding options.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? A good quality red dot sight or scope to take advantage of the Picatinny rail is recommended.
Conclusion on ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer
The ProMag Remington Tactical Folding Stock Rem 597 Black Polymer offers an affordable and functional tactical upgrade for the Remington 597 rifle. While the folding mechanism’s long-term durability is a concern, the stock provides a significant improvement in portability and customization options. The stock is priced fairly, especially considering it provides a tactical upgrade to a standard .22 rifle.
I would recommend the stock to anyone looking to enhance their Remington 597’s versatility and reduce its size for storage or transport, provided they understand the potential limitations of the folding mechanism. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to tacticalize your Remington 597 and want the compact convenience of a folding stock, then this could be a great option for you.