What to Know About Remington’s Rimfire Rifle Lineup

Remington’s rimfire rifles occupy an interesting place in the company’s history. The name is associated with classic .22 designs, practical hunting arms and affordable rifles that have served generations of shooters. For today’s buyer, however, the important question is not simply which model looks familiar. It is whether the rifle is currently produced, available through a lawful dealer and suitable for local regulations and intended use.

Rimfire cartridges ignite through a priming compound in the edge of the case rather than a central primer. The .22 Long Rifle remains the best-known option because it is relatively economical, has mild recoil and suits target practice, small-game hunting and basic marksmanship. Other rimfire chamberings, including .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, offer greater range and energy but bring different ammunition costs, noise levels and rifle requirements.

Australian buyers need to assess these rifles within the state or territory licensing system. A firearm licence, registration, a permit to acquire and dealer-to-dealer transfer may all be relevant, with requirements varying between New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and other jurisdictions. A rifle that can be ordered easily in the United States may therefore require a local dealer, import approval or may not be available for direct delivery to an Australian address.

The Remington Firearms Store presents product listings, order support and shipping information, but stock status and legal eligibility should be checked before placing an order. Buyers should also distinguish between a current production rifle and a discontinued or second-hand model, particularly when researching older Remington rimfire platforms.

The Main Rimfire Chamberings

.22 LR is usually the starting point for a rimfire rifle. Its modest report, low recoil and broad ammunition selection make it useful for range training and pest-control work where lawful. Subsonic, standard-velocity, high-velocity and specialised hollow-point loads can behave differently, so a rifle should be tested with the ammunition intended for regular use.

.22 WMR, often called .22 Magnum, is a larger cartridge with higher velocity and a flatter trajectory than .22 LR. It can be useful for certain hunting applications and longer shots, but it cannot be fired in a rifle chambered only for .22 LR. Ammunition is generally more expensive, and the rifle, magazines and sights must all match the chambering.

In Australia, ammunition storage and purchasing rules apply even to small-calibre cartridges. Local availability may also vary between metropolitan shops in Melbourne or Brisbane and regional dealers serving farming areas. Confirm the precise cartridge marking before buying ammunition or arranging a transfer.

Classic Remington Models Worth Knowing

The Model 572 Fieldmaster is one of Remington’s best-known rimfire rifles. It is a slide-action design commonly associated with .22 LR and, in some configurations, .22 Short and .22 Long compatibility. Its tubular magazine and traditional appearance appeal to buyers who value a classic repeating rifle, although ammunition compatibility should always be verified for the specific rifle.

The Model 597 is another significant name in Remington rimfire history. It is a semi-automatic .22 LR rifle that became known for its detachable magazine system and practical sporting layout. Because production history, revisions and replacement parts can vary, a used example deserves a close inspection of the magazine, bolt, extractor and overall condition.

Older Remington rimfires such as the Model 514 single-shot rifle and various bolt-action designs may appear through the used market rather than as current catalogue items. They can be attractive to collectors or beginners, but age-related issues, limited parts availability and uncertain provenance deserve attention before purchase.

Current Availability And Model Status

A product page does not always mean that a model is continuously manufactured. Firearms companies change production priorities, ownership arrangements and distribution networks, while retailers may continue listing popular models after supply becomes intermittent. Check whether a Remington rimfire rifle is marked as in stock, special order, discontinued or pre-owned.

This distinction matters for Australian purchasers because importing a firearm is more complex than ordering an ordinary sporting product. The rifle may need to pass through an authorised importer and licensed dealer, and state authorities may apply category, storage, barrel or magazine rules. A local dealer in Sydney, Adelaide or another city can help establish whether a particular model can legally be acquired.

For product-specific availability, shipping questions or documentation concerns, buyers can contact the store before committing funds. It is sensible to provide the exact model, chambering and destination rather than relying on a general description.

Action Types And Practical Handling

A bolt-action rimfire is often valued for simplicity, consistent lock-up and straightforward maintenance. It can be a strong choice for target work or lawful pest management where deliberate shot placement matters. The manual action also encourages a slower shooting rhythm and makes it easier to confirm the rifle is unloaded between stages or handling sessions.

Semi-automatic rifles offer faster follow-up shots, but their magazines, cycling system and ammunition sensitivity require more attention. A particular rifle may prefer one .22 LR load over another, and reliability can suffer when the action is dirty or when low-powered ammunition is used. Buyers should check magazine capacity rules and any restrictions applying to semi-automatic firearms in their state.

Pump-action rimfires such as the Model 572 have a distinctive operating feel and can be durable when properly maintained. Their tubular magazines require attention to loading procedures and ammunition length. Regardless of action type, safe handling means treating every firearm as loaded, keeping the muzzle pointed safely and following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Choosing Sights And A Scope

A rimfire rifle does not automatically need a large or powerful optic. For short-range practice, open sights may be light, durable and quick to use. A compact low-power scope can help with precise target work, while a red-dot sight may suit some sporting applications if it is legal and properly fitted.

Mount compatibility is particularly important on older Remington rifles. Receiver dimensions, drilled-and-tapped holes, dovetail patterns and available mounting bases can differ between models. Before ordering rings or a rail, confirm the exact action and receiver specification. This scope mount guide can help explain the details that affect a secure installation.

Australian conditions also influence equipment choices. Bright sun around rural Queensland, damp coastal air near Sydney or dusty travel on a property outside Perth can expose optics and mounts to demanding conditions. Choose a robust, appropriately sealed setup and check that the optic does not interfere with safe operation or lawful storage.

Ammunition, Magazines And Maintenance

Rimfire ammunition is generally less costly than centrefire ammunition, but quality and storage still matter. Keep cartridges dry, inspect them for damage and use only the calibre stated on the barrel or receiver. Do not assume that a rifle marked for .22 accepts every .22 rimfire cartridge; .22 LR and .22 WMR are different chamberings.

Magazine condition is a common consideration with older semi-automatic rifles. Feed lips, springs and followers can wear, while replacement magazines may be difficult to source for discontinued models. Tubular magazines should be checked for dents, obstructions and correct end-cap operation, and any maintenance should follow the owner’s manual.

Cleaning needs are modest but should not be ignored. Residue can build up in the chamber and action, especially after extended range sessions. Use suitable cleaning equipment, avoid excessive lubricant and have a qualified gunsmith inspect a rifle with damaged threads, unusual extraction problems or evidence of corrosion.

Buying Responsibly In Australia

The most suitable Remington rimfire rifle depends on the intended lawful use, not just the model’s appearance. A single-shot or bolt-action rifle may suit introductory target shooting, while a classic pump-action may appeal to a collector. A .22 WMR could be appropriate for a specific hunting purpose, but only where the cartridge, firearm category and local rules permit it.

Australian buyers should arrange the legal pathway before payment. Confirm the required licence category, permit to acquire, registration process, dealer transfer and approved storage arrangements with the relevant state authority and a licensed firearm dealer. Transport rules may also apply when collecting the rifle from a dealer or taking it to a range.

The retailer’s cancellation, refund and shipping terms should be read carefully, particularly if a firearm cannot legally be transferred or if an order involves an external dealer. Customer accounts and tracking can help monitor an order, but tracking information does not replace the legal approvals required for possession.

Review the available Remington rimfire listings, identify the exact chambering and action, and verify every Australian licensing and transfer requirement with an authorised dealer before proceeding. A careful purchase produces a rifle that is lawful, serviceable and suited to the way it will actually be used.