For those who prefer the feel of AR15 carbines with optics, Remington will be making 597 .22 rifles in an AR style configuration. They will be called the 597 VTR (Varmint Target Rifle) They will be sold at Gander Mountain and available through Ellett Brothers to all FFLs.
597 LTR (http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/rimfire_rifles/model_597/model_597_vtr.asp)
Looks set up for scope only...no front sight or capability to mount one. Also wonder about the 10rnd (presumably proprietary) mags. Would've been sweet if they made it for the Black Dog Machine mags...I think the S&W M&P-22 looks more promising for an inexpensive AR in 22lr.
597s currently have a high cap mag, and this one should take them. This is definitely not an inexpensive option. This is for those who have the cash to spend, are fans of the 597 platform and are not necessarily worried about practical. No AR carbine is the best choice for iron sights because of the 16" barrel. Many people use optics at Appleseed.
One of these was listed in the local classifieds the other day for upwards of $750. That's more than two complete LTRs! And the 597 hasn't exactly impressed me out on the Appleseed trail. For the price and durability, the standard 10/22 LTR is definitely the way to go.... but they sure do look cool!
If you want the feel of an AR, the Tapco stock can get you pretty close for hundreds of dollars less. Buy the Tapco stock, then buy another LTR! Heck, you could just about outfit two LTRs with Tapco stocks and still be under the price of that sweet-looking 597.
yuck.