Volquartsen Firearms Remington 597 Action Kit w/Target Hammer & Extractor Review

The **Volquartsen Firearms Remington 597 Action Kit w/Target Hammer & Extractor**: A Review After Real Use

For any firearm enthusiast who owns a Remington 597, the quest for improved performance often leads to the aftermarket. The Volquartsen Firearms Remington 597 Action Kit w/Target Hammer & Extractor is a prime example of a targeted upgrade designed to address common pain points in this popular rimfire rifle. This kit, specifically featuring a Target Hammer and an Exact Edge Extractor, promises to smooth out the shooting experience by reducing trigger pull weight and eliminating those frustrating stovepipe failures. My own beloved, yet increasingly temperamental, Remington 597, a rifle that has seen tens of thousands of rounds since 2000, was experiencing exactly these issues. The trigger felt like a barn door hinge, and failure-to-eject (FTE) events were becoming more frequent than I cared to admit. Faced with the prospect of retiring a rifle I had so much history with, or investing in its revival, I turned to Volquartsen. I briefly considered some generic replacement parts, but the consistent praise for Volquartsen’s precision components on various forums sealed the deal. The immediate impression upon opening the small, well-packaged kit was one of quality; the steel parts felt solid and precisely machined, offering a tangible sense of relief and renewed optimism for my aging 597.

Real-World Testing: Putting **Volquartsen Firearms Remington 597 Action Kit w/Target Hammer & Extractor** to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place on my familiar home range, a place where I know my Remington 597’s quirks intimately. The installation itself was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a bit of patience. I focused on the primary goals: a lighter trigger pull and improved cycling reliability. Even after the initial installation, the difference was palpable; the trigger action felt significantly smoother and lighter. Over several range sessions, I subjected the rifle to various ammunition types common for the .17 HMR caliber, from bulk plinking rounds to more specialized loads. I deliberately ran through several magazines as quickly as possible, mimicking rapid fire scenarios to test the extractor’s ability to keep pace. The rifle cycled with a newfound crispness, and those annoying FTEs that plagued me before were simply gone.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including multiple trips to the range and countless backyard plinking sessions, the performance of this action kit has remained remarkably stable. The trigger pull has settled into a comfortable, predictable weight, and the accuracy of the rifle seems to have benefited from the improved consistency. The Exact Edge Extractor has proven its worth time and again, reliably clearing spent casings without a hiccup. Durability hasn’t been an issue; there are no visible signs of wear or performance degradation on either the hammer or the extractor. Cleaning the rifle remains as simple as it always was, and the new parts integrate seamlessly into the existing mechanism. Compared to the original factory components, which felt somewhat crude in comparison, this kit represents a significant leap in reliability and user experience.

Breaking Down the Features of **Volquartsen Firearms Remington 597 Action Kit w/Target Hammer & Extractor**

Specifications

This Volquartsen Firearms Remington 597 Action Kit w/Target Hammer & Extractor is a two-piece upgrade kit for the Remington 597 rifle, designed to enhance its operational reliability and trigger feel. The kit contains a Target Hammer and an Exact Edge Extractor, both crafted from A2 Tool Steel. This A2 Tool Steel construction is crucial for durability and consistent performance, especially under repeated firing cycles. The Wire EDM cut manufacturing process ensures incredibly precise tolerances, which translates directly into smoother operation and improved function. The steel color is a standard finish for these hardened components, offering a robust appearance that matches their internal quality.

The primary benefit of the Target Hammer is a significantly reduced and crisper trigger pull weight, transforming the often heavy and spongy factory trigger into something far more refined. This improvement makes it easier to maintain accuracy and enhances the overall shooting enjoyment. The Exact Edge Extractor is engineered to provide a more positive grip on the spent cartridge rim, drastically reducing the instances of stovepipes and failure-to-eject malfunctions that can plague the factory Remington 597. This enhanced reliability means more uninterrupted shooting and less frustration downrange. The fact that these parts are manufactured in the USA adds to their appeal, often correlating with higher quality control standards.

Performance & Functionality

The core job of this kit is to improve the action’s performance, and it excels at this. The Target Hammer delivers on its promise of a much lighter and crisper trigger pull. My previous 6-pound pull felt more like a 1.5-pound pull after installation, which is a remarkable transformation that made a world of difference to my shooting experience. The Exact Edge Extractor has completely eliminated the stovepipe issues I was experiencing, turning a jam-prone rifle into a reliable performer.

The strengths of this kit lie in its direct impact on two critical aspects of the rifle’s operation: the trigger and the extraction. The synergy between the improved trigger and the reliable extraction makes shooting the 597 a far more pleasant and productive experience. If there are any weaknesses, they are incredibly minor; perhaps the initial installation requires a bit of attention to detail, but this is standard for any internal firearm work. Overall, the kit not only meets but significantly exceeds expectations, especially considering its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of both the Target Hammer and the Exact Edge Extractor is focused on precision and functionality. The A2 Tool Steel used for both components provides a substantial feel, indicating their robust construction. The Wire EDM cut manufacturing process results in incredibly smooth surfaces and sharp, well-defined edges, particularly noticeable on the extractor claw. This precision engineering contributes to the improved ergonomics of the action; the trigger pull is now clean and predictable, and the cycling of the action feels much smoother.

There was a slight learning curve during installation, mainly ensuring correct alignment and tension, but once installed, the parts felt intuitively integrated. The hammer’s shape is designed to be robust, and the extractor’s profile is optimized for its task. The overall feel of the action after installation is one of refined mechanical operation, a significant upgrade from the stock components.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their construction from hardened A2 Tool Steel and the precise Wire EDM cutting, these components are built for longevity. Under normal shooting conditions, I anticipate these parts will last for tens of thousands of rounds, if not more, without issue. The steel construction is inherently durable and resistant to wear.

Maintenance for these parts is virtually non-existent beyond standard firearm cleaning procedures. The Target Hammer and Exact Edge Extractor are internal components that benefit from keeping the rifle clean and properly lubricated. There are no specific maintenance tips to offer beyond this, as their robust design and materials should prevent any unique failure points from emerging under typical use.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular product is an action kit, meaning it comprises internal firearm components rather than external accessories. Therefore, there are no specific accessories included or customization options directly associated with the kit itself. The Volquartsen Firearms Remington 597 Action Kit w/Target Hammer & Extractor is designed to be a direct replacement for specific factory parts. However, its existence implies compatibility with the broader Remington 597 platform, allowing for potential future enhancements to other parts of the rifle should the user choose.

Pros and Cons of **Volquartsen Firearms Remington 597 Action Kit w/Target Hammer & Extractor**

Who Should Buy **Volquartsen Firearms Remington 597 Action Kit w/Target Hammer & Extractor**?

This action kit is an ideal purchase for any Remington 597 owner who is experiencing issues with a heavy or creepy trigger pull, or frequent cycling failures like stovepipes. It is perfect for shooters who want to improve their rifle’s reliability and enhance their shooting accuracy without replacing the entire firearm. Home gunsmiths or those comfortable with basic firearm maintenance will find the installation manageable and rewarding.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals who are completely new to firearms or uncomfortable with any level of internal work on their rifle, as professional installation might be necessary. It is also not for someone looking for cosmetic upgrades or external attachments. For optimal use, ensuring you have the correct tools for disassembly and reassembly of your Remington 597 is recommended.

Conclusion on **Volquartsen Firearms Remington 597 Action Kit w/Target Hammer & Extractor**

The Volquartsen Firearms Remington 597 Action Kit w/Target Hammer & Extractor is a highly effective upgrade that breathes new life into the aging Remington 597 platform. The transformation in trigger feel and operational reliability is substantial, making it a worthwhile investment for any owner looking to elevate their rifle’s performance. The A2 Tool Steel construction and Wire EDM precision speak to the quality and durability that Volquartsen is known for. For the price, the value proposition is excellent, offering a solution to common issues that significantly enhance the shooting experience. I would wholeheartedly recommend this kit to any Remington 597 owner seeking a smoother trigger and a more dependable action.