Yes, I've owned lots. They're a waste of money IMO. In light low enough to see their illumination people will shoot instinctively. I only buy them now when they come as standard equipment on a new purchase.
You also have to change the recoil spring and add mass to the bolt in the form of a heavier bolt handle. Timing is critical with this very snappy caliber and you need to slow the bolt to insure no OOB ignition which can result in a ruptured case. Which in turn can result in a magazine going KABOOM. If the bolt begins to open too fast (which it would with just a barrel change) you will expose unsupported brass while the bore is still under pressure. Approach these conversions carefully. It's best to buy a complete kit from one provider to insure properly matching parts.
Wholesale order price @ Ellett Brothers is $379.99 + 11.45 shipping. We sell prepaid orders for 15% over cost which would be $450.16. Yep, that's a pretty good price, IMO.
I just heard that S&W will be offering the new M&P15-22 with a threaded muzzle & attachment. Cool. I'm glad now that I haven't been able to locate one wholesale. I'll wait for the new version.
Mounted the 2x TruGlo red dot sight. IT'S HORRIBLE. The FOV is tiny. It's like looking through a paper towel roll and the optical aberration is pronounced/excesive. One of the worst sights I've ever looked through. Why me?
Today's my first day back to work (my Monday) and I find my 597VTR arrived yesterday along with the (2) 30 rnd. mags and the TruGlo 2x red & green 2.5MOA dot scope #TG8030DB2. Out of the box this rifle feels alot better than I expected with it's aluminum receiver housing & free floated aluminun fore end tube. The trigger group/mag well is plastic but appears well done. Trigger pull is creepy and heavy but much superior to my Colt's M4 OPS 22. Let me screw some parts together & see how it runs.
OK. I just ordered the 597 VTR and (2) 30 rnd magazines for it. It comes with a 10 rounder. I ordered it mostly out of fustration of not being able to order a S&W M&P15-22. None of the wholesalers we buy from have the S&W in stock. I'll get the S&W as soon as the crunch eases up but for now at least it's a new firearm to feed my addiction. Plus, I like Remington and don't own a 597.
Ellett Bros. just got a whole slew in. You think it's worth the $321.00 it'd cost me? http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/rimfire_rifles/model_597/model_597_vtr.asp