Welcome everyone to the 187th edition of ‘Hot Gat or Fudd Crap?’, one of our many series here on TFB. If you’re new to the series, this is where we look at the most obscure firearms that are actually for sale and ask the question – is this Gat a sweet deal or only has a Fudd appeal?  Each week the TFB staff weighs in with their thoughts, but readers get the final say in the poll at the bottom of each article.

In our last edition, our poll showed that you, the readers, decided the Gold 1908 was a hot gat.  

HGFC – Is this 1908 Polished or Polarizing? — Poll Results

At this time the original auction is still ongoing with a current bid of $1,625 and No Reserve.  We don’t know how high the price will go, but congratulations to the buyer of this certified hot gat.     

In this week’s edition of HGFC, we look at a limited edition Remington Model 597 chambered in .22LR. As is tradition, this NASCAR-themed gat is currently up for sale on GunBroker for $375 with No Reserve.  

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP?

Do it for Dale or Straight to Jail? 

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Do it for Dale or Straight to Jail?

Let’s see what the Staff had to say about this week’s offering:

“It’s finally happened. We’ve reached peak Redneck Fudd. All it needs is a dip can holder and a PFA pre filled out in the box.” – Tim C.

“Ah yes, from the Jeff Foxworthy years of Remington special editions.  Still, you gotta plink at those Kyle Busch commemorative plates with something” -Rusty S.

“I’m surprised we don’t have a sport that combines race car driving and shooting yet. This seems like a perfect opportunity. National Drive By League” – Doug E.

“There are 32 teeth in a full adult set. The average Model 597 Dale Earnhardt edition enjoyer has considerably fewer.” – Will P.

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Do it for Dale or Straight to Jail?

Selling this racing-themed gat is GunBroker seller beverlysgunshop, located in Coeburn VA.  Let’s see what they had to say about this limited edition Remington 597.  

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Do it for Dale or Straight to Jail?

REMINGTON MODEL 597 DALE EARNHARDT LIMITED EDITION SEMI AUTO .22LR

BARREL LENGTH- 20″

COLOR- BLACK 

COMES WITH THE ORIGINAL BOX 

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Do it for Dale or Straight to Jail?

IF THERE ARE ANY GUN FLAWS SUCH AS: (CRACKS, DINGS, SCRATCHES, DENTS, DE-BLUING, RUSTING, PITTING, ETC.) THEY WILL BE SHOWN IN THE PHOTOS. IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE CONDITION, PLEASE ASK PRIOR TO BIDDING ON THE FIREARM, OTHERWISE IT IS SOLD AS IS. THE PHOTOS SERVE AS DOCUMENTATION OF THE ACTUAL CONDITION.

*LAYAWAY- WE OFFER LAYAWAY ON ALL FIREARMS. WE ASK FOR 20% DOWN, FOR 90 DAYS.

THANKS EVERYONE AND GOOD LUCK BIDDING!

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Do it for Dale or Straight to Jail?

Generally, those in the shooting community started off with some .22LR pattern rifle during their childhood.  Options like the Remington 597, Marlin 796 or Model 60, and Ruger 10/22 were always popular rifles in this category.  While I’ve seen plenty of limited edition or custom shop versions of these rifles, this was the first time I’d seen something like this.  As writer Rusty S. pointed out, Remington had various brand partnerships through the early 2000s that left us relics like this.

It’s certainly an interesting departure from the norm and reminds me of when NASCAR drivers like Jeff Gordon were found on Wheaties boxes.  If you lived through the 90s, you’ll probably understand what I’m talking about.

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Do it for Dale or Straight to Jail?

Production of the Model 597 started in 1997 and subsequently ended in 2019, and it’s no surprise a rifle like this would be born in the early 90s, the era where hot lips extended 10/22 magazine was worth over a hundred dollars during the 1994-2004 Assault Weapons Ban.  Like many semi-auto .22LR pattern rifles it feeds from a 10-round detachable magazine.  Sort of the best and worst part of this whole ecosystem. The 10/22 pattern magazine would eventually become the gold standard, making parts and accessories cheaper for the Ruger and orphaning designs like the 597.

I’ve been to a couple of NASCAR races, but certainly never thought to get a driver-themed rifle.  Certainly, that fanbase exists but is the demand for relics like this high enough to warrant a $375 starting bid?  Well, I guess we’ll certainly find out.  As for the other question.  As always, I leave that up to you, the readers, to decide.

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Do it for Dale or Straight to Jail?

What do you think?  Is this Dale themed 597 a Hot Gat or novelty Fudd Crap?  Be sure to let us know in the comments below, and cast your vote to let us know if this Remington Model 597 Dale Earnhardt Limited Edition is a Hot Gat or Fudd Crap: