I own one and have shot it over the last few years, and I won't say it's crap. That said, I can't exactly recommend it either. I only use the 10 round metal mags, but they've worked just fine for me. I've never used the 30 rounders. The only malfunctions I've had were definitely due to el-cheapo ammo. The rifle is reasonably accurate, but it hides in the corner of my gun safe where my CZ 452s can't see it and steal its lunch money. Trigger is absolutely lousy stock, but Volquartsen makes a better hammer for it that makes the trigger more managable. In short, it offers no advantage over a Ruger 10/22. If I could do it all again, I would pass on the 597, and instead get the 10/22 where the aftermarket would let me turn it into anything I wanted to the extent my wallet would allow provided I was unhappy with the stock gun.
If you want a precision rifle where accuracy is key, get a CZ 452/455 or some other bolt action. If you want a 22 plinker/blaster/trainer, get a Ruger 10/22. Or, if you want both, throw a fishhook baited with your wallet into the seas of the Ruger 10/22 aftermarket!