I want to get your opinions on Cooper rifles. My next rifle is going to be a 25-06. I am leaning towards a Cooper Classic but could be swayed. It would be for yotes and whitetail but mostly because I am 46 and have never owned one (there I said it) Im looking for ideas Thanks.

Lets see,
opinions of Cooper rifles.
If a picture is worth a thousand words...................


CooperModel 21 varminter, 20 Vartarg







Cooper model 21, Classic, 20 Tactical





Cooper Model 38, 22 hornet, Classic





Cooper Model 52, Jackson Game, 25-06



Cooper Model 22, Montana Varminter, 6.5 x 284




100 yds

200 yds.

And a few more words.


I'd have to say the Jackson game would probably be my favorite combination followed very closely by the classics.
I'm not a high volume shooter and don't shoot off a rest or bags in the field. I tend more toward what I call a walking varminter. More and more I am liking rifles that balance well, carry well and shoot well. The classics are a nice combination of function, fit and finish and are accurate as hell. I also like the roll over cheek piece of the Jackson Game.

PM me if you'd like more info.
Best
GWB

Hard to argue with those results.

I don't think there's anything left to say, thanks Geedubya.

Now see, every time I get ready to buy a 25-06 something else pops up like that Cooper Model 22, Montana Varminter, 6.5 x 284. I have one in a Savage F class and it is an impressive round. To have one in a well balanced hunting rifle would be the ticket. Decisions, decisions.

No offense meant, but I tell folks if all I was interested in was accuracy, all my rifle would be Savage.
Having said that, I don't think you can go wrong with Cooper rifles. I buy them used at usually 60% of MSRP or less. Gunbroker is a good place to buy. I have 8 and am bidding on a couple others.
I bought the Model 52 JG with 6 boxes of premium Ammo, at +/- $1,350.
The 6.5 x 284 was purchased at around $1,250.
Educate your self. Bide your time, watch and bid carefully. There are some good deals out there. Don't get discouraged and don't pay more than your benchmark price.
Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your collection.
It took me 10 years from the time I first read about the Cooper in 20 Vartarg in Small Caliber news to get it exactly as I wanted it.
Best
GWB

PS. There are a couple of classics chambered in 6.5 x 284 for sale now on Gunbroker.
I bought the one in the picture for several reasons.
1. I didn't have a 6.5 x 284

2. price. Hard to get a Montana varminter in the $1,200 range.

3. 26" fluted stainless barrel. Although I'm not a hot-rodder, I do like velocity, and most of the standard classics and varminters have a 24" barrel.

Wow, at those prices they are a bargain. You have some beautiful rifles, I have looked at Gunbroker but hesitate to buy. I should just get over it and join the 21st century. Buying those sticks even close to retail is painful.

Currently own three and plan on buying another two soon in different calibers.
Now that I think of it will own more Cooper rifles than any other brand.
They flat out shoot and plan on buying even more down the road.

There is/was a beautiful Jackson Game in 25-06 earlier in the week. Made mine look like a broom handle. Triple A wood. Man it was a beauty.
I've done over a hundred transactions between AR, 24hour and Gunbroker and never had a bad transaction, buying or selling. Maybe its just luck, but I find most rifle looneys are much more interested in their reputation than making a couple of fast bucks.
Get some posts here. Be yourself, don't pretend. Folks will decide pretty quick what type of fellow you are. Do some small deals here, on 24hr. and on gunbroker, get some feedback. Pretty soon you'll be an old hand.

Best
GWB

You have to be able to separate their 2008 politics from the product. I cannot.
Dan Cooper sent a check for $5000 to the obama campaign. The resulting firestorm was so fierce he ended up selling the company to the employees in an attempt to deflect the criticism from the company to himself.
Worked, sort-of. He carries the note, so he is still making money from every rifle they sell, and they still say "Cooper" on them.

In the battle to preserve the entire Constitution you have to be like the liberal element that never ceases working to snip little bits and pieces of it off and replace them with socialism and a benevolent dictatorship. Compromise is simply surrender on the installment plan.

So, for me any Cooper is a no-no. There are too many complete custom builders out there to support one with a checkered past and no firm commitment to Freedom.

Rich

Rich,
Lord luv ya dude!
May not agree with you on Cooper's and we've had our exchanges.
At least you are consistent and stand by your principals.
Best
GWB

I try to be consistent. Other thing, when my wife and I got married I made her one promise. "Life with me will never be boring...".
I have kept that promise, at least.

Rich

This is a tough issue for me. As much as I disagreed with the donation, I sure would like to have a Cooper rifle...

I still cant get past the political aspect either, to bad, very nice rifles.

quote:

Dan Cooper sent a check for $5000 to the obama campaign.

What made me start this post was, I had always known Cooper rifles were quality pieces, but recently I had been hearing people knocking the company. I did'nt know why until Rich's post.

So basically they still have quality rifles, but questionable character. WTF was he thinking?

quote:

You have to be able to separate their 2008 politics from the product. I cannot.

Nor I; a shame, as they are beautiful rifles- but that outfit, no matter how closely connected or not connected Cooper is to the company these days, will not receive one penny from me.

For those who own Coopers, shoot them and enjoy them; my problem lies with Cooper himself.

If you buy a used cooper are you still supporting the company? I have to find a way around this.

doubledown,

different issue. A used Cooper is a well made used rifle. You are not putting a dime into the company's coffers by buying one. I have a friend that is close to the company. She said they still get cranky Email and snail mail every week.
You almost have to feel sorry for them. They need the name for the quality association, and market recognition. But, they need to get rid of the Dan Cooper relationship. IMHO, he sold the company to keep it from folding.

Buy used with a clear conscience.

Rich
DRSS

Doubledown,
I have posted a version of what I am typing several times over the last couple of years. Rich and I have had this very same discussion.

I am about as conservative in my politics, world view and religion as a fellow can get.

When all this broke several years ago I sent an e-mail to Dan Cooper personally as well as to the company and followed up with phone calls telling them how disappointed I was that Dan was supporting Obama. I have never bought a new Cooper and probably never will. However, I'm 58 and have never bought a new car. However for me it is a matter of economics. I like to buy first class top quality items at good value.

Now having said that, rifles are in-antimate objects.
If I buy one from another American citizen, it is a used rifle. Even if it bears the name Cooper, it puts no $ in Dan Cooper's pocket.

Another thought that I have expressed numerous times. Think back over the last century. Our country has been involved in wars and conflicts with Germany, Italy, USSR, China Japan, Korea, in which American service men and women have been killed. What was it, something like 18 of the hijackers on the planes on 9/11 were Saudis.
How many of the guys here that will berate you for buying a cooper have never used petroleum products refined from saudi crude. Wonder if any of them buy any electronics or autos made in China or Japan, any cars, optics or crystal made in Germany or Austria. For that matter if you purchase any thing that originates from any of the aforementioned former adversaries you are directly contributing to the economies of countries that have been responsible for the loss of many more Americans lives than Dan Cooper.
I say to single out a rifle such as a Cooper for such opprobrium is hypocritical.
Do what you want. Don't buy a Cooper, that leaves more for me!

Best
GWB

quote:

Buy used with a clear conscience.

Agreed- I would not consider it compromising myself if I bought a Cooper from an individual.

Dan Cooper, I believe, is still involved with the company, in some way.

quote:

How many of the guys here that will berate you for buying a cooper have never used petroleum products refined from saudi crude. Wonder if any of them buy any electronics or autos made in China or Japan, any cars, optics or crystal made in Germany or Austria. For that matter if you purchase any thing that originates from any of the aforementioned former adversaries you are directly contributing to the economies of countries that have been responsible for the loss of many more Americans lives than Dan Cooper.

apples and oranges to me.
Dan Cooper is an american gunmaker, not a foreign country where politics and leaders change. But even more so, he flat out lied to get around it, posting on the cooper website he only donated $$ to beat Hillary, and gave more money to Mccain. He gave no money to Mccain at all! Caught in his own lie, he then dropped out as ceo to save his own company. I cant forgive that attempted cover-up, nor selling all the customers out.

Opinions vary,
Like I said, leaves more for me.
Best
GWB

Damm, I hadn't heard this story about Cooper and our worthless president.
And I've got a cabinet full of Coopers, both rimfire and centerfire. AND I WAS GOING TO ORDER ANOTHER CUSTOM CLASSIC IN 22K HORNET...NOT NOW.
I hope the Cooper people monitor this site. He may have created an ESOP company but I'm sure he's collecting something on every rifle.
Thanks Rich

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by Geedubya:
Doubledown,
I have posted a version of what I am typing several times over the last couple of years. Rich and I have had this very same discussion.

I am about as conservative in my politics, world view and religion as a fellow can get.

When all this broke several years ago I sent an e-mail to Dan Cooper personally as well as to the company and followed up with phone calls telling them how disappointed I was that Dan was supporting Obama. I have never bought a new Cooper and probably never will. However, I'm 58 and have never bought a new car. However for me it is a matter of economics. I like to buy first class top quality items at good value.

Now having said that, rifles are in-antimate objects.
If I buy one from another American citizen, it is a used rifle. Even if it bears the name Cooper, it puts no $ in Dan Cooper's pocket.

Another thought that I have expressed numerous times. Think back over the last century. Our country has been involved in wars and conflicts with Germany, Italy, USSR, China Japan, Korea, in which American service men and women have been killed. What was it, something like 18 of the hijackers on the planes on 9/11 were Saudis.
How many of the guys here that will berate you for buying a cooper have never used petroleum products refined from saudi crude. Wonder if any of them buy any electronics or autos made in China or Japan, any cars, optics or crystal made in Germany or Austria. For that matter if you purchase any thing that originates from any of the aforementioned former adversaries you are directly contributing to the economies of countries that have been responsible for the loss of many more Americans lives than Dan Cooper.
I say to single out a rifle such as a Cooper for such opprobrium is hypocritical.
Do what you want. Don't buy a Cooper, that leaves more for me!

Best
GWB

I couldnt agree more on all your points. In fact in the process of ordering my wife her first Cooper and sure it will not be her last.
Avoid Coopers like the plaque and leave more for us.

Betcha more than a few board members from the big American arms companies donated money to people or events we didnt care for, yet no one is searching them out to stay away from them.

This is a multi-faceted issue for me.

1. Dan Cooper gave obama $5000. He bragged about it, comments like needing to get the "Bushites" out of office.
When the backlash arrived, he lied about it. He got caught lying.

2. When it began to appear that HIS public politics were going to bankrupt Cooper Arms,
he said he was selling the company.

3. It does appear that Dan Cooper is holding the finance paper. So, he is still involved with the company
to some extent.

4. Rounding third and heading for an inside the park HR: he profits from rifle sales at Cooper Arms.

The crux of the matter:

Liberals and Democrats, as a safe generalization are anti-firearms and in favor of restricting most personal liberties.

A couple prime examples:

1. Remember pre-1970 American cars? You went to the dealership and bought the car YOU wanted to drive.
The Democrat Congress and President created the EPA. It is an agency that can make rules that nobody ever has to answer for.
They said we need to clean up auto emissions, starting with the 1970 models. They ruled that the 1971 model had to reduce emissions by
90% from the 1969 models. Big engine fun to drive cars disappeared by end of the 1971 models.

2. American industry. Until the 1950's we had reciprocal tariffs with almost every country. Today, we import more items than we make.
Pro or Anti Union, those people had good jobs, and created a satellite economy in their town. They bought new cars, they bought houses,
they lived well. Those jobs went overseas, and the paychecks went with them.

You can't do much about that. But Dan Cooper is an American, dammit, and he should have researched a little before he reached for his checkbook. Guess what is going to happen this November?

This should probably be in the political forum, but there is a WAR being fought in this country. Will we ease into a socialistic regime, or try and get back to a democratic republic?

regards,

Rich

Rich,
I agree with each point of your post. I think he was incredibly shortsighted, and even stupid if you will, not to consider how a donation of this type would affect his bottom line, much less his employees. I sure would have never done it, much less bragged about it.

I have no problem with discussing this here or in the political forum.

I've been self employed all my adult life. I don't recall pulling the lever for a democrat and I've voted in most every local, state and national election in the last 40 years. Even was a republican precinct chairman for a while, a number of years ago.

Having said all that. I sure do like fondling and shooting used Cooper's bought for under $1k.

Best
GWB

I would never tell anyone how to spend their money, but also feel my reasons for not spending it on a cooper are valid. One in the used market...... I havent figured out if I would or wouldnt yet.

tb40,
If we ever hook up and share a campfire, I'll let you fondle and shoot one or a couple of my Coopers. I hunt in the Texas Hill country where everything pokes, rubs, sticks, bites, kicks, and gouges. Dust becomes black liquid sandpaper that gets in every pore and crack and cakes worse than black gumbo mud. It can be 40 in the morning and dry and 100 degrees F. in the evening with 99% humidity. I guarantee you none of mine are safe queens. I pop on a sling toss em over my shoulder, jump on my ATV and head cross country. They've got the character marks to prove it. So, if we do hook up, you can be guaranteed that you won't be blaspheming by shooting a "new" Cooper.

Only problem, ya' might cuss me for being a provocateur, as these rifles will cause lust in heart of the most hardened rifle looney

Best
GWB

quote:

as these rifles will cause lust in heart of the most hardened rifle looney

Did'nt mean to stir up a hornets nest, but that quote says it all, and is the main reason I started this dicussion. Geedubya that picture with those seven coopers lined up makes my head spin!

They build a fantastic semi-custom rifle. They are well made, and made in Montana.

I WOULD buy a used one if it were something on my bucket list.

IF, IF Cooper Arms posted here in two minutes that they had gotten bank financing and Dan now has ZERO involvement with the company, is Persona Non Grata; I'd encourage purchasing one if you want one. I'd even look at one.

Libs/Dems never give an inch on gun control and eventual confiscation. They do something outrageous, and then offer a compromise.

It's like finding out your wife is screwing three guys at the office she works in. You go ballistic, and she offers to cut back to one. Are you supposed to be "Reasonable" and accept that? That is what is going on here in America.

I have a "Zero Tolerance" policy. I also buy my gas at Maverick pumps. 100% of their gas and diesel is pumped out of the oil fields in MT and WYO.

Rich

DD,
no problem, opinions are like noses, everyone' got one and most of them smell.
It would be pretty boring if we agreed on everything.
I tend to operate on the theory that friends come and go, but enemies accumulate, so I usually don't do to much flaming.
So stir away and create whatever ruckus you can. After all, this is the internet, where every one is an exspurt (an ex is a has been and a spurt is a drip under pressure) and 10 shot, one hole groups abound.
Best
GWB

quote:

I tend to operate on the theory that friends come and go, but enemies accumulate

GWB
I like that line!!
In no way would I ever consider someone who bought a cooper ( new or not) an enemy. It's a stinker because they are a beautiful rifle, made in the usa, accurate ect. I have a couple Kimber 84's that are lovely, shoot like a dream and are a delight to own.But,...you can end up with a lemon too, the coopers dont have lemons that I can see. Yes I would indeed have to wipe the sweat off my hands before shooting one of your beautifull rifles, and enjoy the talk about them around the campfire with you. Hows your weather in Jan when we are -40 and snow 10 feet deep!

I tell folks I have a love hate relationship with Kimber, I love the ones that shoot and hate the ones that don't.
I've owned a number of 8400's and 3 different Montanas. I'm down to one Montana in 260 Remington (due to advancing age and financial embarassment). Its a shooter, light and almost impervious to the elements.

As to the weather in January. Its usually not too cold. Once shot a deer on December 19th. It was 90+ degrees F.

As an aside. I was in Jardine Montana a couple years ago. Think it was early November. I came out of the cabin in only my tighty-whities. It was 71 degrees. Hotter that day in Bozeman than it was in Miami Florida.
Guys asked what the hell I was doing. They said get back in the cabin, you're scaring the horses. I said hell it too hot to hunt elk, I might as well get a sun tan.

Best
GWB

Geedubya,

that's a little more information than we really needed...

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:

3. It does appear that Dan Cooper is holding the finance paper. So, he is still involved with the company
to some extent.

4. Rounding third and heading for an inside the park HR: he profits from rifle sales at Cooper Arms.

Not only that but you gotta believe that Dan is savvy enough to retain the rights to his own name.
I'm sure his name is licensed to the company. Most licensing agreements involve the payment of Royalties on each unit sold.

Cooper works for me. M22 in 6mm Remington.

The rifles are great.....the politics suck!!

simple solution for was to buy a used one. that way dan cooper got chit & I got the rifle. but of course saving 500 on the deal didn't hurt to badly either

correct answer young Jedi...

Rich

I contacted Cooper arms and recieved a reply from Hugo Vivero president of wilson arms co.
He said he fully, 100% purchesed Cooper firearms and Dan Cooper has no say, intrest or profit in any way from sales of cooper firearms.
Sounds good to me!

I have two. A 223 that is a one holer with factory ammo, and a 22 k hornet that won't come close to moa, It has a head space problem. I tried bedding and every thing else I know it just won't shoot!!!!!! The test targets are shot at 47 yards not a 100 show me one that will shoot like that at a 100 I will buy it.


JD