Should I buy a Cooper?

[Cs68]

I realized I don't actually have a dedicated hunting setup, I have just been making due with a 9lb (bare) Rem 700 long range, 300wm.

Cooper Excalibur M52 unfired local $1700

The factory target shows the cooper to be a lazer, literally damn near 1 hole, no idea what load. My friend's basic Tikka T3x held moa or better out to 300 (far as we could get that day). So I'm also considering a Tikka hunter.

Just looking for opinions, I'm fine with buy once, cry once, but, is the Cooper twice the rifle?

 

[jcmullis2]

If Remington isn’t to your liking maybe a howa or Bergara will meet your hunting needs. Good luck and happy shooting

 

[Cs68]

I like Remington products, but I know the QC can be hit or miss, and there are better options for the money.
If I bought something from the store it would be a Tikka hunter or bergara b14 ridge. Just curious on how nice the Cooper rifles are.

 

[spife7980]

Just remember, the Cooper test targets are shot at 40 yards.

 

[Cs68]

Just remember, the Cooper test targets are shot at 40 yards.

That I didn't know, thanks for that knowledge bomb Spife. Maybe I'll look at the bergara and tikka offerings again...

 

[goatboy]

Coopers are beautiful guns. If you like the stock, I doubt you,ll find a nicer, equally light gun for the price.

 

[Surly]

Had a M52 in 6.5-284. Shot 127 Barnes into one ragged hole @100 yds. Shot a lot of deer with that gun. Cooper Rifles flat out shoot. I wouldn’t hesitate buying one. JMO

 

[HousePlant]

You obviously have a budget that most don't and, given that, my encouragement would be to try and acquire an ultra-lite rifle. They're amazing.

 

[Huskerhunter]

I have a couple Coopers--latest was for my son who is a lefty-- a 54 in 7mm-08. Very light and accurate. I mean for pure utility go with the Tikka--but Coopers are a bit more refined IMHO. My son's came with beautiful walnut stock--classic/old school. Sent it to Cooper to be bedded into a synthetic stock--now it's the best of both worlds.

 

[Poorboyr]

This is the same question as Ferrari vs Corvette. Yes, the corvette does everything the same as the Ferrari but it’s not a Ferrari. The cooper will be more refined, better finishing, an overall nicer rifle. Is that worth it to you?

If money didn’t matter, I would definitely buy the cooper.

 

[SporterII]

Talk with Mike at First Stop in Rapid City. He knows hunting rifles and Coopers better than anyone I know.

 

[supratt96]

I've owned a Cooper M22 for about 12 years. Best hunting rifle I've ever owned, period. Shoots sub 1/2 moa with ease right out of the box. No need for aftermarket tinkering or customization to get it to shoot and function as it should. Worth every penny.

 

[Cs68]

As pointed out by sirboom I did save some cash from a couple ot weeks, so I wouldn't be homeless if I spent $1600 on a rifle. I don't need to drop that much on a rifle, but if I'm going to hunt with it until I die, I'm fine with the purchase.

Btw, does anyone have a real world weight of a cooper Excalibur? I didn't see it listed on their site.

 

[RTH1800]

It has also been noted that many Cooper targets bear a remarkable similarity... nearly identical.

 

[powdahound76]

If I remember correctly, there was a big stink about Cooper’s owner supporting Obama in 2008.
Not sure if you want your firearms money to ever go to someone who supports rewriting the Constitution, gutting our rights, and supports socialist ideals.

You want a pretty rifle? Find a pre-64 supergrade or an LC Smith in 20g.

 

[Supersubes]

If I remember correctly, there was a big stink about Cooper’s owner supporting Obama in 2008.
Not sure if you want your firearms money to ever go to someone who supports rewriting the Constitution, gutting our rights, and supports socialist ideals.

You want a pretty rifle? Find a pre-64 supergrade or an LC Smith in 20g.

That guy’s name escapes me but he was one of the owners or something. He’s been gone for a long time now.

 

[davsco]

my bil had two coopers that were definitely shooters. i bought a backcountry in 7stw and he nor i couldn't get it anywhere near their 1/2 guarantee with a variety of factory ammo.

 

[RTH1800]

Dan Cooper iirc.

 

[brianf]

Just remember, the Cooper test targets are shot at 40 yards.

was just clicking around the website...not expecting you to know

if the test targets are 40 yards they are still giving a 1/2" guarantee

do you think they are just getting one hole groups at 40-50 yards and "they know" it will be 1/2" or under at 100?

thanks
brian

 

[308pirate]

It has also been noted that many Cooper targets bear a remarkable similarity... nearly identical.

If you have an accusation to make, make it.

 

[308pirate]

Just remember, the Cooper test targets are shot at 40 yards.

For the sake of full disclosure I do not, nor have I ever, own a Cooper rifle. So I have no dog in this fight.

Having said that, I need to ask you how you came to know or conclude that they test their rifles at a stupidly close distance. It just sounds too ridiculous.

 

[powdahound76]

Like a part owner of a firearms manufacturer supporting Obama.
Apparently he is gone now, but dang. Maybe some of the stupid rubbed off. Probably Brokeback style....

 

[spife7980]

Having said that, I need to ask you how you came to know or conclude that they test their rifles at a stupidly close distance. It just sounds too ridiculous.

Its been all over the internet for years

 

[308pirate]

Its been on the internet for years

Well then, that settles it.

 

[JeffLebowski]

Just buy a Mesa Precision. No issues with test targets, the owners have no love for Obama.

Ready To Ship - Pure Precision

Shop the Pure Precision Rifles Collection of ready to ship custom rifles in a variety of configuration and caliber options.

mesaprecisionarms.com

 

[spife7980]

Well then, that settles it.

Well I just called them up on the phone and they confirmed it.

 

[RTH1800]

It was never denied. Common knowledge for decades. Pointless debate from a pointless debater.

 

[krw]

I hav owned 2 Coopers. Both were 223 and both were shooters. Buddy has a 308 thats a shooter too. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another

 

[Pappasniper]

Never shot a Cooper but Tikka and Bergara are solid citizens.

PB

 

[Billl223]

I have a Cooper Model 22 in 7-08. It shoots 1/2" groups @ 100 yards and 1-3/8" @ 200.

 

[TexLuke]

I’d buy a tikka in whatever flavor you like and upgrade the stock if you feel so inclined, and still be money ahead. Get some nice glass with money saved. It’s just about guaranteed be as functionally sound and accurate as you will need a hunting rifle to be.

 

[Cs68]

I read both issues brought up, that Cooper publicly stated they test at under 50yds. Also, that the previous owner or board member donated and backed Obama. The rifle is from a private seller, so they aren't technically getting my money lol.

I'm leaning towards a factory tikka/bergara and picking up a b&c stock to drop it in.

Anyone have experience with a CA Mesa? A friend of a friend needs cash, and is offering a nib 6.5cm for $900. I've read the accuracy can be spotty with older models, wondering if the current production models straightened that out?