Cooper Question
- Thread starter deertroy
- Start date
Yeah, I realize that. just as the M56 is the magnum action. I've heard of a few people who mention the weight but they've always been M52 long actions. I was just curious if people find the short actions heavy as well?
I could only assume that the model 54's are lighter, however your best bet is to contact Clay Smiley at Prophet River Firearms in Lloydminister, Alberta. He is a great guy who will give you the time and information on the Coopers. To date my son and I have ordered 4 rifles with him and he has "always" given us great service. This past summer he had a beautiful little 7mm odd 8 in a model 54 with exceptional wood on it and was surprised that it took a few months to sell, but it did. If you looking for a synthetic stock I'm sure that they will be lighter than the woody's. Enjoy purchasing a new firearm because the journey is fun.
Mine with the scope on it is a little more balanced than when it came.. It's a good weight - heavier guns hold target better and reduce felt recoil. The heavier match barrels, quality workmanship and nice wood are the reasons this manufacturer stands out for me.
I have already been in contact with Clay. Your right, he has been great!
Deertroy
Where in western NS are you? I've got a .280AI custom classic with both wood and excalibur fibreglass stocks if you want to have a look. I work in Sackville so if you'd like to drive over and have a look, PM me and we'll set it up..
I second most of the comments above - the rifle is heavy by today's standards but it's also the most accurate non-heavy barrelled rifle I've ever owned - and I've owned a crapload of them
Where in western NS are you? I've got a .280AI custom classic with both wood and excalibur fibreglass stocks if you want to have a look. I work in Sackville so if you'd like to drive over and have a look, PM me and we'll set it up..
I second most of the comments above - the rifle is heavy by today's standards but it's also the most accurate non-heavy barrelled rifle I've ever owned - and I've owned a crapload of them
I 'm guessing you mean Sackville NB which would be about 5 hours from me, which is kind of far but I sent you a PM just to be sure.
drummerboy73
Regular
Mine is a 52 in .280 AI. I bought from Clay about a year and half ago. The rifle is scary accurate and the action is awesome. The synthetic stock is kinda of a let down for such an expensive rifle... It does the job but it's no Mcmillan thats for sure. The wood rifles are beautiful but wood stocks don't fit into my program. I may look into having a stock custom made for it....now if only that money tree would start growing.
Homesteader
CGN Regular
- Location
- In a Wallow West of Edmonton.
My M54 Jackson Hunter in 7mm-08 showed 7lbs 0.2oz on my scale, this includes the leupold bases that came with it. I also prefer the profile, and feel of the Jackson stock, it is very comfortable for offhand shooting stance.
I’m pretty sure they use HS Precision stocks. That aluminum block is a curse to carry...
On another note, I sent Cooper an email but never received a response: Are their actions 700 clones?
I'm wondering if I could pop out one of their barreled actions and drop it into a McMillan inletted for a 700. They are fine rifles for the price, but I’m not fond of their stock choices.
Did you try the Excalibur stock? How is the Jackson Hunter for shooting off the bench. I want basically the same rifle and caliber as you have. How is the accuracy?
drummerboy73
Regular
The stocks are made by Bell and Carlson. Its a decent stock but no better than what you get on a model 70 costing half as much. As near as I can see the Cooper action is nothing like a Remington, not to mention the bottom metal or magazine desing. If they were compatable with a 700 inlet there would be a bunch out there in Macmillans already, guaranteed.
drummerboy73
Regular
The jackson hunter , in my mind is better than the excalibur. The stock has a cheek weld and fits better, to me anyhow. The excalibur comes with a fluted bolt and barrel and the stock has a straight comb. the finish on the barrell of the excalibur looks like black shoe polish....nothing like blueing. The jackson hunter comes with a stainless barrell and is more eye appealling, again to me.
As far as shooting them off the bench, they are great. Accurate and with the weight of the rifle it barely recoils. Just shoots tight little groups. My hunting partner bought an excalibur at the same time I bought my Jackson hunter and I have shot and handled both side by side. I prefer the Jackson hunter.
Thanks.
Homesteader
CGN Regular
- Location
- In a Wallow West of Edmonton.
Well, Clay sent me a Jackson Hunter M54 to handle so here are my thoughts:
First the good: the rifle is awesome. I don't find it overly heavy. It balances nice and fits me well. Having relatively short arms the LOP, at 13.75", is a bit too long. The action is super smooth.
What I didn't like is minor. When free floating the barrel too much gap is left between the barrel and the stock for my liking. This is always a pet peeve of mine. The gap is even on both sides however, which is a good thing. I point this out because this is one of the first things I check on a rifle. The only other thing I don't like is the rear sling swivel isn't set quite deep enough in the stock but that's a minor issue.
These things are based on my opinion without having a scope attached or having the opportunity to shoot the rifle. I'll post those thoughts once mine arrives. Yes, I placed my order with Clay.
First the good: the rifle is awesome. I don't find it overly heavy. It balances nice and fits me well. Having relatively short arms the LOP, at 13.75", is a bit too long. The action is super smooth.
What I didn't like is minor. When free floating the barrel too much gap is left between the barrel and the stock for my liking. This is always a pet peeve of mine. The gap is even on both sides however, which is a good thing. I point this out because this is one of the first things I check on a rifle. The only other thing I don't like is the rear sling swivel isn't set quite deep enough in the stock but that's a minor issue.
These things are based on my opinion without having a scope attached or having the opportunity to shoot the rifle. I'll post those thoughts once mine arrives. Yes, I placed my order with Clay.
bearkilr
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nowhere, ......just past the middle
If the stud is set too deep, the swivel can mar the finish on the stock. It's a common problem, especially on front studs of nice wood stocks. They come loose and people tighten the crap out of them, without adding a shim/spacer/washer. Upon reattachment the swivel contacts the stock and you'll have a problem.
