Anybody here hunt with a Cooper? Have any pics?

[.22LRGUY]

Hey guys, I've had a slow weekend around here (no hunting/shooting) and I got to thinking about the collection. It isn't overinflated, but it struck me how with time...quality really trumps quantity in my life. Got me thinking about what rifle I THINK I'd like to have if I were to consider a .204 Ruger and I've been blown away by some of the Coopers I've seen on this site in the EE. I mentioned this to a buddy of mine and he told me; "honestly...I think I'd go crazy if I bought one and then scratched it in the field". Not sure if I would, or if I wouldn't...but I did start searching for photos online and other than target-shooting photos...I didn't see any "field" shots of them being used varmint hunting.

Since I don't own one, or know anybody who does, I guess I'm wondering what opinions are OF these rifles. "OK" accuracy in a really pretty, well-made package...or does superb accuracy come with the nice looks/quality build? Anyone here have one in .204 or is .204 even a good choice if I have 2 x .223s in the safe already?

 

[Nipigon Jack]

I bought a Montana Varmiter in 280AI. It hasn't been hunted with yet, but it will. I'm just trying to put some coin aside for a VX6, 3-18 B&C illuminated to go on top.
It won't bother me in the least to take it out, the first scratch on the other hand will.
Perhaps if I bought one of the ultra nice ones I'd think twice.

 

[chrismc]

I have 2 - superb accuracy out of both, one is wood, the other synthetic. Synthetic goes hunting, the wood is my paper puncher/gong banger. Both are well made and have nothing bad to say of them

 

[ShrtRnd]

or is .204 even a good choice if I have 2 x .223s in the safe already?

Knowing what & roughly where you hunt, what is it your hoping to accomplish with the .204R that your .223s' don't already accomplish? (Maybe i forgot what you mentioned in a previous conversation??)

 

[Dogleg]

I've got a couple Coopers; a 52 Classic in 30-06 and a Western Classic in 7 STW. The STW hasn't been around long enough to go hunting but it will this fall. The 30-06 hasn't been around that long either; but already has a string of kills on it that would rival or exceed an average productive lifetime of hunting. It seems to work everytime and shoots well enough for anything I'll ever do with a 30-06. And then some.

I think they are very well executed, very accurate rifles that can be very good looking as well depending on the model and grade. There's no reason to not take them into the field, but I wouldn't seek out a rainy day on purpose. If it happens, thats what G96 is for.

 

[west250]

This is a model 52 in 30-06 that I brought out last December. It didn't stop raining/snowing for the 4 days we hunted. The Cooper likes getting wet and dirty...



I would suggest if you have a taste for high grade rifles that you look at this one: ht tp://www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk/product/944e5751b806f9c182217833/Steyr+Mannlicher+Classic+Blue+-a-8-f-3223+%2728r286sr%2729/

It ain't a .204, but what a pretty piece. Somebody buy it and put me out of my misery.

 

[reb]

I have a Cooper syn. in 25-06 that my best hunting buddy left to me as he passed away in April.
On paper it is awsome so I will be using it this fall on most of my hunting.(cow moose,cow elk.W.T. and Muley)
I am sure it is up to the task.
Thanks Lorne
Reb

 

[-Savage-]

West250 .... Nice cat! ... And it looks like we hunt in identical territory and conditions - Van.Island logging country.

I am looking forward to seeing some fine Cooper eye-candy on this thread!

I do not own a Cooper (yet) .. but I am very interested, and I do have a collection of treasured Sakos that could be thinned out in the near future, in order to make way for a Cooper.
I do like stainless actions/barrels coupled with walnut stocks .. maybe something fairly lightweight and in a moderate calibre (e.g. 7mm-08) .. Does Cooper have a model that I should take a look at?

 

[B-78]

I have a 6mm Cooper in a Varmint Laminate that I use for long range predator control while out checking pastures. The longest shot I have made with it is a fox at 700+ yds last spring. I do use my Sako 204 more for predator hunting but I have other plans for it once my new Cooper in 204 arrives this fall (hopefully). I ordered a stainless repeater action and barrel model 51 Cooper with a custom 10 twist barrel and snow camo synthetic stock. I'm having this rifle put togeather to be a hunting rifle and not a safe Queen. I'm waiting for the rifle to show up before I decide if I want to order another Cooper or another Sako in 223 with an 8 twist. I do believe a person should have 2 or three of each.

 

[.22LRGUY]

Knowing what & roughly where you hunt, what is it your hoping to accomplish with the .204R that your .223s' don't already accomplish? (Maybe i forgot what you mentioned in a previous conversation??)

Southern Ontario, varmints, mostly under 200 yards. .223 does that admirably, just feeling "new gun" fever and am interested in .204. Since there is no $ in the toy fund right now anyway, it's a decision to save for a long, or REALLY long time.

 

[west250]

I'm on the southern end of the island. pm me if you want to have a look at the model 52. P

West250 .... Nice cat! ... And it looks like we hunt in identical territory and conditions - Van.Island logging country.

I am looking forward to seeing some fine Cooper eye-candy on this thread!

I do not own a Cooper (yet) .. but I am very interested, and I do have a collection of treasured Sakos that could be thinned out in the near future, in order to make way for a Cooper.
I do like stainless actions/barrels coupled with walnut stocks .. maybe something fairly lightweight and in a moderate calibre (e.g. 7mm-08) .. Does Cooper have a model that I should take a look at?

 

[deertroy]

Originally Posted by -Savage-
I do like stainless actions/barrels coupled with walnut stocks .. maybe something fairly lightweight and in a moderate calibre (e.g. 7mm-08) .. Does Cooper have a model that I should take a look at?

Yes they do!
I just got a new all stainless M54 Jackson Hunter in 7mm-08, which is the same as the Excalibur except for the stock. Unfortunately for me, after waiting a year and a half, there was an issue with barrel runout. Also the bolt cut out in the stock was not centered at all. I returned the rifle over two months ago and haven't got it back yet! With that said, I think this is the exception rather than the rule and I'm looking forward to actually hunting with my new Cooper.

 

[the spank]

Why wouldn't one hunt with their Cooper? I browse around Prophet River on a regular basis and when I am in there I always go check out the Cooper's in the show cases. Beautiful rifles for sure. I don't find them so beautiful or expensive though that I would hesitate to use one in the field. I hunt with an over/under shotgun that is every bit as nice and over 22 years ago cost more than some of those Coopers are going for today. To me that is the intent behind them, that is what they have been built for so go enjoy your purchase. Just my .02 worth.