Cooper 52 vs 56, what's the difference?

[bearkilr]

What's the difference between these two actions, other than $1000? I always thought the 52 was the standard long action and the 56 the magnum, but now I see the 52 also chambered in 257 Wby, 7 STW, 300 WM, 338 WM, etc.

 

[Dogleg]

When did that happen? My 52 takes the 30-06 and my 56 the STW. Besides being scaled up the 56 has a plunger ejector while the 52 has a blade ejector. Not much else for differences.

 

[bearkilr]

When did that happen? My 52 takes the 30-06 and my 56 the STW. Besides being scaled up the 56 has a plunger ejector while the 52 has a blade ejector. Not much else for differences.

I've been eyeing up a Cooper in 257 Wby for a while, but couldn't justify the $3500 price tag. Now I see on Prophet River's website there's a SS one in a M52, same with a 7 STW in a M52, so it looks like it works for 375 H&H length as well. I was just reading an article that the 56 is 1/4" longer, so maybe only for RUM calibers? Not sure.

 

[1899]

When did that happen? My 52 takes the 30-06 and my 56 the STW. Besides being scaled up the 56 has a plunger ejector while the 52 has a blade ejector. Not much else for differences.

I've talked to folks and they advised me that the 52 in magnum chamberings is replacing the 56.

edit - also check out Cooper's new web site. You can even get the .404 Jeffery in some model 52's.

 

[bearkilr]

I've talked to folks and they advised me that the 52 in magnum chamberings is replacing the 56.

edit - also check out Cooper's new web site. You can even get the .404 Jeffery in some model 52's.

So those who bought a 56 just got an *** reaming? Nice.

 

[Walleyewhiz]

I could never understand why Cooper was gouging for a magnum chambering. Guess they saw the light.

 

[Dogleg]

So those who bought a 56 just got an *** reaming? Nice.

I was all set to blow a gasket until I looked at the price of the 52 .257 'Bee Custom Classic and the 284 Custom Classic at PRs website. That is as close as I can compare existing inventory to the 56 7STW Western classic I bought. Knowing the price difference between the two grades I guess I didn't take as bad a hit as I thought. Fact is, I'm not sure I got burned at all at the price I paid. If anything I paid less than what I surmise a 52 Western Classic would cost today.

 

[1899]

I was all set to blow a gasket until I looked at the price of the 52 .257 'Bee Custom Classic and the 284 Custom Classic at PRs website. That is as close as I can compare existing inventory to the 56 7STW Western classic I bought. Knowing the price difference between the two grades I guess I didn't take as bad a hit as I thought. Fact is, I'm not sure I got burned at all at the price I paid. If anything I paid less than what I surmise a 52 Western Classic would cost today.

Isn't a Western Classic quite a big step above the Custom Classic? I think the price difference between the 52 and 56 is ~$1000.

 

[Dogleg]

Its the next step up; and if I remember right it was a 1000 dollar touch then. The biggest differences are an octagonal barrel, and Turnbull colour case hardened action and magazine. Mine came to $4000 with specified length of pull and extra magazine, can't remember if the inletted swivel bases were standard or an option. I don't think Id get a 52 Western Classic much if any cheaper than that now. Probably be more. Almost had a heart attack for nothing.