Sako, Kimber, or Cooper

Decisions may have to be on a case by case basis. Individual rifles vary and individual shooters vary in what they want, and what they value.

I like Coopers, and my 30-06 is a fair example. Whether cold or screaming hot it just keeps plunking bullets where they are supposed to go. Accuracy is great, but lets be honest, if a maker can't make a 9 pound 30-06 shoot for 2 grand they aren't trying very hard. Rifles are bedded, triggers are set,LOP can be specified and basically you get a rifle that they finished building.I can see where the 2 grand went. I've got another one comeing for a little over double the price and hope to be just as happy.

I'm the wrong guy to ask about Sakos since I had to take one back recently. It was the worst shooting new rifle that I've personally come across. I'm sure that's just bad luck, and they did take it back.Where the $1800 worth of gunny goodness is supposed to be I have no idea.

Kimbers are a different sort of thing, I have 3 of them. One heavy barrel varminter that I can't find fault with, a .338 Win that was a bit picky about the loads it liked and being cold, and the latest is a Select grade in 7mm Rem. If you can pick it up and then give it back without haveing your fingers pryed off it you would be the exception. These pencil thin barrels aren't the thing to shoot every load well, or shoot long strings but if you bought it to shoot a little and carry a lot it may just be what you need. They are bedded, have great triggers and there is a certain appeal to a 26" barrelled, all steel, 5 shot Magnum, controlled round feed, decently stocked rifle that weighs next to nothing.
 
Does Cooper have a stainless in your calibre? Does it have a detachable mag? I went with Sako and the small calibres in Cooper are single shot and so sold the Cooper and went with Sako there too. I would buy a cooper again if it had the features that I want ie repeater, detachable mag, and stainless.

All Cooper repeater are a 'clip' feed rifle. There are now five repeater actions:
M57-Rimfire
M51- 223 length
M54- 308 length
M52- 30/06 length
m56- full length magnums-up to 375 (maybe even a 416)
All available in stainless except the rimfire
 
the mag system on coopers is great. looks like a floorplate and fits perfectly without rattles. by far the nicest mags i have on my rifles.
 
The Model 54 Coopers in wood are quite nice and the weight is reasonable too. Obviously accurate according to the masses.
The Kimber 84Ls have all been problem free as far as I have heard and they all have pretty wood.
Sako + wood = heavy.
 
Thanks for all the input Nutters! I went with a used Cooper 54 Walnut 308. I just bought a spare mag from Clay at Prophet River, BEST Customer Service ever in my life and I'm 70!!!!!!! Now I'm looking for a Good whitetail load for reloading and a suggestion for Best Tailor Made! Respectfully Jim
 
Thanks for all the input Nutters! I went with a used Cooper 54 Walnut 308. I just bought a spare mag from Clay at Prophet River, BEST Customer Service ever in my life and I'm 70!!!!!!! Now I'm looking for a Good whitetail load for reloading and a suggestion for Best Tailor Made! Respectfully Jim


Well Jim, share the love and post some pics when you get a chance!
 
Thanks for all the input Nutters! I went with a used Cooper 54 Walnut 308. I just bought a spare mag from Clay at Prophet River, BEST Customer Service ever in my life and I'm 70!!!!!!! Now I'm looking for a Good whitetail load for reloading and a suggestion for Best Tailor Made! Respectfully Jim
I owned a couple of 308's and they loved Varget, CCI primers, Lapua brass and 150 grain Nosler Ballistic tips.................just can't remember the powder charge. Please check out AccurateShooter.com, you will love me for it!
 
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