There was a two day estate sale last weekend with a number of nice rifles and shotguns. I couldn't attend on the first day, but decided to go on day two. It was a 45 minute drive and I arrived about two hours before they closed. I expected that most of the guns would already be gone, but that wasn't the case.
Prices were rather high and had only been marked down about $100 from day one. I'm pretty much set on high powered rifles and shotguns, but I love bolt action .22's and appreciate nice wood! I gave it some thought and finally made a cash offer on this Cooper. I didn't think they would accept it, but they did!
When Kimber of Oregon bellied up around 1989, Dan Cooper and several other former employee's founded Cooper Arms. This is a relatively early Model 36 Classic (Ser. # 234), made in the early '90's when Dan was still at the helm.
It's a man sized rifle weighting in at 8-1/2 lbs scoped. The stock was advertised as AAA Claro and features nice checkering and a shadow line cheek piece. It has a Shilen barrel, a great trigger and was guaranteed to shoot 5 shot .25" groups at 50 yds with match ammo. I gave it a thorough cleaning, applied Ren wax and replaced the 8X Weaver with a 12X Redfield and Warne rings that I had stashed away. I may not keep this scope on the rifle, but it should do nicely when I check accuracy off the bench with various ammunition.
At this point, my only disappointment is that the screws aren't running north and south. I can't wait to see how it shoots!
Some think a fine 22 rifle is a must have.
I'm one of those people and that qualifies.
Mine I waited many decades to acquire it is a Savage/Anschutz model 54 sporter.
Had it out golfing Sunday.
I wonder if that was the same gun auction I saw online with the crazy starting prices. Fuuny thing was when I went back after it finished, a number of items had sold for less than those stupid numbers. Bloody auctioneers again.
If I just saw the pictures or that rifle on a rack, I would think it was a bespoke Holland & Holland. That looks like it came from trophy/gun room with fine paneling, overstuffed leather chairs and fine brandy in snifters. Man what a work of art.
I wonder if that was the same gun auction I saw online with the crazy starting prices. Fuuny thing was when I went back after it finished, a number of items had sold for less than those stupid numbers. Bloody auctioneers again.
This wasn’t an auction, it was a local priced “tag” sale.
A number of other guns were still there in the final hours, including several Anschutz .22’s, a Kimber of Oregon 82B, a Browning Safari, several Weatherby MK V’s, a Shilen DGA Deluxe Sporter in .257 Roberts and a Kleinguenther K-15.
The Shilen was an older factory custom, with high polish blue and a really nice checkered stock. I would have been tempted to make an offer on it, but the the owner took a spill while hunting and the forearm and cap had a 6” crack through one side.
Of all their guns, I thought this Cooper was the most interesting. I also thought it would be a good match for the Model 52 I picked up a few years ago.
Hard to imagine seeing the word "disappointment" in the same post as those photos.
Range report, and enjoy!
Thanks Alan, will do!
I’t a minor point to be sure, but timed screws are a nice touch and shows attention to detail. Kimber of Oregon did it on their higher grade rifles and Cooper Firearms of Montana does it today.
I guess it’s possible that the screws were originally timed and the wood shrunk a bit over the last 25 years. Action screws need to be kept snug, or you can crack a stock (even with a .22). It’s easier to tell if the screws were originally timed on guns with inletted swivel bases.
Very nice find. Likely even better than a CZ 22 LR bolt action. I hope to be as lucky someday, but so far estate sales here do not include quality guns as they generally go to family.
Beautiful wood and bluing just like I like em. Lot nicer than the new Winchester Wildcat I read a review of. The older .22s should be in great demand after seeing was it offered today. Thanks for showing.
SWEEeeeeeeeet..... that ain't no Ruger American Rifle!!!!
A nice .22 bolt gun is a "must have" for any shooter......... being a decedent of frugal Scots my "nice" .22s are a pair of CZ 452 FS/mannlichers in .22lr and .22 magnum.
... I gave it some thought and finally made a cash offer on this Cooper. I didn't think they would accept it, but they did!..
....I trust you'll enjoy the photos.
You trust right Dan! I love looking at high quality, beautiful guns, thanks for posting the pics and the bit of history about Cooper which I didn't know.
A Lovely Cooper Arms Model 36 .22LR
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