Cooper Model 57

The History of Cooper

Cooper was established in 1990 by Dan Cooper and two former employees of Kimber of Oregon. Initially, the company focused on the production of hunting rifles, specifically those used for varmint hunting. Their initial product line included the Model 36 TRP-1, part of their Target Rifle Project-Phase 1, and the Model 38 in 22CCM, intended for sports shooting.

In 1993, they started testing a one-shot varmint rifle in .223 Remington, leading to the development of the three-lug bolt action Model 21 also known as "Varmint Extreme". In 1998, the company underwent a rebranding, adopting the name "Cooper Firearms of Montana, Inc." and marking its products accordingly. That year, they introduced Models 21 and 22, collectively known as "Varminter", and expanded their range with the Model 57, which later evolved into Model 57M in 2001. They also added new stock designs to their offer in 2005.

2007 marked the introduction of the Model 52, designed for use with .30-06 cartridges. However, 2008 was a challenging year for the company, with a controversy surrounding Dan Cooper's financial support to a pro-gun control presidential candidate Barack Obama. This resulted in Cooper stepping down from his CEO position. Following this period, the company continued to innovate with the release of models like the short action repeater Model 54 in 2009, and the Model 56, accommodating various magnum calibers, in 2010.

Fast forward to 2023, Nighthawk Custom of Arkansas acquired Cooper Firearms of Montana, and the production facilities were transferred to Arkansas, USA. In February 2023, Nighthawk communicated to Cooper customers that they had acquired Cooper's assets, including the brand name, intellectual properties, and inventory, after a team visit to Montana in December. They relocated these assets to Arkansas and are planning to manufacture new Cooper rifles there, with operations expected to start in late 2023.

Cooper Model 57 M Rifle Review

Introduced in 2001, the Cooper Model 57M is a bolt-action varmint rifle and the successor to the 57 models. The rifle is fitted with a 24-inch stainless steel barrel and chambered for small-bore cartridges. Apart from different calibers and somewhat modified aesthetics, the general built characteristics of the Model 57M are consistent with most rifles in Cooper lineup.

It comes with a steel action that houses a bolt with three locking lugs. A metal well contains a single-stack, detachable magazine capable of holding five cartridges. The magazine release lever is located behind the magazine, in the upper front end of the trigger guard.

The trigger guard, constructed of aluminum alloy, houses a fully adjustable, single-stage trigger. The trigger is smooth on its surface and breaks at approximately 850.5 g (1.875 lbs). The rifle's safety system comprises a two-position safety lever. When the lever is pulled back, the trigger is blocked, but bolt operation is still possible. When the lever is pushed forward, a red dot is visible, indicating the rifle is in a firing-ready state.

The Model 57 receiver is cylindrical in shape. It is drilled and tapped on the top; thus it can accept various scope bases. As is standard with all Cooper rifles, the bolt release lever is situated on the receiver's right side. Most models come pre-equipped either with a rubber or a steel recoil pad.

Figure 1: Cooper Model 57M, chambered for .22 LR (Source: https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/cooper-arms-57m-22-bolt-action-rifle-8-c-b854f948a0)

Cooper Model 57M Calibers

The rifle can be chambered for the following calibers:

• .17 HM2

• .17 HMR

• .22 LR

• .22 LR

• .22 WMR

Cooper 57M Variants

The rifle is available in the following variants:

• Cooper Model 57M Jackson Hunter

• Cooper Model 57M Custom Classic

• Cooper Model 57M Western Classic

• Cooper Model 57M Montana Varminter

• Cooper Model 57M Mannlicher

• Cooper Model 57M Jackson Squirrel

The receivers of Cooper Model 57M rifles come with four holes for scope mounting purposes. There are two holes at the front and two at the rear end of the receiver.

Figure 2: The receiver of Cooper Model 57M, chambered for .17 HMR (Source: https://fugatefirearms.com/product/cooper-arms-57-m-17-hmr-with-options/)

Unfortunately, we were unable to find the exact dimensions of the mounting surface for this rifle. Should you happen to own a rifle that uses Model 57M action and would be willing to share with us detailed information regarding holes spacings on the top of the receiver, please contact us at info@optics-trade.eu

Thank you!

Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Cooper Model 57M

Rifles That Have One-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Cooper Model 57M 

For one-piece mounts to fit on a rifle, mounting surfaces on these rifles must match in every dimension.

Since we cannot confirm the exact B distance between the mounting holes on top of the receiver, we cannot provide you with the list of rifles, that have one-piece scope mounts interchangeable with Cooper Model 57M.

Rifles That Have Two-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Cooper Model 57M

To meet interchangeability conditions, two-piece mounts must match in all dimensions except the B distance. B distance can vary because two-piece mounts can be installed and adjusted closer or further apart. Rifles that share two-piece scope mounts with Cooper Model 57M are the following:

• Cooper Model 21

• Cooper Model 36

• Cooper Model 38

• Cooper Model 51

Best Scope Mounts for Cooper Model 57M

Fixed Scope Mounts for Cooper Model 57M

If you are looking for a reliable fixed mounting solution for your Cooper Model 57M, you might consider these Talley rings. They are made from high-quality aluminum alloy and come with a ten-year warranty.

Check out Talley Scope mount

Help Us Build Our Riflescope Mounts Database

If you happen to own this or any other rifle, we would appreciate it if you could help us expand our database by sending us some photos of the rifle receiver (the bare mounting surface of the rifle without the scope mounts installed). For your help, our company offers a fair return in terms of practical rewards.

Please send us an email for more information. You can contact us here: info@optics-trade.eu