Cooper Model 16

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 16 Rifle Review

Cooper Model 16 is a single-shot bolt action rifle available in .223, .243, and .25 Winchester Super Short Magnum calibers. The rifle comes in various styles including Montana Varminter, Varmint Extreme, Classic, Western Classic, and Custom Classic. Model 16 is equipped with a 609 mm (24-inch) long stainless-steel barrel. The rifle shares other components with the other models in the Cooper lineup.

The receiver is hardened steel and houses a bolt with three forward-locking lugs. For loading, single-shot models like the Model 16 use the ejection port, while multi-shot models have a detachable magazine for 3 rounds. All models include a bolt release lever on the right side of the receiver. The receiver is also prepared for scope mounting, with some models coming with pre-installed mounting bases.

The safety mechanism comes in a form of a two-position lever, located on the same side as the bolt handle. When the lever is pulled rearward, the trigger is blocked but the bolt can be opened. Pushing the lever forward makes a red dot visible on the indicator, showing the rifle is ready to fire.

The rifle's trigger mechanism can be adjusted for over-travel, sear engagement, and the weight of pull that ranges from 907 g and 1134 g (2-2.5 lbs).

Figure 1: Cooper Model 16, chambered for .243 WSSM (Source: https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/71/3389/cooper-arms-model-16-bolt-action-rifle-with-box)

Cooper Model 16 Calibers

The rifle can be chambered for the following calibers:

• .223 WSSM 

• .243 WSSM    

• .25 WSSM 

Cooper Model 16 Variants

The Rifle is available in the following variants:

• Cooper Model 16 Montana

• Cooper Model 16 Varminter

• Cooper Model 16 Varmint Extreme

• Cooper Model 16 Classic

• Cooper Model 16 Western Classic

• Cooper Model 16 Custom Classic

The receivers of Cooper Model 16 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 16, chambered for .223 WSSM (Source: https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/cooper-arms-rifles/model-16---40-no-longer-produced--41--conservative-serial-numbers--montana-varminter.cfm?gun_id=101178784)

Unfortunately, we were unable to find a picture of the Cooper Model 16 receiver without pre-installed bases. Should you happen to own this rifle and would be willing to send us some photos of the bare mounting surface (without scope bases installed), we kindly ask you to contact us at info@optics-trade.eu

Your help is greatly appreciated!

Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Cooper Model 16

Rifles That Have One-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Cooper Model 16

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 16.

Rifles That Have Two-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Cooper Model 16

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 16 are the following:

• Cooper Model 22

• Cooper Model 52

• Cooper Model 54

• Cooper Model 56

• Cooper Model 92

Best Scope Mounts for Cooper Model 16

Fixed Scope Mounts for Cooper Model 16

If you are looking for a reliable fixed mounting solution for your Cooper Model 16, 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