Cooper Model 22

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 22 Rifle Review

The Cooper Model 22, also known as the Varminter, is a bolt-action rifle with a single-shot mechanism, developed in the 1990s. It incorporates a match-grade, free-floating barrel. Different models have stainless steel or blued barrels and receivers. While chambered for different calibers, the core technical structure of all models remains the same.

The receiver of the rifle is made of hardened steel and houses a bolt with three asymmetrically placed forward-locking lugs. The single-shot models 16, 21, 22 and 38 are fed through the ejection port whereas the multi-shot models come with a detachable magazine. The bolt release lever is situated on the right side of the receiver on all rifles. Moreover, the receiver is also drilled and tapped for the option of mounting scopes, with some models featuring pre-installed mounting bases.

The safety mechanism is simple – it consists of a two-position safety lever, placed on the same side as the bolt handle. Pulling the safety lever rearward blocks the trigger, but it still permits the opening of the bolt. On pushing the lever forward, a red dot on the indicator becomes visible, indicating the rifle is ready to fire.

Cooper rifles are equipped with an adjustable trigger mechanism. The trigger adjustments include over-travel, sear engagement, and trigger pressure. The factory preset for the trigger pull weight falls in the range of 907 g - 1134 g (2-2.5 lbs).

Figure 1: Cooper Model 22, chambered for .22-250 rem. (Source: https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1042/5055/cooper-model-22-bolt-action-single-shot-rifle-with-scope)

Cooper Model 22 Calibers

The rifle can be chambered for the following calibers:

• .22 BR

• .22-250 Rem.

• .22-250 Rem. AI

• .220 Swift

• .243 Win.

• .243 Win. AI

• 6 BR

• 6mm Rem.

• 6x284

• .257 Roberts

• .257 Roberts AI

• .250 Savage

• .250 Savage AI

• .25-06 Rem.

• .25-06 Rem. AI

• .260 Rem.

• 6.5x55

• 6.5 Creedmoor

• 6.5x284

• .270 Win.

• .284 Win.

• 7mm-08 Rem.

• 7x57 Mauser

• .308 Win.

• .30-06 Spr.

• .338 Federal

• .338-06

• .35 Whelen

Cooper Model 22 Variants

The rifle is available in the following variants:

• Cooper Model 22 Classic

• Cooper Model 22 Phoenix

• Cooper Model 22 Varminter

• Cooper Model 22 Montana Varminter

• Cooper Model 22 Custom Classic

• Cooper Model 22 Western Classic

• Cooper Model 22 Open Country Long Range

• Cooper Model 22 Open Country Long Range Hunter

• Cooper Model 22 Backcountry

• Cooper Model 22 Laminate Sporter

• Cooper Model 22 Jackson Game

• Cooper Model 22 Jackson Squirrel Rifle (JSR)

The receivers of Cooper Model 22 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 22, chambered for .260 Rem. (Source: https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/cooper-arms-rifles/cooper-firearms-model-22-varminter-in-260-remington.cfm?gun_id=100873978)

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 22 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

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Cooper Model 22

Rifles That Have One-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Cooper Model 22 

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 22.

Rifles That Have Two-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Cooper Model 22

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 22 are the following:

• Cooper Model 16

• Cooper Model 52

• Cooper Model 54

• Cooper Model 56

• Cooper Model 92

Best Scope Mounts for Cooper Model 22

Fixed Scope Mounts for Cooper Model 22

If you are looking for a reliable fixed mounting solution for your Cooper Model 22, 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