Cooper Model 54

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 54 Rifle Review

The Cooper Model 54, introduced in 2009, is a bolt-action centerfire repeater. It belongs to the same series as the Model 52 but having a shorter action, it is specifically designed for smaller cartridges. Unlike the Model 52, the Model 54 features a 22-inch barrel. Despite these differences, the core technical specifications of the Model 54 remain the same as those of the Model 52.

The rifle follows the structural design of Cooper’s other models. Its receiver, made from hardened steel, houses a bolt with three forward locking lugs. Every model incorporates a bolt release lever located on the receiver's right side. The receiver is drilled and tapped to allow scope mounting, and some models are supplied with pre-installed mounting bases.

The safety mechanism is a two-position safety lever, situated on the side of the bolt handle. Pulling the lever rearward disables the trigger, but bolt operation is unaffected. Pushing the lever forward reveals a red dot on the indicator, signifying the rifle is ready to discharge.

The single-stage trigger mechanism includes adjustments for over-travel, sear engagement, and the weight of pull that ranges from 680 to 1814 grams (1.5-4 lbs). The 54 models are available in various stocks and different finishes.

Figure 1: Cooper Model 54, chambered for .22-250 Rem. (Source: https://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/prod/M54-VE-22-250)

Cooper Model 54 Calibers

The rifle can be chambered for the following calibers:

• .22-250 Rem.

• .22-250 Rem. AI

• .220 Swift

• 6mm Rem.

• .243 Win.

• .243 Win. AI

• .257 Roberts

• .257 Roberts AI

• .250 Savage

• .250 Savage AI

• .260 Rem.

• 6.5 Creedmoor

• 6.5x47 Lapua

• 7mm-08 Rem.

• .308 Win.

• .338 Federal

Cooper Model 54 Variants

• The rifle is available in the following variants:

• Cooper Model 54 Classic

• Cooper Model 54 Jackson Game

• Cooper Model 54 Phoenix

• Cooper Model 54 Varminter

• Cooper Model 54 Western Classic

• Cooper Model 54 Custom Classic

• Cooper Model 54 Jackson Squirrel Rifle (JSR)

• Cooper Model 54 Open Country Long Range

• Cooper Model 54 Open Country Long Range Hunter

• Cooper Model 54 Jackson Excalibur

• Cooper Model 54 Jackson Hunter

• Cooper Model 54 Laminate Sporter

• Cooper Model 54 American Classic

• Cooper Model 54 Classic Single Shot

• Cooper Model 54 Scout

• Cooper Model 54 Varmint Extreme

• Cooper Model 54 MTV (Medium Tactical Varminter)

• Cooper Model 54 Varmint Laminate

• Cooper Model 54 Classic Super Grade

The receivers of Cooper Model 54 come with four holes that can be used for scope mounting purposes. There are two holes on the front and two on the rear mounting surface.

Figure 2: The receiver of Cooper Model 54, chambered for 6.5 Creedmoor (Source: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/101377651)

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 54 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 54

Rifles That Have One-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Cooper Model 54 

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 54.

Rifles That Have Two-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With Cooper Model 54

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 54 are the following:

• Cooper Model 16

• Cooper Model 22

• Cooper Model 52

• Cooper Model 56

• Cooper Model 92

Best Scope Mounts for Cooper Model 54

Fixed Scope Mounts for Cooper Model 54

If you are looking for a reliable fixed mounting solution for your Cooper Model 54, 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