Happy Sunday everyone,

I have wanted a Cooper model 52(repeater) for quite some time now. I understand they aren't the lightest characters around, but fit and finish is top notch and I have craved one since the other coopers I have shot.

My questions is, what caliber should I look at getting this in?

My shots are no farther then 400 yards(my limit), and animals hunted are, Mostly deer, black bears, and moose.

I am looking at either the jackson hunter or the excaliber(synthetic).

The Calibers I am considering are-- 6.5x284, .280 AI, .30-06 and .338-06.

Any suggestions feel free to let me hear them!

Thank you,

FMP

Since you added Moose, a 30-06 isn't sexy but will do anything in the USA. And you can buy ammo, if need be, anywhere.
The others are fine cartridges but are harder to find, might affect resale and won't do a thing, as a hunting rifle, that an 06' will not.

I agree on the 30-06.

In fact, I have a Jackson Hunter in 30-06 and an Excalibur in 25-06. My suggestion, if you haven't done so already, is to spend some time handeling each rifle. For me, the Jackson holds better for off hand shooting, while the Excalibur seems better from the bench. They are fine rifles, and I think you'll be pleased with either version.

Yep

As somebody once pointed out, "The .30-06 is never a mistake."

As the owner of an Excalibur......280

Can't wait for this to come out in .243 AI and I'm all over it. For your question there are no wrong answers from your choices but the .280 is the neat one.

It will be a long wait, Pugs.

I doubt Cooper will come out with the long action m52 rifle in a .243 AI.

The short action Cooper m54 perhaps.

Fair enough, Let's just say a repeater in .243 AI to keep my M22 in .308 and my .22 Classic company shall we?

I have always found that knowing the currect model designations helps when purchasing a rifle..

Well, you can tell how close I am to purchasing one. This years pig and Axis hunts come first but if the

Model 54

comes in .243 AI next year I'll have one. Better?

Pugs,

I just wanted to make sure you did not drive the salesmen at Hendershots (or wherever you buy Coopers) insane asking for something they don't even make..

I handled a few of the m54 short action rifles at SHOT this year. It would be a sweet little rig in a .243 AI, or any caliber, for that matter.

Yep, Hendershots is my local pusher. I have to limit the times I walk in that place!

+1 for Hendershots. Have never been there but have bought several rifles from Lance over the net and all have been very positive experiences...

I can't make my mind up if I want a cooper or a accumark weatherby. My shop has a .30-378 that's gorgeous!

Thinking about a Model 52 in .30-06 or .270 myself.

I have the first 257 R M 54 that they built. It is 1 sweet rifle. French Walnut, Bush. 4200 3x9 8# on the nose.

I have a Model 52 30-06 acquired it less than a year ago and have not had the pleasure of using it on a hunt yet. Planning on taking it on my Elk hunt this coming fall. Been on many hunts over my life time using hand me down guns from a WWII 30-06 to a Remington 270, but this is different strangely excited for it like a first date with girl that is way out of my league!!! Stainless barrel and composit stock.

If they would offer an 8 twist I would likely get one as well. My 22LR and 17HMR would like to have it in the safe beside them. But not with a 10 twist.

I've been thinking about a model 52, for a while now. Won't be to long before I pull the trigger.

The 54 is already available in 243AI, 1-10 twist. Better get your order in now so you can have it for next years hunt.

http://www.cooperfirearms.com/our-rifles

drover

I love my Model 52 .338-06

Just an update. As stated earlier, I purchased a Model 52 30-06 for an Elk hunt. It was also purchased with the idea that it will serve as my primary hunting rifle. Elk hunt in mid-October, success. Hit a 300 class bull from 304 yards. Very happy with my purchase. I personally live and hunt in Texas where we typically set up our deer blind about 75 to 100 yards from the feeder, so I had never made (or even attempted) a shot at 300 yards. Was very hesitant to take it but all ended well (well not so well from the Elk's perpective). Prior to this I always hunted with my 270 Remington (which I was and am very satisfied with), but now am considering another Cooper in a little lighter caliber (since Texas deer are not a whole lot bigger than my labrador).

I bought the 52 last year chambered in 30-06. I mainly hunt whitetails, but hope to hunt larger game in the future. Like BossLady said, it ain't sexy, but I'm confident it will get the job done on larger game if I do my part.


This group was shot during load development and so far has been the best group shot from this rifle. But groups less than 0.75" are the norm rather than the exception for this rifle and load.
Hope this helps

I have 2 Cooper M52, a Jackson Game in .280 and a Custom Classic in .30-06. Both shoot lights out and are great now that I have the bolt and ejection system. I think the Jackson carries and shoots off-hand a bit better for me, but otherwise very nice rifles.

I was going to say the same thing, but wasn't completely sure who said it. Was it Townsend Whelen?

Anyway, with modern loads you can push a 165 Partition to 2900, a 180 to nearly 2800, or even a 200 to 2600+. The last may not be the best choice for 400 yards, but it ain't shabby, either. The '06 isn't "neat", but imho it outclasses your other options.

That's a great-looking setup. Looks like money well spent.