The Cooper Model 57M Classic Rifle is brought to you by the Old Deer Hunters. The Cooper Model 57M Classic is a product of the Cooper Firearms of Montana, a company known for producing high-quality precision rifles. The Model 57M Classic is a rimfire rifle designed for accuracy and aesthetics, and its history is closely tied to the vision of the company’s founder, Dan Cooper, and his commitment to crafting exceptional firearms.
My Cooper 57M Classic 22LR is without doubt one of the best production rifles I have ever owned. The workmanship and finish are impeccable. It even smells good…I love the smell of the beautiful black walnut stock.
Cooper actions and stock hardware are machined from solid bar stock steel. All the barrels are premium match grade and air gauge inspected. The stocks are hand crafted – cut, shaped, sanded, filled, checkered, and oil finished all by hand. Stocks are also hand fitted to the barreled actions to fit the individual rifle. This assures perfect wood to metal fit. The actions are glass bedded behind the recoil lug and 1″ forward of the breech. The barrels are free-floated.
Once the rifles have been tuned they are final inspected and tested. Each rifle is shot for accuracy in its individual stock, off bags, using a Leupold 36x Benchrest Scope. Prior to shipment, each and every rifle must shoot at least one 1/8″ group. A test target is shipped with every rifle, and Cooper guarantees every 22LR to to shoot ¼” 5-shot groups at 50 yards using premium grade match ammunition.
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Cooper Model 57M Classic Rifle on the Range
The day finally arrived when I could test the new Cooper Model 57M Classic Rifle and Burris Fullfield II 4.5X14X42PA scope. It was cold and a bit windy for a 22LR test, but I could not wait any longer. I believe everything Cooper says about the M57 because I got some pretty impressive groups using Federal Bulk HV and CCI ammo on a windy day. See groups below.
On the following day with winds gusting to 20 mph, I went back to try shooting groups again. The wind cut the test short, but I was able to shoot a few groups with CCI Green Tag and Federal High Velocity ammo.
CCI Green Tag ammo again turned in the best score, but not by much. The best of the five shot groups was a .26″ with Green Tag, followed by a .45″ by the Federal. The largest group was .80″. Not bad for conditions, and a real showing for the Federal at 1/5 the cost of the CCI ammo.
Everything about this rifle is superior. The trigger breaks like glass from the factory at about 2 pounds. The magazine holds 5 rounds and the action is smooth as silk. The wood has a beautiful grain and the metal has a smooth matt finish.
It comes from the factory with Leupold type scope mounts installed, grip cap, rubber butt pad and sling studs. This was the first rifle I have ever owned that was just like I wanted it right out of the box. No tinkering needed to the bedding, trigger adjustment. Just add scope and ammo and you are ready for small game or target shooting.
History of Cooper Model 57M Classic Rifle
The Cooper Model 57M Classic Rifle is a product of the Cooper Firearms of Montana, a company known for producing high-quality precision rifles. The Model 57M Classic is a rimfire rifle designed for accuracy and aesthetics, and its history is closely tied to the vision of the company’s founder, Dan Cooper, and his commitment to crafting exceptional firearms.
1. Founding of Cooper Firearms of Montana: Cooper Firearms of Montana was founded in 1990 by Dan Cooper, a skilled gunsmith with a passion for precision shooting and a dedication to creating top-tier firearms. The company was established in Stevensville, Montana, with the goal of producing accurate rifles that catered to discerning shooters, hunters, and collectors.
2. Introduction of the Model 57M Classic: The Model 57M Classic Rifle was introduced as part of Cooper’s lineup, designed to provide exceptional accuracy in a rimfire platform. This model specifically caters to enthusiasts who appreciate the classic lines of traditional rifles while desiring modern precision and craftsmanship.
3. Features and Design: The Model 57M Classic Rifle is chambered in various rimfire calibers, such as .17 HMR and .22 LR. Its design incorporates a classic aesthetic with high-quality materials and precision machining. Features often include a walnut stock with fine checkering, blued steel components, and careful attention to details that enhance both functionality and visual appeal.
4. Attention to Precision: One of the defining characteristics of Cooper Firearms is their commitment to precision. Each Model 57M Classic Rifle is handcrafted and individually inspected to ensure that it meets the company’s exacting standards. This attention to detail and quality control contributes to the rifle’s reputation for outstanding accuracy.
5. Customization and Options: Cooper Firearms offers various customization options for the Model 57M Classic Rifle, allowing customers to tailor the rifle to their preferences. This includes choices for stock materials, finishes, barrel lengths, and even engraving.
6. Legacy and Reputation: Over the years, the Cooper Model 57M Classic Rifle has gained a reputation for being a symbol of craftsmanship and precision in the world of rimfire shooting. Its accuracy, elegant design, and the personal touch of Cooper Firearms’ approach have made it a sought-after rifle among collectors, enthusiasts, and serious shooters.
In conclusion, the Cooper Model 57M Classic Rifle is a testament to Dan Cooper’s vision of creating rifles that combine classic aesthetics with modern precision. Its history is a reflection of Cooper Firearms of Montana’s commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and the art of crafting firearms that not only perform exceptionally but also hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate fine craftsmanship.
Best Scopes For 22LR Rimfire Rifles
Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ22 Reticle in Black – RR3940BS4
Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ22 Reticle $99 at Amazon
BDC Reticle for 40 Grain 22 AMMO
- The Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 is Designed to deliver peak performance for the 40-grain .22 LR, this scope boasts a BDC reticle with hold positions out to 125 yards—and you’ll never miss your shot thanks to capped turrets that protect your settings in the field
- One-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum body that has no problem standing up to the elements and rough use and capped turrets to protect your scope settings in the field
- Multi-Coated Optics for improved resolution, light transmission, and contrast to you get you on target
- DZ22 Reticle is designed specifically for a 40 grain 22 LR, with drop points out to 125 yards. Ideal for: Varmint, small game, plinking
- The Bushnell 3-9×40 Rimfire is covered by our Ironclad lifetime warranty
Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope
Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope $199 at Amazon
- The Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire riflescope is ideal for use at close range on 22 rimfire Rifles.
- The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle intended for a wide variety of hunting applications.
- Lenses are fully multi-coated for crystal clear, bright images from dawn till dusk. The fast focus Eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.
- Metal on metal Precision turrets offer the ability to zero reset after sight-in. A precision glide erector System ensures accurate tracking and repeatability.
- A solid one-piece tube with a hard anodized finish creates a shockproof and durable scope while helping camouflage The shooter’s position.
- Argon purged and O-ring sealed the scope will deliver a lifetime of Fog proof and waterproof performance.
Leupold VX-Freedom Specialty 3-9×40 Rimfire Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom Specialty Scopes Rimfire Riflescope $299 at Amaon
Designed Specifically For 22 Rimfire Rifles
- Model #174181 – VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with a Rimfire MOA Reticle, Capped Finger Click Adjustments and a Matte finish
- In Second Focal Plane (rear focal plane) scopes, the reticle stays the same size while the target grows and shrinks when you adjust the magnification. These reticles are ideal for lowlight hunting situations and in scopes that don’t utilize hash marks for range estimation.
- A 3:1 zoom ratio gives you 3 times more magnification at high power than at low power
- Designed, Machined and Assembled in the USA. 100% Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and backed by Leupold’s legendary customer care
