Cooper Model 21

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William Suter

Well-known member
Back in Feb, my gunsmith/friend passed away. He had tons of rifles, shotguns and reloading components from years and years in the gun business. Yesterday at my gun club we had an estate sale for Ernie's collection. I managed to get a deal on a really nice Cooper 21 in 22PPC. I've done a bunch of searching and can't find out much on value or if the 22PPC and 6PPC were a little scarce. One article said Cooper didn't make many 22 or 6 PPC's. I don't know where to look for information on the Coopers. Any guru's out there that can educate me a little?
 
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Cooper Firearms Model 21 Varminter .22 PPC 24″ Single Shot Bolt Rifle - LSB Auctions

SOLD FOR: $3684 LSB#: 220926DL002 Make: Cooper Firearms Model: 21 Varminter Serial Number: M604 Year of Manufacture: 1999-Early 2000s Caliber: .22 PPC Action Type: Single Shot Bolt Action Rifle Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number at the breech and “Cooper...
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I pulled the barreled action out of the stock and found a really nice bedding job with pillars. (Kinda answered the question about bedding my Remington Varmint Special). I ordered brass from Bruno's, so I'm waiting on that. I picked up a set of Warne bases and got the Bushnell Elite mounted this morning. I need some shell holders so I plan to go hunting for them today. My first go round with a PPC and excited to get it up and running.
 
I ordered a Cooper model 21 Custom Classic in 17 rem, with exhibition grade French Walnut, back in 1996, an absolute tack driver. I hate to guess how any prairie dogs and coyotes it has taken, and still going strong. That rifle convince me that I needed more Coopers, a number have come and gone, but still have the 17 rem. and a 6.5x284 Backcountry.
 
I've had a few myself. One I traded and still wished I hadn't, it was a Varmint in 223. Smallest group I shot with that rifle was a .186. Traded it to a friend for a Steyr 308. Bad trade, but by my own dumb azz.
 
I finally got a decent day to shoot the Cooper. I just threw 17 rounds that I pulled of the Hodgdon site. Only 17 because that's all the primers left in the flat and I was just going to somewhat sight in and shoot a couple of groups. Good way of saying lazy. First shot was high right and I didn't see it right off so I shot another. Seems the second shot cut the hole of the first shot. I just had to shoot a third to see if it was luck and it cut the hole the other two made. An easy 1/4" group. Made a scope adjustment and shot another and was still a tad high and right so one more adjustment. I gave the barrel a few minutes to cool and dinked around with the new chrony. Still on the fence with it but my average velocity was 3384. Back to the Cooper, I still had some rounds left and shot a ten shot group that a dime would cover. I think I could have done a little better but the wind was picking up and I just called it a day. All in all pretty pleased with the rifle. As for the Athlon, I just pushed buttons until I got it working. I'm going to do some more button pushing and figure out how to work it correctly.
 
William Suter said:
I finally got a decent day to shoot the Cooper. I just threw 17 rounds that I pulled of the Hodgdon site. Only 17 because that's all the primers left in the flat and I was just going to somewhat sight in and shoot a couple of groups. Good way of saying lazy. First shot was high right and I didn't see it right off so I shot another. Seems the second shot cut the hole of the first shot. I just had to shoot a third to see if it was luck and it cut the hole the other two made. An easy 1/4" group. Made a scope adjustment and shot another and was still a tad high and right so one more adjustment. I gave the barrel a few minutes to cool and dinked around with the new chrony. Still on the fence with it but my average velocity was 3384. Back to the Cooper, I still had some rounds left and shot a ten shot group that a dime would cover. I think I could have done a little better but the wind was picking up and I just called it a day. All in all pretty pleased with the rifle. As for the Athlon, I just pushed buttons until I got it working. I'm going to do some more button pushing and figure out how to work it correctly.
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What yardage was that at 50?, 100?
 
It's going to be a very accurate rifle I think. I'm waiting on a bushing that should be here this week, then some load work begins. The PPC is new to me but from the one and only time I shot it I don't think finding a good load will be that hard. I'm sure I'll be asking for advice.
 
No doubt you have a very accurate rifle there, but the competition guys will tell you there isn't anything like a 3 shot group. Luck has too much of a chance to raise its ugly head. It is all about 5 shot groups when it counts. It is fun talking about accuracy. I shoot a little 22 rimfire once and awhile and keep the photo below on my desk to prove that "miracles do happen and there is a God". I don't even know how to measure this. Shot with an entry level Anschutz and SK ammo. That is a 5 shot group, open range. Never did it again probably never will, but Lady Luck can also be on your side once and a while. Sorry about that, but I'm unable to upload the photo. Well it was shot at 50 yards and was one hole about .25 inches in diameter.
 
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