SmallCaliberCentral

I think I will finally be ordering my .243 AI 1:12 twist Cooper Montana Varminter. I believe that Cooper uses Wilson barrels for their guns. My question is, how does the Wilson barrel compare to a Hart or a Krieger barrel? I know that Coopers are accurate, jus curious how the barrels hold up etc to that of some of the other manufacturers.

From my limited experience with only my three Cooper rifles, and having all other major brands of custom barrels in the safe in a myriad of calibers, I'd opt that the Cooper/Wilson barrels are the full equal of any/all the custom makers. I don't shoot 1,000 yard BR competition, but that's my opinion, and worth every penny you paid for it.......

By the way, the Cooper/Wilson barrels don't foul, and clean up easily after extended shooting sessions in the rat patch.....my kind of barrel!

Thanks Rick, I was hoping that they'd clean up easily with minimal fouling. I hope this gun will be the death of many yotes just like my 204!

I agree with everything that Rick said. I have a Cooper and an AR with a custom Krieger, both chambered in .204, and couldn't pick one barrel over the other.

I've come to the conclusion that unless one maker has options/traits/techniques that are more preferrable to you, it all comes down to the quality of the barrel maker. Having said that if I'm shooting a lot of rounds from a barrel I would prefer a single point cut barrel vs. a broach cut barrel because, in general, they shoot better for a longer period of time. Doesn't mean one is more accurate than the other, ust better...longer. The biggest variable usually comes down to the one who cuts, chambers and installs the barrel along with the one making the pills and ultimately to the one pulling the trigger.

A perfectly aimed and executed shot pointed at the 5-ring will impact in the 5-ring...everytime

I also shoot 2 Coopers (3rd is on the way) and each hold a 1/4" group or less consistently. As Rick said, they clean nicely. I have yet to see a Cooper test target that doesn't look INCREDIBLE. The truth is, if it isn't incredible, the rifle won't leave their shop. Cooper/Wilson is a winner.

Wilson barrels are good. And for years Cooper Arms has stood behind its products with excellent customer service. The old Cooper ownership had a barrel guarantee for a registered owner of a Cooper rifle that was hard to beat. To sum it up in a few words; "Shoot it out and we'll replace it".

Now that the owner of Wilson barrels, Hugo Vivero, is also the head honcho at Cooper, I'm not sure whether the old barrel guarantee still stands, but it's definitely worth a check... My guess is that it is still intact.

-BCB

Well I went to Cabelas today and filled out a spec sheet for a Cooper Montana Varminter in 243 AI 1:12 twist. So I am now waiting on a call back to see what their final price will be. I dont really know where the cheapest place is to buy a Cooper, but since I can use my Cabelas points I do believe I will go through Cabelas for my gun. I am also trying to decide if I want to have the barrel fluted or not. I kind of like the look. Cabelas had a Cooper 243 Win in their gun library, and wow it was a sweet rifle. I liked the way if felt shouldering the rifle. It will be a long wait................

Ryutzy, you might also check with Whittaker Guns. They've got a pretty solid reputation and a good inventory of Coopers that changes frequently. http://www.whittakerguns.com/

Mike,
I followed your link. Don't think I have ever seen such a large number of Cooper's under one roof and, the prices seem to be right in line with other dealers.

The fluting does add a nice touch, and for the most part is cosmetic. Although it does add surface area to increase cooling. Here are a few shots of mine (Varminter).

Nice pics! Coopers sure are some great eye candy!!

ryutzy: Here's some more eye candy for you:



Cooper M38 VR in .20 VarTarg
Cooper M21 VR in .223 Rem
Cooper M21 MTV in .204 Ruger

Add dedicated rat killin' tools of the First Order. Is it spring yet?

Cooper Porn!!! I've died and gone to heaven!!! Gary

I'm starting to have a "complex". Rick has three Coopers, and I've only got two. Another Cooper sure would lift my spirits, especially here at Christmas.