Copper Model 56 - Second Thoughts!

I recently just put a used Cooper Model 56 7mm STW on layaway. The gun is in excellent shape and its hard to say if the previous owner had ever shot the rifle. There is only one small scratch on the bottom of the magazine. The test target is a one-holer and is dated March of 2013. I know they have discontinued the Model 56 except for special orders.I have read it was discontinued due to being over built and being on the heavy side. I am starting to have second thoughts on purchasing this rifle. For about $500 more I can have a new Model 52 which would be lighter. I plan on using this rifle for some long range hunting and target shooting. This gun weighs around 9 lbs now. I do hunt with some Kimber Montana's and Tikka T3 Lights so I know what a light rifle can be. I guess I am just looking for some opinions and thoughts from other forum members to help me make a final decision. I will only be out $25 if I back out of the layaway at this time. I would value any opinions - Thanks!

Light guns have the advantage of being easy to carry. After that, every advantage goes to the heavy gun.

Take that 2lbs you'll save off the package with a treadmill and get the heavier rifle if you ask me and use that $500 towards a good scope, powder, primers, bullets and brass.

But in all seriousness if the rifle looks to be un-abused I'd go the used route rather than order a new one as long as there are no issues with the Model 56. I have no experience with them so I'm not much help there.

Re: Cooper Model 56 - Second Thoughts!

eshorebwhntr said:

Light guns have the advantage of being easy to carry. After that, every advantage goes to the heavy gun.

Take that 2lbs you'll save off the package with a treadmill and get the heavier rifle if you ask me and use that $500 towards a good scope, powder, primers, bullets and brass.

But in all seriousness if the rifle looks to be un-abused I'd go the used route rather than order a new one as long as there are no issues with the Model 56. I have no experience with them so I'm not much help there.

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Thanks for your opinion - Its appreciated!

eshorebwhntr said:

Light guns have the advantage of being easy to carry. After that, every advantage goes to the heavy gun.

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Yep... That's the truth. Especially with LR hunting & shooting.

Re: Cooper Model 56 - Second Thoughts!

Norsky said:

Thanks for your opinion - Its appreciated!

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No problem.

Forgot to mention that you might want to check on the barrel twist. If it were me I'd want a minimum of a 10 twist, preferably 9.

He will need a 9 twist for the 180's or lighter. Or an 8 twist, if he plans on shooting the new 195's.

MudRunner2005 said:

He will need a 9 twist for the 180's or lighter. Or an 8 twist, if he plans on shooting the new 195's.

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Agreed. But if I found a sweet deal on an STW with a 10 twist I wouldn't hesitate to get it and let it rip with some 168 VLD's, 160 AB's, or 160 TMK's any day of the week. 11 or 12 twist...probably a no-go for me.

Re: Cooper Model 56 - Second Thoughts!

eshorebwhntr said:

No problem.

Forgot to mention that you might want to check on the barrel twist. If it were me I'd want a minimum of a 10 twist, preferably 9.

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The Coopers run a Wilson Barrel with a a 1 to 9 twist. Wilson actual bought out Cooper a few years ago.

Re: Cooper Model 56 - Second Thoughts!

I decided to hold off on the Cooper 56 at this time and cancelled the layaway. I would guess not knowing any history on the gun got the best of me. So at this time I'am still on the hunt for a 7mm STW. I might have to start my own build. I would like to thank everyone for there help.

Re: Cooper Model 56 - Second Thoughts!

Definitely build one. If you can afford it building one the way you want is always my preferred way to go.

eshorebwhntr said:

Re: Cooper Model 56 - Second Thoughts!

Definitely build one. If you can afford it building one the way you want is always my preferred way to go.

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I have an modle 52 in 280 ai mag box want let me get near the lands loaded what mag box would allow barely got moa shoots nosler 140's at .25 but I want to shoot the 168 berger bullets I have a 270 wsm that shoots the 140 grains well probably will be another low round count cooper for sale