Author Topic: Cooper Model 57-M Rimfire (Read 1198 times)

Squirrel Boy · « **on:** April 08, 2004, 09:20:04 AM »

I will be purchasing a .17 Hornandy Mach 2 (.17HM2) when they hit the market later this year. I am interested in the Cooper Arms of Montana Model 57-M LVT. I believe they will be adding it to their list? I will be primarily hunting small game, Mostly Squirrel and lots of them. As this is my first purchase or a high end rimfire any information would be appreciated very much. Thanks in advance for any and all feedback. Respectfully, Rob

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #1 on:** April 08, 2004, 04:02:48 PM »

Hey there Squirrel Boy,

I guess the only comments/opinions I would have, and this comes from a reloader, is why would anyone buy a rifle of the Cooper quality in something with a high per shot cost and low per shot velocity when there are rounds so much better?

I looked long and hard at a Rimfire Cooper a few months ago and with the wide choice of ammo/cost in the .22LR still think it would be a great rifle.

However, in any of the rimfires, on anything above the 22LR the price of a quality rifle like a Cooper would kind of be, much to do about nothing.

The smaller centerfire 17s and 22s are not much more costly to shoot then the rimfire 17s and are a bargain when performance is factored in.

You might check out Clark Custom and find out if they plan to bring out the up coming .17.

I found a Clark Custom 77/22 while I was looking for a Cooper dealer this past winter. The rifle was traded in (new) because of the weight with the heavy barrel and it is a sweet shooter at a price well below the Cooper. Plus, it has the great Ruger 10 shot mag.

Would I like a Cooper? YOU BET I WOULD!!!!!!!! But, if not in a 22LR then for sure in something reloadable!

The above is, of course, just my opinion, and I have been ho hum about the rimfire 17 from the very beginning. As a reloader, I just look at the non-reloadable .17 and ask, "why."

I once had a 22mag, over 40 years ago, and when compared with almost all the reloadable rounds it has, to me, also been ho hum. Just too much cost for what is gained over the .22LR.

Anyway, get that Cooper on order but think about the caliber selection a bit more.

Keep em coming! :wink:

greer · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2004, 10:48:26 AM »

Squirrel Boy,
As someone who owns a Cooper 57 rimfire, two 17 HMR's, a 17 Hornet Ackley Improved, and loves to squirrel hunt I thought I'd put my two cents worth in also. For head shooting squirrels I believe the new Mach 2 will be about perfect. The .17 HMR is a little loud and a little bit too destuctive if you get down much below the neck. I shot alot of squirrels this year with the HMR and love the range it allows you to shoot accurately at. The little V-max bullets kill very cleanly even with a marginal head shot. For squirrel hunting the center fire .17s would be too much in my opinion. Too loud, too destructive. As for cost $8.00 for 50 rounds is pretty reasonable even compared to reloading. If the .17 Mach 2 shoots like the HMR your Cooper will probably easily attain 1/2" at 100 yds. I rebarreled a CZ 452 .22 mag that I had with a Douglas .17 caliber barrel and chambered it for the .17 HMR and have shot several groups under 1/2" at 100 meters. At the ranges most of us shoot squirells at a center fire would be no advantage at all. 100 yds in the woods is a long way. I just wish Cooper would offer a plainer version and knock off a cuople hundred bucks. I have a 40-X Remington that I am thinking of chambering for the .17 Mach 2 once I hear some actual range reports on the little round. Let us know how it turns out. greer

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2004, 12:49:07 PM »

:grin: Hey there shooters,

It sounds like I have my critter shooting mixed up. Out here in Ideeehoo, when we talk about "squirrel" shooting we are not expection or intending to have anything for the table.

I guess I can understand the "need" for a rifle which will leave some fix'ins for those of you lucky enough to have those types of critters. Out here, it is no big thing if we turn the squirrel into a pink mist floating over the land scape as very few if any are ever taken home for the table.

Anyway, enjoy those Coopers. I wish I had one, and better yet, a whole rack full!

Keep em coming!

mrmarklin · « **Reply #4 on:** April 12, 2004, 07:09:33 PM »

The real reason people buy Coopers is that they are wasteful.

After all, not using all of a target, and having only one hole in it is a waste, right???

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #5 on:** April 13, 2004, 02:56:14 AM »

:grin: Hey there Mrmarklin,

I like that thought!!!!!!!

Guess that is one reason I got rid of the TC "classic" and got a Clark Custom 77/22. The "classic" just wasn't wasting enough paper.

Hope the weather here in Ol'Ideehoo stays nice enough so I can waste some paper soon.

Keep em coming! :wink:

Squirrel Boy · « **Reply #6 on:** May 16, 2004, 05:07:01 PM »

Thanks for the comments. I've been very happy with the various Marlin rimfires that I own.(.22-.22Mag-.17HMR) I'm sure that I will be extremely happy with the Cooper that is due to arrive later this year. From what I've seen over the years performance wise, I believe the .17 HM2 should be perfect for Squirrel and other small game. "Squirrel Boy"