22lr decision-gun type

so I have finally decided to pull the trigger on a nice 22lr. I am looking at a used Anschutz 1710 HB classic and a used Cooper 57. both are all blued and walnut. The Anschutz has way prettier wood, it also has the grooves for rimfire rings, and it is drilled on top for bases. they are roughly the same price. I know how they group will vary from gun to gun, but historically, which should be more accurate, or am I splitting hairs here?? I am a sucker for nice wood, but would rather have a more accurate shooter overall. I won't be competing or anything, just fun at the range for myself and when shooting with my son. which one????????????????

 

Let me be the first Jerk to say buy them both and keep the one you like!

Now that's outta the way, I say get the pretty one. Sounds like you will regret not getting that one. People rarely complain about buying and Anschutz, and if they do, its usually about the cost.

 

Not going to tell you what to buy. Past plenty of time shooting rimfires. Like you I am a bit of a rimfire snob. Have a 6 inch Colt Diamondback, S&W 41, Marlin 39A and a Winchester 52 reproduction model. Like shooting the 52 at 200 yards with quality ammo. Time of flight and drop are similar to a 308 at 1000. You won't go regret buying quality and resale value will remain high. Don't about your pocket money, but buying both might be a good thing.

 

Get the Anschutz. The only gun I have ever regretted purchasing was a new Cooper 57M JSR. The Cooper was a POS from day one and I sold it at a big loss when I got it back from the factory 7 months later after they had to replace both the barrel and the receiver on a gun with less than 20 rounds through it. On top of it all I had to pay $75 for shipping the gun. I replaced the gun with an Anschutz and couldn’t be happier. Never again a Cooper.

This experience also convinced me that the test targets Cooper sends along with the gun are a farce. The gun I had was incapable of firing 5 consecutive shots and the barrel was so far off you couldn’t get less than 2 feet low with full scope elevation. Surely this would have been apparent it a test group was actually fired.

 

the guy with both of these guns also has a sako with a lilja barrel, along with the original, so now it's an even tougher choice....

Kookie, I am sorry to hear about your experience with cooper. That sounds like a pretty crazy mess. I have a 338lapua magnum that I haven't come close to getting good groups with, but I haven't played with it that much yet either. If I cannot get it better I will be calling them. I got it close to an inch and loaded 10rds to hunt with this season twice.... I know its overkill for eastern whitetail......

 

I cannot afford to buy them both right now or I would!!

 

They’re going to be pretty close but push comes to shove,probably lean towards the HB.

 

To Kookie: Found out through a co-worker that a "well known" 1911 pistol maker tests his product at close range and claims a 50 yard group guarantee. Then blames you or your ammo if the gun shoots like crap.

To the OP. I have an Anschutz 1516 in 22 mag. Love it!!! Extremely accurate! Past posts I have read about Cooper does not instill confidence in their customer service. I also love pretty furniture on a rifle. If two women wanted to bed you, wouldn't you pick the prettier one? If you don't get the one that really pleases yopu, you probably won't be happy settling for less.

 

I would go with the Anschutz. I know a few local shooters who had (the operative word here) Cooper's. Never could find consistency. Sold the Coopers and purchased Anschutz. Seem to recall some disconcerting info about Cooper service and even some comments about the viability of Cooper as a company. Go Anschutz. I don't believe you will regret it.

 

I currently own a Cooper and Anschutz in 17 HMR. After a year of plaguing myself I had the Cooper glass bedded and steel pillared. Added a 2 oz. trigger and tried every ammunition available and it still can't even begin to compare to the Anschutz, right out of the box. My advice, go with the Anschutz, you won't be sorry.

 

Anschutz is my first choice....but a sako is on my radar.....hard to choose, but I think anschutz ....or buy both and be happy

 

Anschutz is my first choice as well. I think this was said already but I have never heard of a person not being happy with an Anschutz. I can't say Ithe same about Cooper.

Nick

 

Anschutz

perry42

 

Anschutz

 

I would not bet against the Sako if accuracy was your goal!

 

Your last sentence above would lead me toward the Anschutz just because I’m more confident it will be operational (this ranges from immediate useability to ease of repair). I’ve never owned a Cooper, though the stocks are phenomenal and make me reconsider that condition often. I do get the sense that the Cooper is proportionally more prone to accuracy/repair issues. Anschutz has some we’ll documented complaints about them as well, though going “bang” at the appropriate time aid to one of them.

Without identifying accuracy needs let’s just assume “most accurate” is also a requirement. As I said I’ve never owned a Cooper but I’ve competed against a number of them (Smallbore silhouette) and I’ve don’t believe I’ve seen one in the hands of a Match Winner, though it’s probably happened somewhere, sometime. That’s just been my experience.

If you want furniture buy the Cooper. Otherwise I’d buy the Anschutz.

FYI: I own three 54 action Anschutz, all restocked or built for silhouette. I purchased each of them after owning three Remington 40-X rifles so I’ve got a frame of reference when it comes to accuracy in a non-custom.

 

Thanks for all the comments guys. I was going to pick up the Anschutz until my wife discovered my plot.... now I have to wait a couple more weeks. Nothing like your wife picking up your phone when detailed plans to meet and prices come through on a text from the seller. Ouch!!! But it probably will be worth the wait!

 

The wife thing , that's a management problem.

 

Ahhh! I'm so lucky! For our 50th anniversary several years ago, my wife surprised me, totally, with an Anschutz 1517 HDB. The fun I've had converting ground squirrels into chunks can't be imagined. Very accurate and very consistent.

My wife . . . I think I'll keep her!