Sundog Firearms came up with the idea. The first I attended was at his farm/ranch in OR. Kitty his wife came up with idea of the paintings. I don't have records of the first shoot but I'm guessing at 1998. You have paintings and a rifle. My congratulations to you. I had a couple shoots in MT and party afterwards at my home in MT. They were great times.
Cooper Arms 1989-2009
- Thread starter Bamaslammer
- Start date
i can’t remember when I’ve been so glued to a forum thread!
Dan you mention collaborating with many people within the industry. Were these relationships kindled during your Kimber days or afterwards? I find it interesting (and somewhat heartening) that players within the industry are willing to help each other out. Please feel free to avoid a brief reply!
Dan you mention collaborating with many people within the industry. Were these relationships kindled during your Kimber days or afterwards? I find it interesting (and somewhat heartening) that players within the industry are willing to help each other out. Please feel free to avoid a brief reply!
20VarTarg
Silver $$ Contributor
The same goes for me. I check this thread every morning and evening to get caught up on what Mr. Cooper has to say. Dan, I have so many questions I don't know where to begin. I'm a huge Cooper fan and have more than any one person should own. My personal favorites are the Model 38's. It's just a great all around handy rifle. Most all of the ones I own are in wildcats. I do have a 17 HeeBee Model 38 with a test target signed by you. How often did you test the rifles and sign the targets? The question was asked about the wildcats and what chamberings you offered. Off the top of your head how many rifles do you think were produced in the 22 Squirrel? Oh...I also have a gorgeous Model 38 in 218 Mashburn Bee with AAA wood. It doesn't come out to play very often but it's sub 1/4 MOA if I do my part. I just can't get enough when it comes to Cooper Rifles.
If I had the money, I'd have a dozen! I've had to sell off some of my guns, but the Coopers are still in the safe. Thanks Dan.
Jerry Russel and his buddy named "Cooper" (not me), came up with idea. First One Shot was indeed in Eastern Oregon at Jerry's ranch.
I combed to records to verify for you sir that there indeed only PO Ackley's that were made. They were a special run, all sold originally to the Outdoorsman. All s/n 1 thru 17 were sent there in various stock styles. They had produced 50 receivers for the run but on 17 were marked POA. The remainder went to std 38 production.
JohnHenry
Gold $$ Contributor
Many thanks Dan. Your efforts are appreciated.
Lol, simply amazing as I have a L/H 38 in 17 HeBee, mine is a Jackson Varminter
longbow
Silver $$ Contributor
Dan. I met you the first time at Kalispell Gun show 1989? You were showing off your new guns. I drooled all over them.Long story short,A year or so later ? maybe longer...bought a gorgeous 17CCM . Well there were a couple problems with the gun and I called you for your help.You being in Stevensville,me being in Priest Lake Idaho. So as it was,I had a prototype that should not of left the store! You agreed to meet me half way in Wallace Idaho and exchanged guns.IYou upgraded me to the only Mod 21 in 17 Remington in English Walnet that was on hand.I gladly paid the $200.00 to upgrade !!! What a gorgeous gun that did me well for years! Had to sell them all off with major medical expenses,years later. Still A classic story ,that you drove 150 miles to make it right. Thankyou again.Pete If A Peregrine ever comes around...call me!
Thank-you sir How often did I test the rifles and shoot. Answer is as much as I could. In the formative years I said there is is not a rifle that goes out this door without me testing it. That changed with growth. I never stopped testing the rifles. Many times after everyone went home from the factory I would come back at night and shoot the rifles that were setting there for the next day to be tested. There were great days and bad too. More good than bad. If I test shot the rifle and it passed I would sign the target. In first couple years I would sign my full name. In later years I simply put my "DC' on the target. I'll have to check the records on the .22 Sq but I will let you know.
Never stop shooting and enjoying...Thnak you sir for your questions.If you have more don't hesitate to ask.
My very best, Dan
Fond memories. When you could pick up the phone and call Bill Ruger, Greg Warne, Jack Warne, Dwight VanBrunt, Tom Fruechtel, Dieter Anschutz, the guys at Browning and RCBS, HS Precision,Ed Weatherby,...all too many to mention. The gun business used to be a good ole boy group. Not sure how it is now. These were relationships I kinder in beginning of Cooper and carried on afterward. Greg Warne (kimber of Oregon) was my best friend and you see his influence in every rifle Cooper made. There were writers with whom I trusted, all the guys from Petersen, Varmint Hunter, Outdoor Life, Todd Kindler, so many more and the many dealers we had business. Way to many mention. They all had great advice.
Hope this answers your question sir, if you have more please ask.
No I do not. That would be a violation of my agreement with Wilson. Not to say I have entertained the idea of new company.
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
What would those rifles look like if you started fresh? Hunting types along with the pretty types? All fine wood only? Big calibers in synthetic stocks?
Man I can’t get enough of this!
Dan,
What was the process for establishing pressures and proof loads for the wildcat chamberings? Specifically the wildcats based upon old cartridges (Hornet, Bee etc) which traditionally are loaded at relatively low pressures.
Can’t thank you enough for taking time to share your life with us.
Dan,
What was the process for establishing pressures and proof loads for the wildcat chamberings? Specifically the wildcats based upon old cartridges (Hornet, Bee etc) which traditionally are loaded at relatively low pressures.
Can’t thank you enough for taking time to share your life with us.
20VarTarg
Silver $$ Contributor
I as well would love to know what a new company would look like. I would love to see a repeater like the Model 40 in the hornet based cartridges come back but in a small walking varminter rifle. I've owned 2 different Model 40's in 22 Hornet and they just seemed heavy and bulky to me. It's the only two Cooper Rifles that I have parted ways with. I do regret selling the one that had darn near exhibition grade wood on it.
Dan was it 50 or 25 of the first Model 21's that had the brass inlay in the bolt handle?
Only reason I ask is because at one stage on the Cooper website under history it stated 25.
I have also emailed you about my early mdl 21 CC A105 and after talking to Mike Hudgins you told me to contact him, I'm unsure what he wanted to talk to me about as I never managed to connect with him.
I always thought Dans donation was great for business, after all the firearms industry was selling everything it made and couldn't keep stock on the shelves.......much like now.
well I pray you are doing well these days, I recall that trip and it was more than worthy to make you happy with a Cooper. I'm just glad to hear you enjoyed. Thank you sir for your jogging of my memory LOL hope you are doing better these day, God bless
Wow, thank you for coming on here and answering questions. This has to be one of the best threads ever started, in the history of forums.
You mentioned that the early .17 caliber barrels were made by wiseman. Were any of those a 3 groove barrel? I have an early Model 21 chambered in 17 Mach IV, with what I thought might be a lilja, but have no idea how to tell. The serial # is G236. It also has a Jewell trigger which is the best trigger I have ever felt.
Thanks again for this awesome thread!
You mentioned that the early .17 caliber barrels were made by wiseman. Were any of those a 3 groove barrel? I have an early Model 21 chambered in 17 Mach IV, with what I thought might be a lilja, but have no idea how to tell. The serial # is G236. It also has a Jewell trigger which is the best trigger I have ever felt.
Thanks again for this awesome thread!
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