I found this one in a pawn shop but concerned about the value. It looks like it hasn't been fired a lot but it isn't mint. Bolt face and barrel looks good but I have questions about the stock. It has a small pic rail on the front and a QD release drilled and glued into the butt stock. Both look out of place to me in a walnut stocked Cooper and IMO has hurt the value. The store owner told me $2300 out the door. I know that walnut and stainless Coopers are a thing of the past, but is $2300 a fair price? Even with the holes in the stock??? Thanks!
Cooper Mod. 38 17FB???????
- Thread starter Pyscodog
- Start date
I would walk away.
It's on gunbroker, in my opinion, the value is ruined, It's worth about 13 to 1500 dollars.
That was my first thoughts Danny. Why in the #@%$ did someone do this to this rifle. You don't see the Fireballs that often and I did get excited when I saw what it was. But my common sense took over (doesn't happen that often) and told me it was to high priced and it was messed up to boot. I had to walk away.
It is a shame that someone did that to that Cooper. I don't think many were made on the 38 action. My 17 Fireball is a 21.
Danny
JohnHenry
Gold $$ Contributor
I believe they chambered the Model 38 in the 221FB parent cartridges after they increased the size of the Model 38 bolt lugs.
That GunBroker ad says that the pic rail on the forend was an option offered by Cooper. Any truth to that? I've never seen a Cooper with a pic rail before but I haven't seen that many Coopers either.
It was not an option on the Model 38 or any of the original single shot varminters made in Montana. I am not calling them liars, but I think they know that the previous owner ruined the value of that rifle. It is a shame you can't get another stock for it now. At least they didn't cut the barrel to 16.25", thread it, and rattle can spray paint the whole thing.
I can't answer that but I read that to. Most Coopers Varmints that I have owned didn't even have sling swivels. IMO that was just two more holes in the stock that would need repaired. The owner told me he didn't notice the QD in the stock. I know that was BS because its in his ad on GB.
Maybe those new "tactical-like" owners might offer it. Who knows? I don't know, don't care. Was it offered before? I doubt it, but I am not knowledgeable enough to say no with 105% certainty. For a lot of FFLs (shyster, carnival barker), the "truth" is whatever they can say to make a sale.
Danny
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17VLD
Gold $$ Contributor
Had to look at it and now I think I am going to lose my breakfast. Such a shame to do that to a Cooper,let alone a 38 in 17 FB. As a shooter I am not sure I'd even pay 1500 for it. To me a VE in great shape would be worth what they are asking but not a Varminter that's been molested like that. Perhaps after it hasn't sold for a while you can go back and offer them what they paid for it and have a nice blank duplicated for it.
Matt
Matt
I have a friend that works at the pawn shop on Thursday and Fridays. Stopped in today and we both looked the Cooper over again. Both of us wondered why this rifle was molested the way it is. We also tried to figure out a way to repair the holes and nothing came to mind that would look decent. Sure a plug would fill the holes but now you have three fugley plugs. My friend said he was going to talk to the owner on Monday about what he's asking for the rifle. He said he would see if he will lower the price to where it belongs. I'm not holding my breath but we'll see.
Almost anything can be repaired, but, then, it is something that has been repaired. Maybe that does not bother some, but it would bother me. Some guys are the sort that can "sweep the dirt" under the rug and imagine that it is gone. I am not one of those. LeRoy at Canyon Creek could always get you a new stock made, if he is still in business, but you need to get the beat up one cheap enough to make it realistic.
Danny
Knowing the owner, I doubt he lowers the price by much. I figure there is a stock floating around somewhere but paying a premium price for the rifle and then a stock on top of that will make a guy in over his head pretty quick. Another member offered me a Mod 21 in 6BR with very low round count and mint condition for a few dollars more. Not really what I was interested in, at least not right now. I'm in no hurry so I'll just keep looking. I'm sure something will come up.......or not. Its not like I don't have anything to shoot.
Bill
Bill
You don't have any issue getting one right now, as they are more or less out of production? I am not sure how I feel about adding more right now.
Danny
20VarTarg
Gold $$ Contributor
I saw this on GB when it was first listed. I like many other's almost lost my breakfast. Totally ruined what would have been an awesome Cooper rifle. I actually have a pretty decent Model 38 stock just hanging around in the gun room waiting for a project. But like everyone has said, I'd need to be into it for around $1400-$1500 to be a buyer. I've been tossing around the idea of selling that stock and know when I do, something will pop up where it's needed.
My gunsmith/friend passed away in Feb. Today at my gunclub we had an "Estate Sale" with all his guns and reloading. It took 5 trucks to get all of it to the club. In all that "Stuff" were two mint Coopers, a Model 22 in 22-250 and a Model 21 in 22 PPC. Well the 22 PPC is in my possession now along with a set of dies and I paid a lot less than what the pawn shop was asking and its in VGC! Funny how I get around fine rifles and my logical thinking goes out the window along with my $$$$.
As long as the condition on this is better than the other, you made a smart choice in waiting. An opportunity passed you and you jumped on it for a score. The other was a train wreck.
Danny
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