Winchester Model 70 vs Cooper Model 52

[cbrxxrider]

I had originally posted this in the rifle section but only received one reply....


What I want to know is the Win Mod 70 has been touted as a great rifle through and through. I also know there are a great many cooper fans. So with both of the camps hopefully represented here I would like to know if it truly is worth the wait to put off the purchase until I can afford the Cooper?


The Model 70 is control feed, is the Cooper? The Model 70 bolt is not as smooth as a Colt Sauer, is the Cooper any closer?

I am looking at both of these in the synthetic stocks. All of your help and input is greatly appreciated. I also realize that with a Cooper I won't get it in my possession for at least 6 months after ordering. I am looking at this rifle purchase a preparation for next years hunt.

 

[MCgunner]

Probably should be in the rifle forum.

 

[RugerOldArmy]

You won't regret the Cooper.

The Coopers are push feed, the Model 70 is CRF. Both can be fine rifles, but ignoring a good pre-64 Mod. 70, the Cooper is much, much, more likely to be the better shooter. They get a bit more attention, and have a pretty darn good receivers. I really like Model 70s, but a Cooper is a cut above the general production Model 70s, especially nowadays.

Note: There are some places, like Whitakers (spelling) that have Coopers, especially the Pheonix models, in stock. Placing an order for primo wood in a less-than-common cartridge is another story.

I would also note, that for a big game rifle, the Model 70 might be more bang for the buck. For a varmint rifle, the Cooper would clearly shine over a factory model 70.

What cartridge?

 

[RugerOldArmy]

Out of curiousity, I looked at Coopers site to pinpoint which action was the 52. It's their long action, which I've never seen, but appears to be another three locking lug push feed.

I don't think you can get in in synthetic, like their Pheonix or their BR models.

But a Classic or a Custom Classic with a 24"-26" inch barrel in .270 Win or .280 would be really sweet.

Damn, now I need to save for a Custom Classic 52

FWIW, I've seen some very nice wood on Coopers, and they all seem to shoot. The only think I've wanted more from in a Cooper, is the trigger, but for a hunting rifle, the trigger would be fine.

 

[cbrxxrider]

I am looking at the Jackson Hunter (Synthetic) in the .270. I was really leaning toward the 7mm-08 but since Cooper doesn't offer that caliber in the Model 52 I would go to the .270.

The wood stocks on the Cooper's are very nice but I want a hunting rifle I won't mind carrying through the woods. After looking at most brands it seems that for a few dollars more I can justify the Jackson Hunter model and get the better accuracy and a truly fine rifle.




I have read that the post-64 model 70 is not equal to the pre-64. I was in a gun shop the other day that had a model 70 for under $500, it was new so it is definitely post-64. What are the major differences between the pre and post?