I did some horse trading over the weekend and ended up with one of my dream guns: a Cooper 57m LVT in 17hmr. I have fondled a couple in my local gun shops, but this is the first time I have spent some quality time with one.
In short, I think this gun is a masterpiece! I have always considered the pre-64 model 70 to be the epitome of production line semi-custom firearms. I think Cooper has the 70's beat hands down. There is not a single flaw anywhere on the gun. The wood to metal fit is astonishing and the Cooper has hand checkering second to none. This gun has AA+ alnut, but I feel that the flame, figure and tight grain could easily be AAA+ if it were graded outside of the industry.
Accuracy:. We are in the middle of a cold snap with a bunch of snow, so I am not able to do 100 yard testing. However, I set up a target at 40 yards, and once I zeroed in the scope, I made a series of three shot groups and each group was one hole. There were no cloverleafs--there was only one hole that was a bit fuzzy on the edges. I have had a bunch of high end rifles and pistols, but the trigger on this Cooper is unbelievable. I have never felt anything that breaks so cleanly with no overtravel. I have felt nothing like it.
I am hoping to hear some other thoughts and opinions from other Cooper owners.