Cooper Model 21

Cooper Firearms of Montana, Inc. · Rifle · In Production · 1994

Also known as: Cooper Arms Model 21, Cooper M-21, Cooper 21 Varmint Extreme

Overview

The Cooper Model 21 is a single-shot bolt-action varmint rifle built by Cooper Firearms of Montana around a compact three-lug 'mini' action sized for the .223 Remington cartridge family. Hand-fitted, with a precision-lapped stainless barrel and a figured walnut stock, the Model 21 is a custom-quality precision rifle famous for its sub-half-MOA accuracy guarantee. It is offered in numerous chamberings derived from the .223 case head, including .222 Remington, .223 Remington, .17 Remington and the .204 Ruger.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3400 g (119.9 oz)
Overall Length1118 mm (44.02")
Barrel Length610 mm (24.02")
Action TypeBolt Action
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity1 rounds
Magazine TypeFixed Box
Muzzle Velocity990 m/s (3248 fps)
Muzzle Energy1745 J (1287 ft·lbf)
Effective Range500 m (547 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist305 mm (12.01")
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialStainless Steel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Production

Production years: 1994-present

Low-volume custom production from Stevensville, Montana; Cooper Firearms was acquired by Nighthawk Custom in 2023.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Dan Cooper

Notes

The Model 21 is the centerfire member of Cooper's compact mini-action family (the rimfire Model 57 and varmint Model 38 share the same scaled action). Many configurations are single-shot; some are offered as repeaters with a detachable magazine.

Background

Cooper Firearms of Montana was founded in 1990 by Dan Cooper and former Kimber of Oregon employees to build affordable custom-quality accurate rifles. The team began experimenting with a single-shot .223 varmint rifle in 1993, and that three-lug action paired with an innovative stock became the Model 21 'Varmint Extreme'. Cooper's famous 1/2-inch-at-100-yards accuracy guarantee for centerfire rifles began in 1998.