About Us
Although still a young company, Cooper Firearms of Montana, Inc. has firmly placed its mark in the history of American shooting sports by having set a standard of quality formerly reserved only to custom gunmakers. Beginning in 1990 a handful of former employees from Kimber of Oregon, with over 50 years in combined experience, set out to design and build the finest production rifles made in the United States. With the development of the Model 36 TRP-1 (Target Rifle Project-Phase 1), and then the Model 38 in 22CCM in a traditional sporting stock design, the Cooper reputation for craftsmanship and accuracy had begun.
In 1993, the team began experimenting with a single shot varmint rifle in .223 Rem. with an emphasis on accuracy. This 3-lug bolt action single-shot, along with an innovative new stock design, became the Model 21 “Varmint Extreme”. Soon the demand from the varmint hunting and target shooting communities encouraged the development and release of the Model 22 for the 22-250 / 25-06 range of calibers and the reintroduction of the Model 38 to accommodate rimmed cartridges. Followed, in 1995, by the introduction of the Model 40, a 3-mid locking lug 4-shot repeater designed around the 22 Hornet.
The now famous 1/2" at 100 yards Cooper Firearms of Montana, Inc. accuracy guarantee for center fire rifles began in 1998 with the introduction of the “Varminter” in Models 21 and 22. Soon after, the Montana Varminter became an instant classic.
The Model 57, 22LR, was added to the line-up in 1999, eventually evolving into the Model 57M in 2001 and is currently available in 22LR, 17 Mach 2, 22WMR and the 17HMR with a wide assortment of stock styles to choose from. In 2005, two new stock designs became available; the “Phoenix” a synthetic version of the Montana Varminter and the “Jackson Squirrel Rifle”, said to be the Cadillac of squirrel guns.
For years Cooper fans had been hounding the staff to build a big game repeater that met the high standards of accuracy and beauty that they have come to expect. In 2007 their persistence paid off by way of the Model 52, designed to handle cartridges in the 30-06 family.
In 2009 the company introduced its Model 54, a short action repeater, with improved quality guildlines and the same accuracy guarantee. After listening to many of our customer's wishes, the company introduced the Model 56 in several magnum calibers in early 2010. With its sucess the Model 56 became the basis for the very sought after "Best of the West" Signature Model 560 featured in its very popular TV Show.
With a team of devoted craftsmen, a skilled design crew and a dedication to quality and customer service, the future of Cooper Firearms of Montana, Inc. is guaranteed to continue at a level well above the competition.
In December of 2022, Nighthawk Custom was approached with the opportunity to continue the legacy that Cooper Firearms of Montana had built as a premier manufacturer of custom bolt action rifles. Unfortunately, the business was not in a position to continue in it’s current form, so, Cooper Rifles of Arkansas was formed to purchase the name, assets, and engineering that made Cooper great.
The future of Cooper Rifles of Arkansas is extremely bright, with a dedicated engineering team ushering in a new era of Cooper. These rifles will combine the timeless appeal of your grandfather’s favorite classic with modern innovations, resulting in breathtaking designs and the ultimate performance. The finest materials and highest level of craftsmanship have always made Cooper Rifles unique. We are excited for the generation of newly engineered 2025 Arkansas Cooper Rifles, that combines Cooper’s heritage with modern improvements.