Cooper Firearms Model 22 Phoenix 6.5×284 Norma 26″ Bolt Action Match Rifle & Leupold Vari-X III

Sold For: $2,130.00

LSB#: 170324JY01

Make: Cooper Firearms

Model: 22 Phoenix

Serial Number: 9677

Year of Manufacture: MODERN

Caliber: 6.5×284 Norma

Action Type: Bolt Action

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COOPER FIREARMS OF MONTANA, INC, STEVENSVILLE, MT USA / 6.5X284”. The left side of the receiver is marked “9677” and “Cooper Firearms Model 22”. The scope is marked with leupold logo and on the gold ring marked “LEUPOLD VARI-X III 8.5-25x50mm LONG RANGE”

Barrel Length: 26”

Sights / Optics: This rifle has no provision for iron sights, not that you would want them anyway with the awesome Leupold Vari-X III 8.5-25x50mm Long Range scope mounted on top. The scope is in great shape, no significant defects, just light handling marks from rack rash and storage. The class is clear and free of chips and cracks. If there was a problem with the scope don’t worry, Leupold has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and one of the best policies for repair in the industry. The reticle is a fine dot.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is the cooper firearms Phoenix configuration with Hand-Laid Synthetics and Kevlar Reinforcing Material that surrounds an Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Bedding Block. It has a larger forend and a slightly enlarged pistol grip that reflects a target rifle style stock. There does not appear to be any flaws to this extremely durable finish. The sling swivel studs are missing. The LOP measures 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the Pachmayr recoil pad which is still soft. The stock rates in about excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Matte blue receiver, matte stainless barrel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows only the slightest wear from operation. The matte finish of this rifle is extremely durable. The only mark worth mentioning is on the top of the barrel from a gun rack / safe. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle (though we wish we did). As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: Wow! There are few guns that catch the eye of this writer and this was one of them. Definitely a pick of the litter. One writer described the 6.5-284 Norma as being the only one to succeed when the parent cartridge—the 284 Win.—was a commercial failure. A fitting mythological comparison would be that of the phoenix rising from the ashes of ancestry; in this case, the “reborn” cartridge, the 6.5-284. Which makes the stock selection from Cooper arms just that more special. To read more on this cartridge we recommend Aaron Carter’s article “The 6.5-284 Norma” (http://www.norma-usa.com/index.php/products/ammo/cartridge-of-the-month/163-cartridge-of-the-month-6-5×284) it made cartridge of the month back in November 2013 and this shop agrees. Though this rifle does not have an internal box magazine and is set up more for competition, don’t forget that one round is all you should need.