The Cooper Model 51 Classic is a custom-built bolt-action rifle chambered in .204 Ruger, assembled and finished by Nighthawk Custom in Arkansas on a Cooper long-action platform, purpose-built for varmint hunters and precision shooters who want a traditionally styled, finely crafted rifle with premium wood, upgraded metalwork, and match-grade trigger components in a flat-shooting, high-velocity package.
Key Features
- Caliber: .204 Ruger
- Action: Bolt-action, Cooper Model 51 Classic long action
- Receiver marking: Stevensville, MT, making this one of the last receivers produced at Cooper's original Montana facility
- Assembly: Custom-finished and assembled by Nighthawk Custom in Arkansas
- Bolt: Spiral fluted bolt body
- Barrel: 22 inches, stainless steel, 1-12 twist, with muzzle brake
- Stock: AA Claro Walnut with hand-cut checkering
- Action finish: Matte blued
- Barrel finish: Bright stainless
- Trigger: Jard aftermarket trigger
- Magazines: Two detachable magazines included
- Optics base: Leupold scope bases installed
Special Features
- The AA Claro Walnut stock is among the most prized wood grades available in production and custom rifles, offering rich figure, attractive grain character, and a traditional appearance that sets this rifle apart from synthetic and laminate alternatives
- Hand-cut checkering provides a tactile, positive grip surface that is both a functional upgrade and a mark of skilled craftsmanship, as machine-cut patterns cannot replicate the clean edge definition and visual sharpness of hand work
- The combination of a matte blued action and bright stainless barrel is a classic contrast pairing that balances traditional bolt-action aesthetics with the corrosion resistance and durability of modern stainless steel
- Nighthawk Custom assembly ensures every component has been hand-fitted, inspected, and finished to a level of precision that exceeds standard factory production, with the same attention to detail Nighthawk applies to its renowned custom pistol work
- The Jard trigger is a highly regarded aftermarket unit known for its light, crisp, and consistent pull with minimal overtravel, giving the shooter a clean, repeatable break that is well suited for the precise trigger management required in varmint and long-range precision shooting
- The spiral fluted bolt body reduces overall weight, improves cycling smoothness, and adds a distinctive, aggressive visual character that complements the custom nature of the build
- Two detachable magazines are included, allowing the shooter to keep a spare loaded and ready for fast transitions during high-volume varmint sessions or extended field use without stopping to single-load
- Leupold scope bases arrive installed and ready, allowing the shooter to mount their preferred optic immediately without sourcing or fitting additional hardware
Practical Benefits
- The .204 Ruger cartridge is one of the flattest-shooting and highest-velocity centerfire varmint cartridges available, making the Cooper Model 51 Classic an outstanding tool for prairie dog, ground squirrel, coyote, and long-range varmint hunting where minimal wind drift and a flat trajectory are critical
- The 1-12 twist is well matched to the .204 Ruger's standard bullet weight range, providing the stability needed for consistent accuracy across the cartridge's most common and effective varmint loads
- The AA Claro Walnut stock and hand-cut checkering make this rifle a serious consideration for collectors and wood stock enthusiasts who want a custom rifle that holds display and long-term value alongside its field performance
- The muzzle brake improves muzzle control and helps the shooter stay on target for fast follow-up shots during high-volume varmint sessions where spotting impacts quickly is as important as accuracy
- Having two detachable magazines included means the rifle arrives as a complete, field-ready package with no additional purchases required before heading to the prairie or the range
- The Montana-marked receiver and Nighthawk Custom assembly give this rifle a clear and documented custom provenance, making it a rare and collectible example for serious Cooper collectors and precision rifle enthusiasts who understand the significance of the Stevensville production era
The Cooper Model 51 Classic in .204 Ruger is a confidence-building choice for varmint hunters, precision shooters, and collectors who want a beautifully appointed, custom-finished bolt-action built on one of the last Montana-marked Cooper receivers and assembled by Nighthawk Custom in Arkansas.
PHOTOS SHOWN ARE OF THE RIFLE YOU WILL RECEIVE.
| MANUFACTURER | COOPER |
| MODEL | 51 |
| CALIBER | 204 RUGER |
| TYPE | RIFLE |