1710 Competition HB 20" SS Threaded classic.

I have one Cooper and several Anschutzes. I'd go for the Anschutz if it is a good fit for your purpose (e.g. a bench gun or a range rifle, but not a woods gun). My Cooper is one of the prettiest rifles I have ever seen. Just a fabulous piece of wood. But the Annie gets more use precisely because it isn't as good-looking. All the Anschutz rifles that have have have been great shooters from day 1. My 1710 HB has a two stage trigger that is just marvelous. Never even adjusted the thing. Just went to the range and shot bugholes. Almost boring. Almost.

Have you experimented with ammunition?

flangster said:

I have one Cooper and several Anschutzes. I'd go for the Anschutz if it is a good fit for your purpose (e.g. a bench gun or a range rifle, but not a woods gun). My Cooper is one of the prettiest rifles I have ever seen. Just a fabulous piece of wood. But the Annie gets more use precisely because it isn't as good-looking. All the Anschutz rifles that have have have been great shooters from day 1. My 1710 HB has a two stage trigger that is just marvelous. Never even adjusted the thing. Just went to the range and shot bugholes. Almost boring. Almost.

Click to expand...

flangster said:

I have one Cooper and several Anschutzes. I'd go for the Anschutz if it is a good fit for your purpose (e.g. a bench gun or a range rifle, but not a woods gun). My Cooper is one of the prettiest rifles I have ever seen. Just a fabulous piece of wood. But the Annie gets more use precisely because it isn't as good-looking. All the Anschutz rifles that have have have been great shooters from day 1. My 1710 HB has a two stage trigger that is just marvelous. Never even adjusted the thing. Just went to the range and shot bugholes. Almost boring. Almost.

Click to expand...

Have you experimented with ammunition?

A Cooper sporter (Classic, JSR, etc,) will be at least a pound lighter than the normal 1710, and even more lightweight than the HB model you're considering, even with its abbreviated 20" barrel. The Cooper will also be much more dynamic in its handling, again, assuming a sporter like the 57M Classic, whereas the 1710 HB will feel more like a club. Having said that, I would probably opt for the Anschutz as one's first top-drawer .22 bolt gun. Probably (I said probably) a better chance of the Anschutz being slightly more accurate. The Anschutz will also have a better trigger, but "better" can be a subjective thing. I wouldn't underestimate the importance of handling when hunting squirrels. Also, I personally prefer carrying the most attractive rifle possible when I go afield, as it is all part of the whole experience. The Cooper trigger is no slouch.

This is a PRS forum, Cooper doesn't make a PRS rifle. Anschutz makes a few but there are better options.

Chops duly busted. The OP wanted a comparison to a Cooper, so that's what I gave him.

I haven't experimented with ammunition in any rigorous way. My overall observation is that my Anschutzes shoot well, but do better when fed better quality ammo. Not exactly a stunning revelation. I think Teddy Bear Rat hit the nail on the head. The Cooper is a beautifully designed sporter. I really like the design, even though I am not a great offhand shooter. To me, it is just what a . 22 "should" look like. But hey, I also like revolvers, so don't be guided by what I find pretty. I think settling on what you want to do with the rifle will help. Also, Anschutz has a pretty robust support system in the US -- something to consider if buying new.

flangster said:

I have one Cooper and several Anschutzes. I'd go for the Anschutz if it is a good fit for your purpose (e.g. a bench gun or a range rifle, but not a woods gun). My Cooper is one of the prettiest rifles I have ever seen. Just a fabulous piece of wood. But the Annie gets more use precisely because it isn't as good-looking. All the Anschutz rifles that have have have been great shooters from day 1. My 1710 HB has a two stage trigger that is just marvelous. Never even adjusted the thing. Just went to the range and shot bugholes. Almost boring. Almost.

Click to expand...

flangster said:

I haven't experimented with ammunition in any rigorous way. My overall observation is that my Anschutzes shoot well, but do better when fed better quality ammo. Not exactly a stunning revelation. I think Teddy Bear Rat hit the nail on the head. The Cooper is a beautifully designed sporter. I really like the design, even though I am not a great offhand shooter. To me, it is just what a . 22 "should" look like. But hey, I also like revolvers, so don't be guided by what I find pretty. I think settling on what you want to do with the rifle will help. Also, Anschutz has a pretty robust support system in the US -- something to consider if buying new.

Click to expand...

Thank you for your reply. Daryl