Cooper Firearms is **NOT** Closing Down Operations

drover said:

There seems to be quite a bit of confusion caused by the name Wilson - Wilson Custom (Combat) is not the same as Wilson Barrels.

Wilson Barrels and Cooper rifles have the same owner but are not affiliated with Wilson Combat who seems to often be referred to as Wilson Custom by those not knowing the difference.

drover

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You are correct Wilson barrel owns them not Wilson combat.

S&G Custom said:

You are correct Wilson barrel owns them not Wilson combat.

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I was sure that you were aware of the ownership but I thought I point out the difference again for those who seem to constantly confuse the two.

There seems to be a great deal of confusion caused by the name Wilson and the assumption among many people that just because they have the name Wilson that they must be the same company.

drover

Why the cloak and dagger? If Cooper is moving, where are they moving to?
Surely they have already leased or purchased another building somewhere if they are just moving.
So, where are they moving to? Arkansas?

Connecticut, which just happens to be where Wilson barrels are made.

drover

I don't have any info about a move to CT; but that area is home to many outstanding machinists and woodworkers, with a long history of both occupations.

Cooper has been bought by Wilson Custom
and is being moved .
Prophet River , the main Canadian Dealer is no longer
listing Cooper saying challenges with supply & support.
...skwerl

Are you sure about that?? New Ultra Light Arms has sold to Wilson Combat/Custom, that is proven news. I've seen nothing anywhere regarding Cooper selling.

sure wish someone from cooper would comment on this.

pesch99 said:

sure wish someone from cooper would comment on this.

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Wilson Arms, the barrel maker located in Branford CT, bought Cooper Firearms in late 2008 or early 2009. Wilson is owned by Hugo Vivero. I have spoken to Jessica in Cooper's customer service a few times, most recently in August about supply of 22 CCM brass. Jessica's father-in-law owns Wilson Arms. I haven't spoken to Jessica in several months and don't know anything additional about Cooper's relocation to a new facility other than the note on Cooper's website. I have always received good service from Cooper Firearms starting when Dan Cooper established the business to the present day.

Thomasconnor said:

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Me. Wilson (Joseph Kearns) seemed like such an old guy when I was growing up, and in looking at his photo now, I still have that impression. Thing is, he was only 55 when he passed…and I’ll be 70 in a few days.
Always a shocker to see some seemingly old person and realize I could be their father.

Phil in Alabama said:

Are you sure about that?? New Ultra Light Arms has sold to Wilson Combat/Custom, that is proven news. I've seen nothing anywhere regarding Cooper selling.

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Never certain in the gun world , only the information given by the largest/only Cooper dealer in Canada .
This is the best from us minion , yes a comment from Cooper Firearms would
be helpful .

Nighthawk Customs has purchased cooper, It is official from people pretty high up in both companies.

Arkansas is a long way from Montana -- if that is where they are moving.

Doug

l think it woud be great if CZ were to buy COOPER. CZ has certianly turned COLT into a winner imhop. Just look at the ''new production'' COLT PYTHONS. Quite well made like the PYTHONS from the old Colt Mfg. CZ is a GUN COMPANY. If CZ has indeed purchased COOPER l can only predict a bright future for BOTH

WATCHADDIC said:

Nighthawk Customs has purchased cooper, It is official from people pretty high up in both companies.

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That's what I have heard too. Nighthawk is a great company and make some of the best 1911s. I hope everything goes smoothly. I have a 2 digit 57M that I purchased new direct from Cooper over 20 years ago. It's the rifle that got me started on my rimfire benchrest journey.

2500X said:

One of my most cherished possessions is a 1st year production, 2 digit serial # 57m Classic .22. It's dang near perfect and very beautiful. I used it to dominate local non-sanctioned .22 benchrest 15 years ago in the sporter class. We routinely crushed CZs, Annies and Rem sporters. It still shoots great. It's the rifle that got me started on my rimfire benchrest journey. I'll never get rid of it.

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I have the same rifle I bought about 10 or so years ago from Hendershots. I don’t think I have 3 boxes thru it. Thought about selling it. Guess I should just hold onto it

Do I smell Kimber of Oregon vs Kimber of Yonkers?
I highly doubt Nighthawk offered relocation pacakges to employees of Cooper in Montana. Jobs, sure, moving expenses, I don't think so. How many people would move from Montana to Arkansas on their dime? Whenever a company acquires another company they look to get their investment back fast. Costs are cut, margin needs to increase, etc. Not that I really care as I have all the Coopers I need, but it will be interesting to see what the new rifles look like. Maybe my Coopers might be worth something after all in 40 years. Things change and life goes on. People are definitely losing jobs.

Cooper of Arkansas? Just doesn’t sound cricket.