Cooper Firearms Showcases 20 VarTarg Montana Varminter and TRP-3
Cooper Firearms is well-known for the quality and accuracy of its varmint, rimfire, and hunting rifles. At SHOT Show, Cooper’s Rob Behr was on hand to show us some of Cooper’s featured offerings, including a Montana Varminter chambered in 20 VarTarg, the TRP-3 rimfire benchrest gun, and the NEW model 52 big game repeater. New for 2008, the model 52 repeater is sized for the 30-06 class of cartridges and will be available in both basic and deluxe versions, starting at about $1600.00. The 20 VarTarg is based on the .221 Fireball case necked to .204. It is a very accurate and efficient cartridge as Rob explains in the video.
In addition to the 20 VarTarg Montana Varminter, Rob showed us the impressive TRP-3 rimfire benchrest rifle. Outfitted with a proper benchrest-style stock, this little rifle has proven to be a capable competitor, setting records in South Dakota rimfire matches. With an MSRP of $1298 (without scope), the TRP-3 is half the cost of a typical full-custom rimfire benchrest rig.
Built on the 57M action, the TRP-3 is a competitive, introductory rimfire BR rifle at a reasonable cost. The 8-lb., TRP-3 features a .875 straight-taper, 1:16″ twist, stainless steel barrel. The proprietary, competition stock from Bell and Carlson has a wide, flat forearm, with parallel geometry front and rear for excellent tracking in the bags. The TRP-3 is guaranteed to shoot 1/4″ or better groups at 50 yards with Lapua Midas ammunition.
POSTSCRIPT: Here’s an interesting side note — while this editor was visiting Cooper’s booth, a gunshop owner from Georgia came by the booth. He pulled Rob aside, shook his hand and said: “I just wanted to say, of all the companies at this show, Cooper is one of the few that still gives a darn about quality and accuracy. You guys build ‘em right and deliver what you promise.” That’s quite an endorsement.
If you’ve ever used a borescope to inspect a rifle barrel, you know how valuable these tools can be. No other device lets you see the true condition of your barrel’s lands and grooves, from the throat all the way to the crown. For many of us the question isn’t whether we want and need a borescope, but whether we can afford one. Luckily, 
MidwayUSA has the Deluxe Hawkeye Borescope Kit on sale for $719.99 through the end of February. This is $30.00 off the normal $749.99 price. The components are similar to the Limited Edition Kit, but the Deluxe Kit includes a high-quality, lockable aluminum hard-case. The 
