Cooper Montana Heritage .308

Cooper Rifles of Montana is known for accurate bolt-action rifles, and the Montana Heritage is a limited edition that marks Nighthawk Custom's purchase of the company. It combines Cooper's classic features with Nighthawk's American manufacturing know-how and handwork.

This is the laminate version with a steel match barrel, chambered in .308 Winchester. Only 350 Montana Heritage rifles are planned, which makes this a limited run.

The action is Cooper's Heritage action, made in Stevensville, Montana, from 4140 chromoly steel. It carries both the Cooper and Nighthawk Custom logos. The bolt is a spiral-fluted three-lug design with a 60-degree throw, a tactical bolt knob, a Sako-style extractor and a spring-loaded plunger ejector. Cooper-specific Talley scope bases are included.

The barrel is a 22-inch carbon steel match barrel with a graphite Cerakote finish. It's threaded 5/8x24 and wears a three-port Cooper .30 caliber compensator. The stock is grey laminate, glass-bedded, with a free-floated barrel and two front sling studs. Length of pull is 13.75 inches, and the rifle weighs about 8.14 pounds. Feeding comes from a five-round detachable AICS-pattern magazine, a common pattern that makes spare magazines easy to find.

The trigger is a TriggerTech Primary, made for the Remington 700 pattern, set at 2.5 pounds. It's single stage and adjustable for pull weight. Cooper backs the rifle with a half-MOA accuracy guarantee.

If you want an accurate, well-made .308 hunting rifle that also marks an important moment for two respected American makers, the Montana Heritage is a smart choice. With only 350 planned, it's also one to buy while you can.