Just got back from S.Africa and Botswana.There is a Dakota .375 H&H for sale in Cape Town for 35000 rand,about US$4800.Secondhand but in mint condition.Smooth barrel with low power Leupold scope{1.5-5 power I think}.I am very keen,any comments would be appreciated.

one of match set of dakotas is in 375 dakota. I find it to be a very useful and fine rifle. The cartridge is just a shortened and blown out 404, which is easily made from 404 brass. Trim, size and fireform. I don't believe however the balistics published. According to them you get 2-300 FPS more than a 375 H&H, but I don't believe it. My loads that I use are duplications of the ones I use in a 375 H&H. I could probably load the dakota a bit hotter, but I just don't like this 60,000 PSI stuff we have today. Hot weather sets in, etc, and next thing you know I've got a blown primer. The only problem I've every had was when the airlines (delta) lost the baggage with the ammo in it. You're not going to find 375 dakota ammo anywhere, so that rifle sat unused. I had a 1.5-4 scope on it, but latter changed it to a 2-7 because the rifle is very accurate and very usable at longer range. Also i left the 1-4 on the matching 416 so I could tell them apart easy.

Sorry if I didnt make myself clear,I was refering to the make of the rifle ie. Dakota

I have had two, both are/were good guns. I bought the .270 in 1988 and it has been accurate and reliable. I had a .375 for a short while, also a good gun.

Some here has complained of bad accuracy, I have had no problems myself.

Seems that meany think the current prices are high. That may be true when compared to a custom.

I am toying with the idea of barrelling the .270 in .375 Ruger.

Overall I think you can't go wrong if you can tolarate the price.

Brett

I bought three. I suppose the attraction of them is they are made well, are reliable and have a good reputation- helps for resale.

I do think they are a bit expensive. I had some rifles made with Montana Rifle Company actions and Accurate Innovations stocks, just about as nice, for less than half the price.

That said, you can't go wrong with them.

Here is one for sale in the US, unfired in 375 H&H for $4000. Dakota and another for $3750 NIB Dakota 2 Pleanty more for sale, including the model 97, which I like, becuase it is lighter and sleeker- and less money.

Whether you export/import from the US or RSA is up tp you.

Don't know what is required in Australia, but to export out of RSA, you need to send your RSA dealer an approval for import, then they apply for an export permit (8-12 weeks) then they can ship the rifle to you.

If you had a buddy in the US, he could buy the rifle, but how to get it to you is another question. Technically, you need to apply to the ATF here, and get an export permit, I have heard it is a nearly insurmountable hassle. I have also heard of US citizens just flying to another country and "gifting" firearms to a resident of the country visited. There is no central record of what a US citizen flys out with and returns with for firearms.

Can you just turn up with a rifle and asked to have it licensed in Australia.

This may be more info then you asked for....

I am going thru the RSA/USA import process, so I can speak with certainty on this, the rest is what I have "heard" so take it for what its worth.

Good luck and may all your gun ownership dreams come true.

Pichon,

2 comments on the Dakota.

1. The pistol grip on my 416 Remington was very straight (in line w the stock).

It was pretty but not appropriate for a rifle that kicks. (At least for me).

I sold mine despite it being light weight and a nice piece of wood. It was slow to shoulder aim and fire with that straight pistol grip.

2. You do have to be careful, or maybe just aware, of the fact you can separate the bolt group and firing pin if you rotate the bolt with safety in half-cock position.

I prefer the Kimber in a mod 70 clone.

Would not have sold mine if it had a more upright pistol grip. Other stocks and calibers may be different configuration, I dont know.

Andy

I have been using 2 Dakota 76 actions on my own wildacts, the 375/404, for so many years.

Everyone who hunts with one falls in love with it, and invariable goes home and has one made.

I have two Dakotas 76's, one a 375H&H. Both are plenty accurate but the 375 is suprisingly accurate. I have had no problems with either rifle.

I just received a pair of the kid's size Dakotas for my two children. These are on the 97 action. Very nicely done rifles.

What Andy doesn't like about the Dakota's open grip I love. Where he finds it slow, I find it faster and more natural and comfortable to boot. The shape of a grip on any rifle, or shotgun for that matter, is a personal choice.

JPK

Many thanks for the advice gentleman.There may be a bit of "wriggle room"on the price quoted above so I think its worth having a go.Cheers.

JPK is correct about pistol grip configuration. A man with a very large hand often prefers a straight and long pistol grip. I prefer a more upright one, as I have to cock my wrist to grip it and with a medium or large bore, find that uncomfortable.

Andy

I recently sold my Dakota 416 Rigby, I had it for four years, & luckily
took it on three African Safaris. I was able to turn an almost $2700.00
profit on it. I believe a nice used Dakota in good condition will always
hold its value & may even appreciate for you like mine did.

I ended up purchasing another Dakota, this time a 375 H&H in the takedown/traveler
version. I thought it would be easier to pack along with my double rifle.
So far have been extremely happy with the accuracy

Jungleboy

Jungleboy,

Great combimation. Wish my 375 was a takedown.

JPK