A few questions from you classic "gun enthusiasts" and "know it all" people out there (Kidding)

1) I hear that Dakota receivers are the best out there, when looking for a control feed action that has a 3 position safety. Fact or fiction?

2) Walnut is typically the wood that is used the most when it comes to choosing a stock blank. which TYPE of walnut..? (i.e. black, Turkish, Hungarian...?)

3) I would like to put bare sights on it. What are the different types of sights? I've heard of Express sights. N E others...? If so, whats the difference? Any one better than the other?

Let's here it...

I have a Dakota 76 that I bought 20+ years ago. It'a pretty much been my go to deer rifle.

It's very nice, but IMO, they have gotten over priced. If I were looking to build a custom rifle today, I think I would start with a pre4 M70 action rather than a Dakota.

PS: I like your choice of cartridges!

quote:

PS: I like your choice of cartridges!

My first and favorite custom was a 280.

Wood you can get quality wood in what you have listed. Grain flow then your preference as to looks.

I agree I wouldn't spend the $$ for a Dakota. There are several others at a fraction of the cost.

You could find a nice semi custom rifle in 270 or 30-06, have the barrel replaced to 7x64 ... or, if you must, 280 but a faster twist barrel, to make it far more impactful than a 270 .. and pay about 50% on the dollar --

let me go on record, i am NOT a 270 fan -- though i appreciate the round -- and the 280 is just coooler

dakota action? that's going to make it an expensive piece, for ZERO real gain .. you don't need a CRF for a plains game cartridge .. NEED being entirely subjective

sounds like an initial foray into custom guns ... please, listen to uncle jeffe, DON'T DO IT .. run away, and have a lay down and perhaps it will pass -- find a cheaper habit.. like flying or triathlons!!

all that being said, if *I* was building a great hunting rig in 7x64 (i really understand the 280, but the 7x64 is just better) and insisted on wood, i'd get a nice wood stocked BDL in 270, replace the barrel, tune the trigger, and be done

wood - english is pretty ... expensive .. french is better to my taste, and mid grade Turkish or quarter sawn bastogne with a great deal of minerals ... that doesn't answer a thing, does it?

here's the thing, you are looking at a MINIMUM of $1500 for a blank to be turned into a stock, checkered and finished -- MINIMUM, plus the wood .. decide is this does it for you, and if it does, be prepared to wait, at LEAST a year, could be three --

please, really -- RUN away

action - dakota - 2K
barrel - to fit the class of gun, $500
stock blank - $500 to $5000 -- let's just assume $1500
stock work $1500
gun smithing $1500, including bluing, etc etc etc

7k -- no joke

did i mention it's expensive? it'll take AT LEAST twice as long as long as promised -

All good suggestions. I'm sure you all are more educated in this particular matter than me. However, I was told that Krieger barrels are tough too beat. And, that the Dakota receiver, as far as the action and CRF, you can't beat it.

If going all out for a custom build that will hold it's value pretty well (IMO) why not go all out right?!

quote:

Originally posted by olarmy:


It's very nice, but IMO, they have gotten over priced. If I were looking to build a custom rifle today, I think I would start with a pre4 M70 action rather than a Dakota.

PS: I like your choice of cartridges!

Tell me a little bit more about a Pre4 M70 action...curious to hear what you have to say. Wanted to send a PM, but didn't know how...

to send a PM, click on user name, 4th option down "invite to private topic"

I am not really a gun person, however I shoot a lot. I started in 1990 with a push feed model 70 in 280 Rem. I have several 280's and they all shoot very well. I have a custom, Maurice Ottmar on a Argentine Mauser action with an octagon barrel that shoots lights out. I have another from H-S Precision in a 3 caliber set that shoots lights out. I have a special run, super grade Win Model 70 that shoots 1/2" out of the box with factory ammo (Barnes TTSX).

I have shot about 15 antelope, 3 elk, 7 to 10 mule deer, several whitetails (+15), kudu, impala and other African stuff with the .280 Rem. I have shot one Dall with it as well.

Overall, I shoot the .280 a lot and like it. I prefer it over the .270 only because I have them.

If I were building one, I would choose a Remington action and get a quality barrel and shoot like crazy.

quote:

Originally posted by maverick85:

quote:

Originally posted by olarmy:


It's very nice, but IMO, they have gotten over priced. If I were looking to build a custom rifle today, I think I would start with a pre4 M70 action rather than a Dakota.

PS: I like your choice of cartridges!

Tell me a little bit more about a Pre4 M70 action...curious to hear what you have to say. Wanted to send a PM, but didn't know how...

Well...not sure where to start. Short answer, the Winchester M70, made before 1964, is considered by many to be the best bolt action. It is an "improved" version of the 98 Mauser action. The pre 64s have almost a cult following. The Dakota 76 is pretty much a clone of the pre64 70..and a very expensive clone. IMO, you could start with a M70 and have just as good a rifle, with significantly less investment.

If you'd like to learn more, this would be a good place to start:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_Model_70

Just get nosler to build you one.

So why not just go with a new classic m70 action and be done with it? The new ones fixed the few faults in the pre-64 and can be had at a much lower cost.

Because that would be like wanting a Bentley and getting a Dodge Ram truck instead.

I know wealth is relative but if I had 7K (and don't forget about the glass) invested in a rifle, I'd be scairt to take it out of the safe, much less hunt with it.
And, FWIW, I doubt that you'd ever get the money out of a custom build like that if you decided to sell.

There was a used Dodge ram truck Model 70 controlled feed .280 for sale at the Cabelas in Rogers Minnesota last time I was there (a couple of days ago).

Start out with your budget, and buy used. You will go so much farther with your money. I could find you 30 used custom rifles right now to fit any budget, and they cost 1/2 of what they did new. Shoot me an email, and I'll compile some lists and places to look.

Colin (colin.masters at gmail.com

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
Because that would be like wanting a Bentley and getting a Dodge Ram truck instead.

Huh?

quote:

Originally posted by Cougarz:

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
Because that would be like wanting a Bentley and getting a Dodge Ram truck instead.

Huh?

Did you think I was a Dodge fan?

So maverick: have you made a decision??

Yes the Dakota is a very near copy of the pre64 action and in my eyes way over priced.
The Pre 64 Model 70 has a CULT following and in my eyes like all cults some of the blind following is based on preconceived notions and blind faith as well as living in the past, don't get me wrong they are nice, a quality action but also over priced at times.
Modern production Winchester Model 70 Controlled feed actions are an absolute bargain for what you get.
Look on Gunbroker you can at times buy a Winchester M70 CRF rifle for under 400$ if you are patient and careful.
Once rebarreled and "worked over" no different than you would have a Pre64 Model 70 "worked over" you will have a reliable and accurate rifle to serve you a lifetime.
I have a couple Pre64's and a bunch of post 64 Winchester M70's. All of them absolute tack drivers and utterly reliable in any conditions.
If you build a custom rifle irreguardless of the action you build it on (Dakota, Montana, Pre64 M70, post 64 M70 CRF) you would be lucky to sell it for what you have invested so that is not a factor for action choice.
If I was in your shoes I'd find a modern production Winchester M70 have it barreled by a good Gunsmith and with a really good barrel and get out and hunt that rifle.
If you pick a Dakota action or a Pre64 it is purely for bragging rights and will have nothing to do with it's overall performance.

Okay now I know I will get severely bashed by the Pre64 police but remember they are a cult.....

Agree and go with a 1 in 9" twist so you can take advantage of the 280s ability to shoot the heavier 7mm bullets and I AM a 270 fan lol

I would prefer a small ring G33-40 Mauser or even a LR Mauser or a pre war mod. 70. Lothar Walthar barrel. Oh yeah one needs a CRF rifle, why would one not?

I would opt for European Walnut or Russian Walnut from Bill Dowtin, Old world walnut I like that Russian stuff I been using..

The .280 is a very nice caliber, I like it even better in the Ackley IMP version, but to each his own on that.

If you use Talley QD rings and bases, use the Talley QD peep that fits the rings, along with a New England Arms .500 high gold faced square post partridge on their barrel band front sight, use a barrel band swivel. and use a 8 to 9 inch forearm including a Ebony forend tip, pancake cheekpiece and Bieson or Neidner steel butt plate,or a pigskin covered recoil pad, then you will have a true English classic.

But if your young and into plastic and stainless steel, Monte Carlo cheek pieces,Big ugly variable scopes then don't ever speak to me again!!!