i know they are not building these anymoe but how is the accuracy of these guns right from the box or do you have to do anything to them

I took delivery of a model 97 late last year and the accuracy just keeps getting better. I shoot 200 gr, oryx into a half inch clover leaf at 100 yrds. But the rifle seems to shoot anything I put in it very well. The 97 will be missed. I believe if you hurray you can still get in on the last production run of 97's.

Had a 300 Win mag that shot great, had a 270 that wasn't so good... Both rifles had good feeding and were reliable. I didn't like the stock-the pistol grip was too open and quite thick. I also like checkering, even on a synthetic stock. I have heard, however, hat there are some aftermarket stocks that are lighter and of a better configuration.

I called Dakota last week and spoke with Rich ( I think that is his name) who told me that Dakota has rethought their decision and now will continue to produce the model 97.

my 300 win mag shoots very nice. The stock was a lumpy thing, but it's not much trouble fitting a stock designed for a long action Rem 700. If you are doing a synthetic and are a bit handy with the dremel and epoxy, you can't lose...well, except for the pound lighter stock.

For the price they are asking now it wouldn't be high on my list. I'd go NULA or a couple Kimbers.

I have one in 7X57. I haven't measured the groups on paper but it is my go to whitetail gun. I have more confidence in that rifle than anyother, and I have some other pretty good rifles. The bullet always seems to go where I aim. Not a quantifiable testimonial, but a definate vote of confidence.

TerryR