ok, so i got the model numbers backward, does anyone know anythingabout this rifle?

Matt,

I've got one in .375 H+H, took it to Zim last summer and I like it a lot. I have considered buying another one.
There are two versions, the Lightweight hunter and the Long range hunter. Mine is a LR (26 in barrel, probably weighs a shade under 8 lbs). It is a MOA rifle with Federal Premium Nosler factory loads.
The only thing I don't like about it is that it has a blind magazine.

Matt

Dear Matt 77,

I also have a rifle on a Model 97 action. It is chambered for the .300 Dakota cartridge and is the most accurate rifle of that caliber that I've ever shot or owned.

It is a round action rather than the Model 70/Mauser 98 type action like the Dakota 76. As such, it is considerably less expensive to manufacture. The recoil lug is screwed on between the barrel shank and the action face.

Even so, it is a controlled round feed action and mine is slick as a whistle. I like it a lot. My smallest group to date with it is just a shade over 1/4" at 100 yards.

Tom