I'm doing my homework before buying a 375H&H. I had decided on a new Model 70, which I would need to get "finished" by my gunsmith. Someone told me about Dakota rifles, which I know nothing about. I would appreciate any information about quality, reliability, etc.
Thanks, Gary T.

gthomsen,

The Dakota's are very nice rifles from the ones I have handled and shot. The 375H&H is available with walnut stocks built on their famed Pete Grisel (sp?) designed M76 action which is very similar to the M70. The Dakota's offer CRF and 3 position safety a'la M70 along with a 1 piece bottom metal. One interesting difference between the Dakota and M70 is the bolt release mechanism. Where the M70 had the bolt release on the left side of the action, the Dakota has a lever that is machined into the bridge. It's very unobtrusive but a little difficult to get to due to small engagment area. The accessories, design etc are endless possibilities from Dakota the only limit being how thick you pocket book is.

Check them out at:

www.dakotaarms.com

Good Luck!

You will hear a lot of varying opinions about Dakota. They have had their problems in the past, however, I have been pleased with mine and they all shoot better than advertised - sub MOA. If you work with them, you can obtain a very good quality semi-custom made rifle.

If you can afford them, great, but I think a m70 slicked up by your gunsmith would be a cheaper option and just as good a rifle. The Dakota is too pretty to take hunting. The m70 looks good, but a few dings wont make you cry, A Dokata might. Mark Penrod would be a good gunsmith to send your a m70 to, he's the m70 king.

Sevens

A lot of times you can find a used Dakota for a bargain basement price. A couple of months ago Hallowells had a used Dakota .375 for $3K or so. I would check the used gun market carefully (gunlist, gunbroker, gunsamerica, auctionarms, etc.) before ordering a new Dakota because you could save some money.

Notwithstanding my disdain for a particular person in management at Dakota, I would much rather have a Dakota than a model 70. But you would be better off with a Mauser 98 in .375 from Sig in Exeter, New Hampshire. They are much nicer rifles than Dakota.

Gary,
I currently have three M-76 Dakota's (330 Dakota, 375 H&H, & 416 Rigby). All three shoot sub-MOA. They are somewhere between a factory rifle and a full blown custom rifle. The quality (workmanship, metal to wood fit, etc.) is very good. The trigger is the same as the M-70 Winchester (adjustable) and the action is a hybrid between the M-70/Mauser action (doesn't have the cone breech of the M-70 more like the mauser, so it is suppost to be stronger than the cone breech system). I like Dakota's stock design (fit) and bolt release (the release is a bar that flips out from the left rear of the receiver). If you order the rifle new from Dakota you can choose from a number of option's (i.e., wood, sights, different barrel length, metal finish, etc.) and I think it takes about 6-12 months to fill your order. Usually, you pay half of the total when you place the order and the balance before they ship it and I'm sure they would work with you on a different payment plan if you asked. Also, if you place your order in Reno at the SCI convention they will give you a 10% discount. Another option, is to buy a used or new(unfired) one at GunsAmeria (www.gunsamerica.com), usually at a price below that of a new rifle. However, I don't think they are any better than a M-70 (I have two of those in 30/06 & 7mmMag) or a custom rifle on a Mauser action. It comes down to what you want. The 375H&H will do it all. The only reason I bought a 416 is my wife clamied the 375H&H as her's.