YOUR FULL OF SHIT

Allen, Jim, and All

I am not the moderator here, and so this is none of my business. But although I agree with your answers, I think it might be more beneficial to the questioner if you were able to provide a more objective answer.

You state you don't like the bolt release. Fine. But Why?
what specifically did you find about the operation of that bolt release that caused the rifle to function less than optimum based upon a certan set of criteria. For example, was it hard to operate with gloves on. Or was it hard to operate period. or was it in a hard to get to area of the action, etc.

As another example, if it did not shoot well, how did it not shoot well. As an example, whatever handloads in my model 70 custom with such and such barrel on a windless day shot 3/8 inch 10 shots groups, whereas the dakota only shot 5 inch groups with the same ammo on the same day.

I just think if everyone on here were a bit more objective then flame wars would not start. Or I could be full of shit.

Blue

Yup, definitely full of shite!

Well, I bought one in 1994 and have it still, it's a .338 as well. It is a smooth-working rifle with excellent balance and pointability-for me. The inletting on mine is superior to that on quite a number of rifles I have seen by very famous American gunsmiths, the checkering is just o.k.

I agree with Allen on the detent, however, I understand that this has been modified-improved in recent years.I don't mind the bolt stop and my rifle will shoot. It has very lovely quarter-sawn English walnut and cost me, new, just over $2000.00 USD. The prices have gone up to a point where my rifle would cost about $5000.00 USD now and that is too much for what it is, IMO.

I would not buy a new Dakota, but, I do see some fine deals on nice used ones. They are really a traditionalists sort of rifle and I have enjoyed mine, but, it doesn't tug at my heart strings the way my original Pre-64 Alaskan does.

If, you want the finest, serious hunting rifle and can pay the cost, I think that a purpose-built custom is the way to go and this can be done for less than a new Dakota or for as much as you want to spend. If, I were twenty years younger, I would buy a "Legend" in .338 from D'Arcy Echols for my one single hunting rifle, it has the features I want and is fairly priced for what it is, IMHO.

Blue, I don't like the bolt release because in my opinion it's simply too tightly fitted for operation under dusty or freezing weather conditions. I like the original Mauser 98 and Model 70 systems much better. The Dakota design limits scope mounting options as well.

That ball-bearing detent system I mentioned is nowhere near as secure or sure as the Model 70 retention latch.

Accuracy? If four to six-inch groups would satisfy your requirements, then the two Dakota's I owned would have tickled you pink!

In contrast, I have a Penrod-built .338 Win. Mag. (pre-64 M70 action) with a Hart barrel that keeps five under an inch, and an Echols .338 Win. Mag. (M70 Classic action) with a Kreiger barrel that'll keep five under a half-inch, so long as I hold my mouth right.

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Fellows:

I set myself up for it. No matter. I love you all.

Blue

I have a Dakota 97 Hunter with an optional wood stock in 9.3x62. It is very accurate i.e 1/4 to 1/2 inch groups with barnes 250gr X Bullets at 2600fps. I like to bolt stop on this and the Model 76. Talley makes a set of sculptured bases that fit these rifles (and Beretta Mato's) perfectly. Since I usually use talley rings I'm not sure what Allen meant by restricted scope mounting options.
For another $2000-3000 the Echol's Legend may indeed be a better rifle but I can't really say since I've never handled one. If the Dakota fits you well it also might represent a very viable option. A 97 hunter with a composite stock is 1/3rd the cost of a comparable Legend. The Echols rifle that directly compares to a wood stocked 76 I believe start at $13,500 and go up from there........DJ

Allen - Every time someone brings up the topic of Dakota rifles, you and I post 180 degree different opinions on the subject. Here is my experience...



I took the time to travel to Sturgis in order to meet with Don. He and I hand selected 4 matching pieces of Bastogne from his extensive collection. We discussed every option and requirement that I had for the 4 guns. What I came away with is 4 matched guns, built within 6 months, with every custom option that I wanted, with very high quality workmanship, all 4 guns shoot sub MOA which is what Dakota guarantees as in - if they don�t, they will fix it. I could have gone to any custom gun smith to do exactly the same thing but, I would have waited 18+ months, and paid twice as much. Sure there are a handful of custom smiths who can build a much higher quality rifle, however at what price?



Rather than enduring the snotty attitude of some well known gunsmiths, I chose the Dakota route and I am please that I did. I own several guns which I would rate higher in quality, however, I use my Dakotas in the field with absolutely no reservations. When hunting in on the menu, I grab my Dakotas...

Zero, if guys like you and I were always in full agreement over subjects of this sort, then either the custom riflesmiths wouldn't have any work, or else outfits like Dakota wouldn't be able to stay in business!

Personally, I like cranky custom riflesmiths, so long as they're skillful and honest. They might start out cranky sometimes, but given fair, honest treatment and solid pay, they always come around and become friends that I can count on!

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