I am curious about what negative opinions folks might have about the design, function, and safety of the Dakota 76 action. I've read a great deal about them, and understand the reasoning involved in its design by Allen and Grisle. Except for the relatively high price, I've never heard a cross word about it, and I wonder why so many Top Drawer custom gunmakers choose Model 70's and boutique Mauser actions over the 76. I know customer preferences play huge a part, but I wonder what's not to like about the 76. I'm not planing on a 76 rifle. Just curious.

Things are changing, boutique Mausers have kind of taken over where the Dakota left off.

The Dakota isn't available with a double square bridge so you have to use some kind of other scope mount system beyond what is currently in vogue.

Don Allen did great things for the American custom gun industry, and people still use his guns. But, by the time you shiit $3500 for an action you might as well buy a boutique mauser.

I asked a gunsmith that question some time back. He explained that the Dakota action adds many refinements over other candidates for a build, but customers always have preferences for types of safeties, bolt releases, bolt handles, etc. So if you're going to do that much work and change that many components, might as well start with a $300 action than a $2,000 action.

Thanks for the info.

For a bit less $$$, you can spec it out exactly as you want.