Hello all,

As I am learning more and more about rifle actions I am curious:

I have read numerous times that some people consider the Dakota rifle overvalued. I am only interested in the quality/design of the action itself. Would someone please offer some opinion/insight preferrably by experience concerning this action? It is designed after the pre 64 Winchester, correct? IS the quality of the machining acceptable? Is it forged or cast? Would it require extensive work by a gunsmith to be ready for inletting?

Thanks.

I own the model 97 in 300 Dakota with a synthetic stock. I don't know if the action is forged, I seem to remember seeying somewhere that it is machined from prehardened bar stock. The fit and finish are top notch and the rifle is very accurate. I would not compare the quality of this action with a factory Rem 700 or Win M70, I consider the Dakota a higher quality action and rifle. Are they worth the cost? It is a purely personal choice and it costs a bunch more than those two rifles if you want better!
bigbull

Both Dakota's are very well made actions and can be made into superb custom rifles. They need far less work than most other actions to get them up to snuff. They aren't inexpensive whether they are worth the cost is up to your personal means.................................DJ

IMO the Dakota action was an excellent action, sort of an improved M-70. I don't see how anyone could say they were a poor action. They are a little expensive for a lot of folks I suspect.

Ray,

I was just discussing this with Chic Worthing and he suggested Dakota is on its feet again, financially. With that said, would you buy a Dakota 76 action to be used as the basis of a custom rifle project?

As a followup question, can you tell me how Dakota improved upon the pre 64 Model 70 and does a Dakota 76 action also employ the locking lugs like a Mauser 98?