To fill the gap between my 7x64 and my .458 Lott, I am thinking about building a .338 Winchester on a single shot action. The two actions I am looking at are the Dakota No. 10 and the Hagen.

What are the opinions/experiences of those of you who have actually built guns on or used/shot rifles built on either of these actions.

Dave

I've never seen the Hagen in person. I own a Model 10 rifle and love the action. It is smooth, the trigger breaks cleanly at around 3# from the factory. The rifle is a 25-06 and will shoot most premium factory ammo within an inch at 100.

The February issue of Accurate Rifle had a Hagn single shot on the cover, and an article inside. They are a beautiful action, and I think much nicer then the Dakota 10 (which itself is no ugly duckling). - Dan

Is it true the Dakota's have had ejector problems?

I've shot two factory built Dakota M10 rifles owned by a friend. Very petite, almost dainty. Both were mechanically excellent. I can't really comment on the ejection problems mentioned by Jim as both of these rifles were chambered in rimmed cartridges, a 7X65R and .22 Hornet. I like the design of the lever on the Hagn (I've handled them but never shot a rifle based on one) a little better. That's just a subjective observation.

I've handled both but I haven't owned either. I spent a lot of time at the Reno show talking to Ralf Martini (the machinist & metalsmith who builds the Hagn) and examining his rifle and actions. If I were building a high end single shot, the Hagn would definitely be the action of choice. Better yet, I'd have Martini & Hagn build it for me. See the most recent issue of Accurate Rifle.

I have never even looked closely at the Dakota but am quite familiar with the Hagn action.
In essence the Dakota is an example of modern machining while the Hagn is an example of manual craftsmanship.
At this time, the Hagn actions are made entirely by the use of manual machinery. The fitting of the breech blocks is done by hand with files and scrapers and takes 3-4 hours for that operation alone. Everything is flat and square and it is that way thanks to careful workmanship. There are few gunmakers in the world who do as much hand work and at this skill level.
The trigger mechanism of the Hagn has always impressed me. It is simple, well designed and works.
All in all, I think these actions are unmatched as a demonstration of real craftsmanship and would be my first choice. Regards, Bill.