I currently own a Dakota Model 10 in 25-06 that I purchased years ago from John Wooters. I will put most factory loads in a 3/4" group. I've never worked up a load to try and do better.

While a nice rifle I was wanting a 'sharper" looking single shot.

So I was thinking of either working over the Model 10 with nicer wood case hardening etc. Or maybe looking at a Luxus Model 11 with goodies already on it.

Thoughts?

Paul,
It sounds like you have an excellent rifle with a history behind it. I would tend toward leaving it as is and looking into the Model 11 by Luxus Arms. I have one with 2 barrels and it is one of the most lovely, easy to handle rifles I've ever had the pleasure of owning.

The guys at Luxus Arms are first rate and will treat you fairly. I can testify to that. Plus, the rifle shoots little tiny bug holes. I've not had a chance to get my new barrel out yet but plan on doing so soon.

Good luck in your decision making.

I can second the Luxus. I am very happy with mine. There are photos of several in the single shot forum as well as on the web.

Cliff & Mike I've seen the Lexus on various forums and bought plenty of wood from Luxus. As you say they are great to deal with.

Big issue is do I need another single shot.

Of course you need another single shot; but which one?

quote:

Originally posted by Mike Scott:
Of course you need another single shot; but which one?

I agree with Mike on this one...but I am a bad example. I only have one barrel for my K-95 Stutzen. If it were my Dakota, with the history I have having flow co-pilot for Dakota's founder at Northwest Airlines and you having the Wooters rifle, I would not screw with it.

Buy a Luxus to add to your collection.

quote:

If it were my Dakota, with the history I have having flow co-pilot for Dakota's founder at Northwest Airlines and you having the Wooters rifle,

f224,
I've run myself in this same circle about three times. My heart always agrees with you. Too much history to alter the Dakota. But I do wish it was something other than 25-06.

So now on to the 11. But even more decisions. It will need at least 2 barrels.

Have you considered having the Model 10 rebarreled by Dakota? It would be cheaper than another whole rifle.

Luxus AND another Model 10.

Thanks for the compliments guys.

ramrod, obviously I am the last person to need to chime in on this, but I do so from the perspective of a gun NUT who can actually empathize with your plight here.

I have a gun or two that mean a great deal to me and at the same time I would like to have them altered. For years and years I have felt that way. Never have acted on it. I think in the end it is best to leave them as-is. That is just me.
One of the guns by the way is also a Model 10 Dakota. It has followed me on many hunts for all sorts of game. It is a 270 win. There are things about it that I would do different today. Reason I do not is that it is one of, if not the last, guns that Don Allen actually did the stock work on. I was friends with him, and still speak to Norma, and as some of you know I did some paintings for the Dakota Arms company.
When I planned and built the Model 10 Don knew what I wanted and he told me he was doing the stock work himself. he still liked working with his hands even though he had gotten very sick.

He was a great guy and I cannot bring myself to mess with the gun. So, I leave it as it was when I was so happy about it. I still love the gun and it shoots great.

I am building a Model 11 with two barrels, 300 H&H and 257 Weatherby.
It is my Texas deer rifle and my "go-to" elk rifle for climbing mountains chasing big bulls. Elk hunting is my favorite hunting.

Good luck in your decision!

I really like The looks of both Rifles.Some where down the road I will own a Luxus Mo.11!!!

The Model 10 will stay just like it is. As I said I purchased it from John Wooters about 14 years ago. Bill of sale has caliber etc on it so I don't want to change the barrel. Plus the darn thing is so darn accurate I would hate to mess it up. Do wish it was not a 25-06 seems like I grab the other two rifles I have in 25-06 before I grab it.

I do have a few safe queens that I should get rid of. I do think a Model 10 sitting next to a Modle 11 would look great in the safe.

I do like my model 11. I just need one in a 22 hornet or 221 fireball to go along with my 6BR barrel.

I can also say Adam and the guys at Luxus are first class and great to deal with.I purchase my first with 2 extra barrels and just ordered another in 300 wtby at the Dallas safari show yesterday.Beautiful rifles that are a pleasure to hold

I have to agree with Bobby, Adam and the guys at Luxus are great to deal with!

For the ultimate, Martini & Hagn