Edmhunter,

First of all, welcome to the forum. Lots of good guys and info here.

Best rifle??? Depends on the size of your wallet!

Lots of good ones to chose from: the Dakota you mention makes most lists as does the CRF Model 70 Winchester, most Mausers, the Kimbers are good, and I believe the new 375 Ruger is going to be popular and productive.

Some of it depends on your definition of a DG rifle.....does it start @ 375 or 416 or 458 or etc?

Shoot as many as you can BEFORE you buy. Then buy one, shoot it alot, and have fun. Let us know what you end up with.