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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Big Bore Rifles

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Dakota 76 Safari rilfe..--thoughts??
#225488 - 18/02/13 12:16 PM

Have a good friend getting ready to go back to Africa and points beyond..He is currently looking at buying a Dakota 76 in 375H&H..

Anyone here had any experience with them?? I only know what I have read..which has not always been so flattering...know they had qc issues back some time ago..not sure if that is still the case..

thank you

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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SharpsNitro
.375 member

Reged: 12/08/08
Posts: 729
Loc: Arizona, USA

Re: Dakota 76 Safari rilfe..--thoughts?? [Re: Ripp]
#225495 - 18/02/13 01:39 PM

I've had one for several years, I bought it second hand, it's an early one from the mid-late 80s. It's a very nice rifle and very accurate, my first test load with 300gr Game Kings printed a 3/8" 3-shot group at 100 yards. I wouldn't hesitate to head to Africa with it, that said its currently on consignment at my local shop, I have a custom built 404 that's nearly done that makes it unneeded.

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albertan
.333 member

Reged: 13/06/06
Posts: 432
Loc: Alberta, Canada

Re: Dakota 76 Safari rilfe..--thoughts?? [Re: SharpsNitro]
#225498 - 18/02/13 03:03 PM

They are good rifles Ripp. The only time I have seen problems with them is when someone modified them without having a clue about why they started and what they wanted to accomplish. Just like Remington's, the only ones where the extractor falls out are the ones that were refinished.

Glass bedding, a cross bolt or two, good sights, and a good recoil pad. That is all you need. If he wants nice wood, go for it. Tell your buddy to keep it simple,and he will be happy.

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: Dakota 76 Safari rilfe..--thoughts?? [Re: albertan]
#225519 - 19/02/13 12:27 AM

Thanks for the info..will pass it on ..

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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bonanza
.400 member

Reged: 17/05/04
Posts: 2335
Loc: South Carolina

Re: Dakota 76 Safari rilfe..--thoughts?? [Re: Ripp]
#225525 - 19/02/13 02:58 AM

I own a LH Dakota 76 classic deluxe in .376 Styer made early 2000's. The fit and finish is very good, it feeds and extracts perfectly. The stock is suited for a low mount scope, but needs more drop for iron sights.

I have intentionally jammed it and was able to unjam with a stout pull of the bolt.

I took it to Africa last year for plains game. Took a huge Eland, two shots and one for insurance.

I love mine and plan on keeping it for the rest of my hunting life.

--------------------

"Speak Precisely" G. Gordon Liddy.

"Life is absurd, chaotic and we must define its purpose with our actions" Abert Camus

"I''m the dude playing a dude disguised as another dude."

"Yo! Mr. White"

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DarylS
.700 member

Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27648
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...

Re: Dakota 76 Safari rilfe..--thoughts?? [Re: bonanza]
#225531 - 19/02/13 04:10 AM

I don't know anything about the rifles, beyond that the guys I know with Dakota's say they are of excellent quality. Your rifle's calibre is beyond reproach!

--------------------
Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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albertan
.333 member

Reged: 13/06/06
Posts: 432
Loc: Alberta, Canada

Re: Dakota 76 Safari rilfe..--thoughts?? [Re: DarylS]
#225541 - 19/02/13 07:40 AM

The only draw back to a Dakota rifle is they use MPI fiberglass stocks. Bedding these stocks requires 5 gallons of epoxy to fill the hole. I have one on a tang safety Ruger 77 in 30-06. It has been re-bedded three times. I prefer McMillan to any other brand of synthetic stock. I have played with many, and to me, the McMillan's are the reference standard. This includes HS Precision, Bell and Carlson, and MPI.

The McMillan's have a nice shape and fit, excellent weight distribution, Pachmyer recoil pads, and are tough. Once finished, I have never had to have a gunsmith work on them again.

A properly bedded Dakota with a wood stock is a fine rifle. Glass bedded with two cross bolts, it will hold up for generations.

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