Dakota 76 actions- Two Thousand dollars!

[lgm270]

Dakota Arms was acquired earlier this year by Remington, but apparently rifles are not being produced.  Brownell's,  however, is selling Dakota 76 bolt actions for Two thousand dollars!  This seems like a lot for an action!   Are they really that much superior to the standard Winchester M-70 or the Montana Rifleman actions?

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=6755/Product/DAKOTA_76_ACTION

[Mikey]

Igm:  I don't know that the Dakota is any better than a M70 Winchester or the Mauser actions made by the Montana Rifleman but I know neither one of the three will probably ever wear out. 

I have a 1946 vintage M70 Target rifle in 06 that now wears a Hart bull barrel and the darn thing weighs a ton - way to heavy for field carry so I am going to have Hart re-contour the barrel to a medium weight field grade and then I'm gonna shoot the snot outta it.  This action is at least 63 y/o and has been shot, and shot and shot, and is still going strong.

My point is that any well made action will, or should, last you for a very long time and that you may be able to save yourself some serious $ by trying one of the others first.  jmtcw.

[mjbgalt]

my personal "i would never pay THAT for a rifle" level is somewhere near $1500.

i think i would buy a NICE custom that i got to build how i wanted it, for that amount.

but i would do it only once, and it would stay with me forever.

however, no way in hay-ell would i pay $2 grand for just the unblued, unfinished receiver.

nuts. it's not worth 4 times your average rifle. it might be twice, so i could see paying $1500 or so.

otherwise, what the heck does it do 4 times better? nothing.

[torpedoman]

It is the name you are paying for. There are fools that wear a rolex when a timex does the same job just as well.

[mannyrock]

  Short Answer: NO.  It's absolutely not worth it.

  The commercial FN Supreme 98 actions (made in the 1950s), and the pre-64 Winchester Model 70 actions, are superb, and could be had in near excellent condition for half (or less) than the Dakota action.

  Frankly, if someone has this kind of money to burn, then I would urge them to  please go to the poorest part of their city, look at all of the little kids who don't have winter coats, and think about spending that extra $1,000 by buying 50 coats or so, and passing them out.

Regards,

Mannyrock

 

 

[lgm270]

Following up on Dakota actions listed on Brownell's:  They do not list the standard (i.e. 30-06) length action, but only short actions and magnum actions.    Is there some reason for discontinuing the most useful and popular version of this action?

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=6755/Product/DAKOTA_76_ACTION

[mjbgalt]

maybe they can build enough regular-length actioned rifles without needing to use brownell's to sell them for them?

[Arizona Jake]

IMHO, they are not worth it. There are much better actions out there (Surgeon, Nesika Bay, etc.) for less money. I you want to build a custom rifle, you are much better off buying a used Winchester M-70 stainless rifle and then taking it to a competent gunsmith for a truing-up and bolt lug lapping.  You may also try re-barreling it to your favirite cartridge. If you buy one of their great barrels, Pac-Nor, will true-up the action, lap the lugs for and install the barrel for another 300 bucks. You will still be way ahead in the cost department.

[billy_56081]

No dought, a Nesika is one heck of a better action and costs less. Total ripoff!

[Tonk]

I know they make those Rolls Royce automobiles but I won't ever be able to purchase one, even if I were to win the Lottery, I would purchase something made in this country called AMERICA. I could care less of those Dakota action cost $5000 dollars a piece, it won't be any better than my FN Mauser actions or my Winchester model 70 actions, I'll stick to my guns on that fact.

[roper]

After Don Allen died 2003 and his wife sold Dakota it started going downhill and their money problems were well known.  Afew years back Dakota purchase the right to the 6ppc so I guess Rem owns them now be interesting to see if they make one.