Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Dakota Arms M76 - Opinions

"Might" good grief Rev that's another good choice. Almost as good as the Leopold 1x-4x.

That shirt works for me.

It would be a nice rifle to own but it's a lot of money and I would actually use a 308 NULA a lot more.

I owned two, one was a 76 that I bought used it was an early gun in 270 and I commissioned a No 10 single shot, I had no real issues with either, the 270 I paid less than 1500 out the door for at the time and I got a good deal of money for it when i sold it, I kind of regret that now but its water under the bridge! When I had the Number 10 done Norma was calling the shots and it was not very pleasant at times. These days I shoot an R-93 Blaser and if I was to do one again, I would just have Mel make me a Model 20 in 250-3000 plenty for the deer I shoot here in CT thou a 243 would be a better choice just for ammo- but heck I would stuff my own so who cares and in CT its the way to go hand loading these days till they decide that is a threat too!

Here's my 76 Alpine 250-3000. Three grand at Cabelas when I got it, complete with peep sight and 3-9 Diavari scope. Very happy with it, and accuracy is excellent. Light, easy to carry all day, and easy to look at when there are no deer to see.

This is my Dakota 76 that Don made for me a few years before he died. I provided the blank of English walnut. Its chambered for the .257 Weatherby cartridge and it shoots very well.

That is SO c,lose to my second .338WM in wood, setup and everything, that they could be from the same tree!

However, being a cold, blunt and practical geezer, both of my wooden Dakota stocks are in storage and "glass handles" are on them. BC is WET.

If you ever decide to sell that, I'd be interested. That would make me hunt with a wood stock again.

Bob,

Does a <$2K pre-war M70 270 (sorry) qualify?

Ed that's exactly what I'm asking about. So does my Len Brownell M70.

Still I think the Dakota is a pretty damned nice rifle. Have to admit I have seen some lately I wouldn't mind having.

WOW! just WOW!

Mike,

Lots of interesting ideas here. If I were dropping that kind of dough, I'd be inclined to go with a nice 98 of some sort or a pre-64. The part that would scare me at this point, is whether or not I would live long enough to see the project completed. From what I've read, a lot of custom smiths are pretty casual about delivery. That alone might be a point in favor of the Dakota.

On the other hand, there's something appealing about taking a faithful friend like your Zastava and "rewarding" it with a high-class makeover.

Congratulations on choosing a wife with whom you can discuss an $8000 rifle. She must be a peach.

"Congratulations on choosing a wife with whom you can discuss an $8000 rifle. She must be a peach."

One of the more telling and insightful comments I've read on this site. I strongly second it.

Yep, agree with that.

I could see the Rev. pulling off a smoke and mirrors maneuver with the Bishop...

But, that's hard to do with a wife. Either she's an angel or he's the slickest used car salesman on the planet...

BTW, Rev, I do like the shirt...

DF

Absolutely gorgeous rifle!

got a 76 in 270 new in 1997 on a store closing deal, $1595. hunted it hard since shooting many deer and 1 black bear. very satisfied in all respects--even shoots to virtually same POI w various bullet weights. but i find myself liking my Cooper 54 in 260 at least as much for less than half at current prices.

Everytime, I look at a Dakota 76, even the best, I think about a Sterling Davenport Custom and how it bests the Dakota every single time.

Mine is from 1996. One of only a few that they machined the receiver and installed a Jewell trigger in. 375 H&H and will pretty much put them in one hole at 100 yards from the bench. Loves the 270 tsx at a shade over 2700 fps. The Dakota has a very slick action and is a dream to shoot. The stock design and the way it feels when you shoulder it is a major reason I like it so much. Add that feel with the accuracy I get from my Dakotas and they are tough to beat! One of my absolute favorites! Buy you one if you want. You wont be sorry.

I expect my peach probably has her eye on a new Durango Citadel just to even things up.

Very nice!

Loony Logic doesn't have a prayer when pitted against Feminine Wiles!