For those that can't afford the Rigby Big Game or Heym Express, What's the next best thing?

[Manny R]

I would be interested in buying a LH Dakota Model 76 in 375 or a Winchester Model 70 LH Safari Express 375 in very good to excellent condition. If any one has one willing to sell please let me know.

 

[IvW]

Try classifieds WTB.

 

[Tex .416]

Any idea how I'd get a rifle listed in the states into Canada? Pretty sure I can't buy direct, would likely have to work through a local firearms store.

Contact Border View who handles imports and exports between the US and Canada. It is fairly simple, although slow.

 

[Aaron N]

Any idea how I'd get a rifle listed in the states into Canada? Pretty sure I can't buy direct, would likely have to work through a local firearms store.

Irunguns.com

 

[Northern Shooter]

Irunguns.com

I'm familiar with them but assumed they would only import items they carried on their US site.

Didn't realize you could have them import specific items in stock at other retailers. I'll look into it.

 

[Jim Golden]

460 WBY was recently prohibited here in Canada due to the >10,000J limit our anti gun government has imposed. I don't even a converted rifle would ever be allowed imported into the country.

What a crazy law! Do they think you're going to hunt helicopters with it? Good grief!

 

[Northern Shooter]

What a crazy law! Do they think you're going to hunt helicopters with it? Good grief!

They set out to ban the 50 BMG and "anti material" cartridges. A bunch of big bore DG and ELR cartridges got caught up in the ban due to energy. 460 WBY, 600NE, 700NE, 577 T-Rex, 408 cheytec etc.

 

[Jim Golden]

The actions are VERY similar - Pete Grisel (inventer of the Dakota action and former partner of Don Allen) told me that he was building his version of the M70 CRF action. I would rate the custom-made M70 as equal to the Dakota 76, depending on finish, wood quality and other furnishings.

Kimber, Dakota, or custom Mauser at resale would yield a rifle to be proud of and better than a new factory rifle in almost all cases.

I went with the Model 1917 Enfield on both of my custom builds (one done, one in the shop). I looked at the Granite Mountain Arms actions, and they are really nice. But the Enfields were quite a bit cheaper and do make a nice action once all the machine work is done.

 

[Jim Golden]

I have noticed over the decades of firing heavy recoil rifles the bolt position, length, and size of knob may cause a hard rap on the shooters knuckle. Also no checkering on knob please.

It pained me to do it, but I cut off the swept back bolt handle on my M1917 Enfield and we welded on a straight smooth handle by Talley. I was afraid of getting my finger broken under recoil. Perhaps I made more of it than I should, but the new handle looks really nice. My gun smith, John Myer, did a really nice job. I think my clone looks better than an actual A-Square rifle.

 

[Aaron N]

I'm familiar with them but assumed they would only import items they carried on their US site.

Didn't realize you could have them import specific items in stock at other retailers. I'll look into it.

I’ve used them numerous times for rifles and optics purchased through here

 

[Northern Shooter]

So in terms of current production factory rifles, what compares to the price/build quality of the Dakota 76?

Anything else?

 

[BeeMaa]

So in terms of current production factory rifles, what compares to the price/build quality of the Dakota 76?

Anything else?

I know I'm going to ruffle some feathers here...

The Dakota 76 is not much more than a slicked up Winchester M70 with some nice upgrades. Dakota as a brand was not a full on custom shop although they did make bespoke rifles. They were more of semi-custom option for those with more spare change and willingness to pay for such items.

The early models (prior to ~2004 and the sale to Remington) are generally regarded as higher value items. After that the quality of the rifles went slowly downhill commorsite with the level of mismanagement by leadership. As for the price/build quality that you asked about...it depends on exactly what your expectations are for a particular price point. Only you will be able to make that decision.

I'd be more willing to buy a CZ500 with AHR #2 upgrade done by Wayne for several reasons. First and foremost is Wayne and his knowledge and skill. Second in the integral dovetails in the double square bridge. Third is price where an AHR with #2 upgrade can be had for less than an equivalent caliber, stock and finish of a Dakota 76. Lastly, the animal you are taking is not likely to know the difference between the CZ you have and the Dakota you passed on.

 

[Northern Shooter]

I know I'm going to ruffle some feathers here...

The Dakota 76 is not much more than a slicked up Winchester M70 with some nice upgrades. Dakota as a brand was not a full on custom shop although they did make bespoke rifles. They were more of semi-custom option for those with more spare change and willingness to pay for such items.

The early models (prior to ~2004 and the sale to Remington) are generally regarded as higher value items. After that the quality of the rifles went slowly downhill commorsite with the level of mismanagement by leadership. As for the price/build quality that you asked about...it depends on exactly what your expectations are for a particular price point. Only you will be able to make that decision.

I'd be more willing to buy a CZ500 with AHR #2 upgrade done by Wayne for several reasons. First and foremost is Wayne and his knowledge and skill. Second in the integral dovetails in the double square bridge. Third is price where an AHR with #2 upgrade can be had for less than an equivalent caliber, stock and finish of a Dakota 76. Lastly, the animal you are taking is not likely to know the difference between the CZ you have and the Dakota you passed on.

Thanks for the feedback. I own a CZ550 (375HH) albeit not with any AHR upgrades. Although I'm sure the upgrades make it feel like an entirely new rifle, I don't much like the idea of owning two of the same rifle in my collection. That's just my OCD speaking.

Hoping for something a little different for this purchase.

 

[ay2626]

Thanks for the feedback. I own a CZ550 (375HH) albeit not with any AHR upgrades. Although I'm sure the upgrades make it feel like an entirely new rifle, I don't much like the idea of owning two of the same rifle in my collection. That's just my OCD speaking.

Hoping for something a little different for this purchase.

Sounds like you have your bases covered as far as working rifles go. A lot of good suggestions have been made on rifles that would be in the next tier and available with any upgrade you would be looking for. The question I would ask yourself is it any of the nostalgia or other intangible stuff like that associated with a Rigby that matters in the purchase? If so, no Dakota, AHR, Heym or custom rifle replaces that. If that’s important save up for the Rigby if that could eventually be in your budget. It’s not going to perform any better than other options discussed, nor would the game know the difference, but nothing else will scratch that itch if it is the intangible stuff you are looking for. If that’s not what you’re after save some money and just get something nice that catches your eye.

 

[Jim Golden]

I know I'm going to ruffle some feathers here...

The Dakota 76 is not much more than a slicked up Winchester M70 with some nice upgrades. Dakota as a brand was not a full on custom shop although they did make bespoke rifles. They were more of semi-custom option for those with more spare change and willingness to pay for such items.

The early models (prior to ~2004 and the sale to Remington) are generally regarded as higher value items. After that the quality of the rifles went slowly downhill commorsite with the level of mismanagement by leadership. As for the price/build quality that you asked about...it depends on exactly what your expectations are for a particular price point. Only you will be able to make that decision.

I'd be more willing to buy a CZ500 with AHR #2 upgrade done by Wayne for several reasons. First and foremost is Wayne and his knowledge and skill. Second in the integral dovetails in the double square bridge. Third is price where an AHR with #2 upgrade can be had for less than an equivalent caliber, stock and finish of a Dakota 76. Lastly, the animal you are taking is not likely to know the difference between the CZ you have and the Dakota you passed on.

I really like Model 70 Winchester's. I have a number of them...

 

[RR 314]

Thanks for the feedback. I own a CZ550 (375HH) albeit not with any AHR upgrades. Although I'm sure the upgrades make it feel like an entirely new rifle, I don't much like the idea of owning two of the same rifle in my collection. That's just my OCD speaking.

Hoping for something a little different for this purchase.

Get one of Wayne’s builds without the CZ markings on the action with his 3 position safety. Won’t even know it is a CZ. .

 

[steve white]

A really good gunmaker can duplicate any rifle configuration you want to copy, plus add wood of your choice (or synthetic), custom items like gold barrel bands and engraving, your choice of iron sights and blueprint an action and custom barrel that will outshoot your other rifles FOR LESS MONEY than the prestigious brands. Much can be done under "semi-custom" arrangements if you like an existing rifle to upgrade it. Fine work is fine work--it doesn't have to have a name attached to it.

 

[BeeMaa]

I really like Model 70 Winchester's. I have a number of them...

I hope you didn't misinterpret my comment. I wasn't downplaying the Winchester Model 70, just outlining that there's not much functional difference between one and a Dakota.

 

[Louis Toadvine]

A really good gunmaker can duplicate any rifle configuration you want to copy, plus add wood of your choice (or synthetic), custom items like gold barrel bands and engraving, your choice of iron sights and blueprint an action and custom barrel that will outshoot your other rifles FOR LESS MONEY than the prestigious brands.

I hear/read this a lot on this site and elsewhere. Not doubting it's true in some parts of the world/country, but I must not live there or know the right gunmakers. Every good gunmaker I've personally talked to about putting together a custom or bespoke bolt action (especially one with high grade wood, engraving, or other features you mentioned) has always ballparked me something at or above the price of a new Highland Stalker.

 

[CoElkHunter]

Get one of Wayne’s builds without the CZ markings on the action with his 3 position safety. Won’t even know it is a CZ. .

Somebody mentioned here on a different thread that Rigby used CZ receivers for their rifles when Mauser actions were MIA sometime in the '50s or maybe '60s? Interesting?