Dakota 76

Dakota Arms Inc. · Rifle · Discontinued · 1987

Also known as: Dakota Arms Model 76, Model 76

Overview

The Dakota 76 is a premium American custom bolt-action rifle built by Dakota Arms of Sturgis, South Dakota. Its controlled-round-feed action combines the best features of the pre-64 Winchester Model 70 with a Mauser M98-type claw extractor, milled from a solid block of pre-hardened steel. Fitted with a hand-figured English walnut stock, hinged floorplate, and a button-rifled barrel, the Model 76 is regarded as one of the finest sporting rifles ever produced, offered in chamberings from .30-06 Springfield up to dangerous-game cartridges.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3544 g (125.0 oz)
Overall Length1118 mm (44.02")
Barrel Length584 mm (22.99")
Action TypeBolt Action
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity4 rounds
Magazine TypeFixed Box
Muzzle Velocity880 m/s (2887 fps)
Muzzle Energy3764 J (2776 ft·lbf)
Effective Range500 m (547 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist254 mm (10.00")
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Production

Production years: 1987-2020

Low-volume hand-built production; succeeded by the Parkwest Arms SD-76 after Dakota Arms' assets changed hands

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Don Allen and Pete Grisel

Discontinued: 2020

Notes

Manufactured from 1987 to 2020 in Classic, Safari, African, Alpine, Varmint, and Traveler (takedown) grades. After Dakota Arms changed ownership the design continued as the Parkwest Arms SD-76.

Background

Dakota Arms was founded in 1986 by stockmaker Don Allen and his wife Norma alongside custom gunsmith Pete Grisel, who set out to design the ideal controlled-feed bolt action by blending the pre-64 Winchester Model 70 with the Mauser M98.