Dakota Model 76 African
Dakota Arms Inc. · Rifle · Limited Production · 1988
Also known as: Dakota 76 African, Model 76 African Grade, Dakota Arms M76 African
Overview
The Dakota Model 76 African is a controlled-round-feed bolt-action rifle built by Dakota Arms of Sturgis, South Dakota, as the flagship dangerous-game grade of the Model 76 line. Chambered here in .416 Rigby, it pairs a magnum-length action derived from the Mauser 98 and pre-64 Winchester Model 70 with a Model 70-type three-position safety, a hinged drop-box straddle-floorplate magazine, quarter-rib express sights, a banded hooded front sight, twin recoil crossbolts, and a figured European walnut stock with an ebony forend tip. It is intended for the largest African plains and thick-skinned dangerous game.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4400 g (155.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1156 mm (45.51") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 730 m/s (2395 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6900 J (5089 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 419 mm (16.50") |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .416 Rigby · primary — also known as 416 Rigby, 10.6x74mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Safety
- Features: Controlled Round Feed, Mauser Claw Extractor, Quarter Rib Express Sights, Banded Hooded Front Sight, Drop Box Straddle Floorplate Magazine, Twin Recoil Crossbolts, Ebony Forend Tip
Base model
Production
Production years: 1988–present
Hand-built in limited numbers to order at Dakota Arms' Sturgis, South Dakota workshop.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Don Allen, Pete Grisel
Notes
African-grade features include a shadow-line cheekpiece, wrap checkering, and a mercury recoil reducer. Also offered in other big-bore chamberings such as .375 H&H, .404 Jeffery, .416 Remington, .450 Dakota and .458 Lott.
Background
Dakota Arms was founded in 1986 by stockmaker Don Allen and his wife Norma with the goal of building an American 'best-quality' bolt rifle to rival Rigby and Holland & Holland. The Model 76 African became the house dangerous-game rifle, favored by professional hunters chambering it in cartridges up to .450 Dakota.