Cooper vs Dakota
While not strictly rimfire I thought some of you may find this interesting. I recently acquired a very early Dakota model 76. I have been interested in these for a long time, but it seems like the wood is usually very plain unless you step up to mega $$$. When this one showed up with really nice lumber plus skeletons I had to grab it. As much as folks complain about the wood grading from Cooper, I think Dakota was completely delusional on most examples that I have seen. Anyway I was very surprised at how closely the stock dimensions and features from the 2 manufacturers match each other.
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
Somebody got it goin on!!!
They may be similar in styling, but I’ve always found Dakotas to be more rakish and appealing to me. There is a 76 .330 Dakota in my coworker’s collection I’m helping him sell. As you pointed out, this one is also early with drop-dead wood. The rumor I heard is Don Allen bought a huge Bastogne tree for a large sum, hoping to find stunning blanks, but the tree, while Bastogne, had the reverse of the desired male/female genetics and was plain as a fence post. This was about the time Dakota started fudging the grading of its wood. Given the source, I tend to believe it.
Whenever I see metal buttplates on modern centerfire rifles, I always think "those aren't going to be shot much". Very nice looking group you have there.
6.5-284, 7mm-08, 223, 22lr the metal butt’s don’t bother me.
Those look beautiful! I prefer a more vertical pistol grip, one of the reasons I've been getting Anschutz .22s.
It's weird to tell a another guy nice wood !!!! 🤑
While not strictly rimfire I thought some of you may find this interesting. I recently acquired a very early Dakota model 76. I have been interested in these for a long time, but it seems like the wood is usually very plain unless you step up to mega $$$. When this one showed up with really nice lumber plus skeletons I had to grab it. As much as folks complain about the wood grading from Cooper, I think Dakota was completely delusional on most examples that I have seen. Anyway I was very surprised at how closely the stock dimensions and features from the 2 manufacturers match each other.
They may be similar in styling, but I’ve always found Dakotas to be more rakish and appealing to me. There is a 76 .330 Dakota in my coworker’s collection I’m helping him sell. As you pointed out, this one is also early with drop-dead wood. The rumor I heard is Don Allen bought a huge Bastogne tree for a large sum, hoping to find stunning blanks, but the tree, while Bastogne, had the reverse of the desired male/female genetics and was plain as a fence post. This was about the time Dakota started fudging the grading of its wood. Given the source, I tend to believe it.
Beautiful examples of art in the form of precision workmanship and high quality materials. Great story concerning the origin of Dakota stock blanks as well.
Uhh.... VA outlaw, considering the OP's Discussion starter and all other replies, I do not see that specific comment anywhere. Does Rimfire Central have minimal age or comedic certification Requirements?
Regards,
Gregg
P.S. Are you actually a Veterans Administration outlaw?
Some very pretty rifles. Shoot them often.
Beautiful rifles, I have been looking for a left hand Cooper or Dokota for a while and will continue to look until I run across one. Again, beautiful guns.
Very nice collection.
I love those checkered butt plates and grip caps!
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
Rimfire Central Firearm Forum
A family friendly forum community dedicated to rimfire firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion of all manner of rimfire pistols, rifles, optics, ammo, gunsmithing, customization, reviews, hunting, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
aztarget
579 Replies
67R/T
515 Replies
Al the Infidel
489 Replies
Recommended Communities
