Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/433799
S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S 4 2 functional. Each taper, swoop, swell, and curve contributes to the function a hunter needs to fulfill his mission. And look good doing it. The walnut stocks of a typical Dakota turn heads. The XXX and Exhibition Grade stocks can make artists weep. A s with most new products from new companies, early Dakotas suffered a few glitches, mainly questionable accuracy in some rifles. But over the years, with more consistent barrels and better bedding systems, that got fixed, along with a few minor operational and cosmetic glitches. After Don and Norma died, a new shop, new equipment, and new manufacturing techniques improved precision, tightened tolerances, strengthened parts, and reduced production time, but the company suffered under poor management. Fortunately, the dedicated employees—the machinists and stock-makers and finishers who had poured their passions into building and perfecting these rifles—stuck it out until the Freedom Group bought Dakota Arms and invested sufficient funds to clear the backlog, honor commitments, pay debts, and return the company to its well- earned status as one of America's premiere builders of classic, bolt- action hunting rifles. You might say Dakota today is the American equivalent of Rigby or Holland and Holland. Some may take umbrage at that claim, for there are other American firms that build high- end classic rifles, including many custom shops and artisans who turn out spectacular rifles. But few approach the array of styles and original actions that Dakota offers. In addition to the classic Model 76 that launched the company, there is the elegant Model 10 single shot, arguably the finest example of the hammerless Farquharson falling- block style ever built; the lighter, round-body Model 97 bolt-action that retains the controlled round- feed action of the M76 but on a platform that is less expensive to manufacture; the Varminter with a akota's classically styled, fully functional M97 with its Mauser-style, controlled round-feed action is ready for any environment, from sub-arctic snows to tropical swamps. D Nesika precision push-feed action; the mini Sharps that is scaled down to 80 percent the bulk of the original; and the Miller falling block, which is famous for target accuracy. That's an extensive lineup with a greater selection of rifle actions than many, much larger firms now build. Dakota may not match the volume of a Remington, Mossberg, or Savage, but those venerable firms can't match Dakota's quality—or at least haven't chosen to. B ut what might be the future of high-end, classic-style, high-quality bolt actions? Can they compete in today's $500, MOA bolt-action market? When the average, all-American whitetail hunter can fill his freezer and his season with a budget rifle, how does a Dakota rifle compete? How much demand can there be for a high-priced, high-quality hunting rifle in a down economy and a world where wild lands are shrinking and hunting opportunity along with them? Time and markets will ultimately answer those questions, but were I placing bets, I wouldn't bet against a Dakota holding its place. As outdoor adventures become more rare, those lucky enough to indulge in them become more appreciative and more determined to make the most of each experience. They strive to make their connections with the natural world, their tastes of humankind's hunter-gatherer heritage as sweet as possible. Each big game hunt becomes a rare and precious moment. Why share it with just another rifle? As our population marches inexorably toward 11 billion and our natural connections dim behind the mists of history, each hunt will be more treasured, more savored. We will strive to honor and perfect our rituals, and the perfect, classic rifle will likely be part of that perfection.