Dakota 76 280 AI

[Rickmt]

If anyone has this rifle sitting in their safe feeling lonely I would be very interested in purchasing your gun . Please pm if you are interested in my offer. Thank you Rick

 

[rookhawk]

I don't think Dakota made any in this configuration, at least I've not yet seen one. The 280AI wasn't a SAAMI cartridge until the very end of the Dakota era. Anything is possible, but I think the odds of finding any Dakota in this caliber are pretty low, far lower with the requirement of a 76 vs a plastic 97.

Based on the era if you did find the one in a million gun, I'm sure you're aware it will be for the original wildcat loading which is not compatible with factory produced SAAMI ammo which is slightly different.

Just trying to be helpful, you might want to find the nicest, least expensive Dakota 76 that pleases you (e.g. a lower value proprietary Dakota caliber) and send it to Parkwest for a rebarrel to your preferred version of 280AI.

Good luck in your search, please let the forum know if you find one or learn how many were made.

 

[Rickmt]

Thank you for your wisdom . I did see one here on AH . I have a Dakota 280 and have discovered I really enjoy shooting the caliber. I just spoken to my gunsmith and he is willing to rebarrel my Dakota 30.06 to 280 AI for about $900.00 with a good barrel. Not sure I want to do that. Appreciate your advice again as you have me thinking .

 

[BryceM]

Yeah, easier to find a 76 and have it re-barreled. .280 AI is a great caliber. Perfect for NA, and just fine for PG in Africa.

 

[The Engineer]

I have an as new Dakota 76 280AI with a stainless steel barrel in almost new condition that I could be convinced to part with.

 

[The Engineer]

I hit send too quickly. The Dakota is the current factory (Factory available ammunition.). I also have a custom pre-64 Winchester in the original 280AI. Great antelope rifle.

If you would like more information, PM me.

 

[WAB]

Wow, the unicorn just appeared!!!