Dakota Model 97 Deluxe Hunter

[ghay]

I'm reluctantly listing this fantastic rifle chambered in 300 Win Mag. Other than being fired a few times it has been an absolute "Safe Queen". Dakota's are my favorite rifles ever and I have owned and hunted with them extensively. I love and admire the incredible craftsmanship, the super smooth actions, three position safety, controlled round feed, the excellent accuracy and of course the stunning wood . I picked this one up a while back intending to take it back to Africa, however when I head over to the thorny area where I hunt, I always end up choosing to take ones that are more "experienced" or impervious to the abuse. I've come to a point where I need to sell some of the good gear that is "gathering dust" in my safe. Common sense dictates that I let this beauty go. It is also listed elsewhere today and priced at...$3900 shipped/insured in the continental US. I also have a couple boxes of good hunting ammo and the necessary dies and bullets I'll let go to a buyer who reloads, for discounted prices.

Note: the Swarovski and rings that are seen in the pictures are not available.

 

[JohnD29]

Nice looking rifle! Would you mind sharing the LOP? Thanks!

 

[ghay]

Thank you. The length of pull is 13.5"

 

[ghay]

Just an update on this rifle. This is a very rare opportunity on an upgraded Dakota. The high caliber wood and the jeweled bolt are a rare find on a Dakota 97. The newly resurrected Dakota company (Parkwest) kept the original Dakota designs intact but at a major increase in price. The few Model 97's you can find in the used rifle forums are the plain, synthetic stocked versions and are significantly less money just as when they were when new.

I purchased this rifle from an ad with a very darkly lit picture and was expecting a rifle I could use this season in Africa without concern for the likelihood of scratching. I thoroughly expected it to be a "well-used" rifle. I was stunned when I opened the box and found a rifle that looked to be virtually brand new! I decided then and there that it was not making a trip to the thorns of the hunting concession I frequent in Zimbabwe. I wouldn't hesitate to hunt with it here in the areas I hunt, but I have a safe full of rifles set up for that purpose.

I'm not really a "collector" and have an overstuffed safe now so I don't typically keep rifles I don't shoot in the field. Due to the rarity, this rifle is certainly a "collectable" item but it is also a fantastic hunting gun. That is why I decided to put it up for sale.

I am lowering the price to $3750 and if it doesn't sell I may actually become a collector

 

[ghay]

I just heard back from Parkwest about the history of this particular rifle:

It was manufactured during the "Don Allen" era 12/04 (even more desirable than later models)
It is stocked with XXX Turkish Walnut and has the optional jeweled bolt.
In the words of the Parkwest employee:
"A model 97 equipped in this fashion is extremely rare and if we were to build this same rifle today it would well exceed $7,000."

 

[ghay]

Update: I know this rifle is priced a bit over lesser equipped 97's but was told that it is warranted. I contacted the premier US Dakota dealer at the suggestion of the team at Parkwest to get an accurate current appraisal of value. The Dakota dealer appraised my rifle at $6,000! I was surprised it was that much but this confirmed what I had been told previously by people who should know.

I am not asking anywhere near that amount since my need is to recover my investment and purchase a rifle I would feel more comfortable hunting in some rough African bush as I stated before. I probably should just keep it as an investment but am more motivated to secure a rifle and get it ready to hunt as soon as possible since my hunt is rapidly approaching.

I plan to stay close to the current price but would listen to offers or trades with quality 300 WM rifles especially ones equipped in the the "African" style.

Thanks for your interest and feel free to contact me with questions or to have a conversation about options.

 

[ghay]

Last call before I sell this rifle to the dealer $3250.

 

[Rickmt]

I will take the Dakota. Send me your address.

 

[Rickmt]

And phone please

 

[ghay]

This rifle is SPF

 

[ghay]

SOLD...Thanks Rick!