Mauser M98 vs. Dakota 76 vs Custom build

[Scott CWO]

I would buy the Dakota Traveler at that price every day if it’s length of pull is close you yours. Get a scope with quick detach mounts for each barrel. If it fits you and in good shape, the $6000 is a great price! Use the .375 H&H barrel until you have your dangerous game animals in the salt and then switch to the .300 H&H barrel for the rest of the safari for plains game.

If not the Dakota, I would do option #2.

 

[Sika98k]

Hilsen fra Irland !The Dakota looks very tempting . Nice combination of calibers. As previously mentioned add a 7x57/275 barrel and you have a great rifle for everything.

 

[Nygaard]

I see, its a nice engraving on that one I have a Kahles Helia 2-10x50 on mine, what will you use on yours?

The Helia was also on my short list, but ended with an Leica Magnus 1.8-12x50

 

[Sika98k]

@nygård just had a look at Velser’s website. Nicely built rifles. Recknagel trigger and safety, Lothar Walther barrel. Starting ai €2499, what’s not to like about those.

 

[Nygaard]

@nygård just had a look at Velser’s website. Nicely built rifles. Recknagel trigger and safety, Lothar Walther barrel. Starting ai €2499, what’s not to like about those.

Yes they are really nice and the customization is pretty much endless. Only catch would be the relative small price gap between a converted surplus M98 and a heavily discounted new M98 Magnum.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

I have a question. Is Waffen Vesler using a standard length Mauser 98 action (which has been opened up)? Or are they using genuine Magnum length actions?

My inclination will be to go for the new Mauser 98 Magnum expert in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, since it uses a true Magnum length action (and not one which has had metal removed from it, in order to accommodate the big .375 round). But you can’t really fault the other two options.

 

[Nygaard]

I have a question. Is Waffen Vesler using a standard length Mauser 98 action (which has been opened up)? Or are they using genuine Magnum length actions?

My inclination will be to go for the new Mauser 98 Magnum expert in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, since it uses a true Magnum length action (and not one which has had metal removed from it, in order to accommodate the big .375 round). But you can’t really fault the other two options.

For the $6300 they are using a modified standard action. They can also build the rifle on a new 98 magnum action, but price will be double then.

That is also why I'm leaning towards the new 98 Magnum, but that Dakota is really something else in my neck of the woods, think it is growing on me

 

[Hunter-Habib]

For the $6300 they are using a modified standard action. They can also build the rifle on a new 98 magnum action, but price will be double then.

That is also why I'm leaning towards the new 98 Magnum, but that Dakota is really something else in my neck of the woods, think it is growing on me

You know the saddest thing in your scenario? All three are such fine choices! I’d confidently go on safari with any three.

 

[Scott CWO]

For the $6300 they are using a modified standard action. They can also build the rifle on a new 98 magnum action, but price will be double then.

That is also why I'm leaning towards the new 98 Magnum, but that Dakota is really something else in my neck of the woods, think it is growing on me

If that’s true about the modified action, definitely would go with the Dakota.

 

[BeeMaa]

If that’s true about the modified action, definitely would go with the Dakota.

Seriously? No one ever went to their grave complaining about how much they regretted getting exactly what they wanted.

If you have what you NEED with your current battery, then get what you truly WANT with this rifle.

 

[Berettaco]

I second @BeeMaa ’s logic

 

[Randy Bo]

Seriously? No one ever went to their grave complaining about how much they regretted getting exactly what they wanted.

If you have what you NEED with your current battery, then get what you truly WANT with this rifle.

+1^^^^^

 

[WAB]

Seriously? No one ever went to their grave complaining about how much they regretted getting exactly what they wanted.

If you have what you NEED with your current battery, then get what you truly WANT with this rifle.

Totally, you should hunt with a rifle you really want to hunt with. And don’t worry about a few scratches as long as they are obtained honestly.

 

[SaintPanzer]

I did a little research, just out of curiosity. Apparently, the Dakota action is based on "the best features of the Mauser and Winchester Model 70 actions".

I won't go looking, because that would be unfair, but if you decide against the Dakota, could you send me a PM as to where you found it? It really is a nice set up.

 

[BeeMaa]

I did a little research, just out of curiosity. Apparently, the Dakota action is based on "the best features of the Mauser and Winchester Model 70 actions".

I won't go looking, because that would be unfair, but if you decide against the Dakota, could you send me a PM as to where you found it? It really is a nice set up.

Yeah, send it to @krish as well...

 

[Nygaard]

I did a little research, just out of curiosity. Apparently, the Dakota action is based on "the best features of the Mauser and Winchester Model 70 actions".
I won't go looking, because that would be unfair, but if you decide against the Dakota, could you send me a PM as to where you found it? It really is a nice set up.

Yes I have found the same information. I had never heard of or seen a Dakota rifle here in Scandinavia, but as I started looking into it, I found the history and design very interesting.

There is a good article on the traveler here https://www.rifleshootermag.com/editorial/dakota-model-76-traveler-review/83503

Thanks for being a gentleman and not go chasing the rifle, I have already received a PM with a similar request, in case I decide not to pursue the Dakota.. You AH guys are truly awesome!

I'm in dialogue with the seller, hopefully we can make the necessary arrangements

 

[Scott CWO]

Seriously? No one ever went to their grave complaining about how much they regretted getting exactly what they wanted.

If you have what you NEED with your current battery, then get what you truly WANT with this rifle.

I’m just saying that with the magnum action doubling the price, I would pick the Dakota, unless unlimited funds are not a problem. The modified action is seen as a negative to some people as well.

 

[Scott CWO]

Yes I have found the same information. I had never heard of or seen a Dakota rifle here in Scandinavia, but as I started looking into it, I found the history and design very interesting.

There is a good article on the traveler here https://www.rifleshootermag.com/editorial/dakota-model-76-traveler-review/83503

Thanks for being a gentleman and not go chasing the rifle, I have already received a PM with a similar request, in case I decide not to pursue the Dakota.. You AH guys are truly awesome!

I'm in dialogue with the seller, hopefully we can make the necessary arrangements

With the importing to Europe issue already being done, it makes the Dakota easy to get. A Dakota rifle from that period is a gem. You would be hard pressed to find many of them in Europe. You can always get a Mauser in Europe another time.

 

[Shako Badhan]

All the prices you have quoted seem great and they are all quality rifles so I don’t think you can go wrong. My two cents having owned a Mauser Magnum and played with a few of the Dakota rifles would be go Mauser. They are factory rifles but still feel a bit, special in the hands.

 

[BeeMaa]

I’m just saying that with the magnum action doubling the price, I would pick the Dakota, unless unlimited funds are not a problem. The modified action is seen as a negative to some people as well.

I can appreciate that and very much see your point.