Dakato Arms 76 or Winchester m70 Supergrade

[PostmanPat]

Interested to hear opinions form people that have used/handled either or both. Searching for a classic style rifle and amongst my OCD searching turning up many options, I have a friend that might be able to help me bring something back form the states. The 76 is about twice the price of the 70, and from the pictures I would actually say the blueing on the 70 looks a lot nicer. But I have never had the opportunity to see them in the flesh. I like the wood & blue, CRF combo.

For anyone interested the other kind of things currently in the running:

1. Used Sako 85 Deluxe
2. Used Shultz Ambassador
3. Buying something CRF at auction - Mauser, TTP, maybe even anything from an old Rigby to just a Parker Hale - and spend a load of time and effort doing it up (although if I do this I may well want a more 'workhorse' rifle alongside it)

 

[1894]

The 76 is lovely however it will fire without the bolt being in battery (ie locked down)
Thusly if you have a round loaded, decide to extract it then if something happens to the shroud as you do this eg knock it or somehow otherwise rotate it then the firing pin can go forward.
As it’s a CRF this could result in the round firing. The case being unsupported will rupture and you may be injured.
The chances are vanishingly small but it did happen to a friend of mine. Ringing ears and a couple of bits of brass in the hand was all.
I’d still have one but be aware

 

[BWH]

The Dakota is a better quality rifle, but the only thing i dont like is the bolt release. It looks neat but is not sprung and if flipped open can leave you holding the bolt separate to teh rifle! I have a couple of Win 70 but the quality is average. The older american built one is better than the portugese made one. It is expensive importing from the US....

 

[Covert]

Kimber 84 classic ?

 

[West5575]

The Dakota is a better quality rifle, but the only thing i dont like is the bolt release. It looks neat but is not sprung and if flipped open can leave you holding the bolt separate to teh rifle! I have a couple of Win 70 but the quality is average. The older american built one is better than the portugese made one. It is expensive importing from the US....

I have a featherweight Portugal made and I think it’s quite well made. Obviously not at the level of a rifle twice its price but it is well built imo. The action is very smooth and I can’t find any flaws with finish or fit. I have heard however that it is hit or miss with current production from Portugal. But I have also heard the last US made ones were on the decline as well. I suppose it is what it is for a modern production rifle.

If you could find a nice cz 550 you could have it smoothed up and that would make a fine rifle. I like mine in 6.5 Swede. Planning on having the action smoothed a bit. For comparison my model 70 looks and feels better finished from factory.