Anyone know how to date a Dakota 97 Rifle?

[rookhawk]

Trying to figure out the era of Dakota rifles by serial numbers. The scope mounts are different pre and post 2005, for example.

Does anyone know what era a serial #1800 range gun would be?

 

[AES]

Don’t know but also very interested.

 

[sierraone]

Trying to figure out the era of Dakota rifles by serial numbers. The scope mounts are different pre and post 2005, for example.

Does anyone know what era a serial #1800 range gun would be?

Duke McCaa, the owner of Gulf Breeze Firearms was the primary Dakota dealer in the U.S. during the 9 years I lived across Pensacola Bay from him. He is now a primary dealer of Parkwest Arms. Give him a call at 850-932-4867. He was at DSC and I am guessing he was at SCI, so he may not be home yet. If he doesn't know the answer to your question, I am sure he will know someone that does.

 

[baxterb]

James Anderson I believe worked with them back in the day. might give him a shout

 

[freefall]

I hear that flowers and chocolates are a good start to a first date.

 

[sestoppelman]

I hear that flowers and chocolates are a good start to a first date.

You beat me to it! I was going to say, try asking it out.

 

[rookhawk]

You beat me to it! I was going to say, try asking it out.

@sestoppelman and @freefall the most expensive custom Dakota 76 is still the least expensive date you’ll ever have if you’re playing the long game.

 

[rookhawk]

Just to help the next guy that needs a reference, here is what I learned as pertains to model 76 serial numbers. It does not apply to take downs, model 10s, or special editions.

Serial 1080 was in 1987
Serial 1812 was in 1995
Serial 2311 was in 2012

You might wonder, why the hell does it matter? I’ll tell you the biggest why. The Talley Quick-Detach rings that were made by Talley for Dakota were proprietary, they were not the same Talley ring. So to get new Talley Quick Detach Rings from Talley you need to throw the original bases in the trash and buy a new $40 set of bases from Talley and then Talley rings. The bases for Dakota 76 marketed by Talley come in two designs. One design with 6-48 screws and holes, another with 8-40 screws and holes. If your gun was made pre-2005 it gets one type of base, post-2005 another.

So to get Case Colored Low 30mm Dakoat QD rings for my son’s rifle, I had to throw away the existing rings and bases and replace both to Break the proprietary and no-longer-available gotcha. Why Dakota demanded Talley make them proprietary rings instead of standard Talley rings I have no idea.

 

[thi9elsp]

I hear that flowers and chocolates are a good start to a first date.

Then whisper sweet nothings in its action while gently stroking the cheek.