Yes, I currently own an M70 in 416 RM. And have had a couple others in 458 WM. Mighty hard to beat for the money. I've never owned a Dakota, so I hope to remedy that one day. But for hunting, I know I'd always end up grabbing one of my stainless and/or sythetic stocked rifles first.
Hi again TOBY458,
Rogerthat and the fellow I mentioned with the temporarily ownership of a Dakota, only made it to Africa once (Zimbabwe).
For that he took his Model 70 in .375 H&H with no complaints.
Regarding stainless / synthetic firearms for hunting, I'm not personally drawn to those but, I have wondered why they never became popular for waterfowl specific shotguns.
My experiences in a duck blind seemed like rain, snow and / or fog were in play when I had my best luck.
Everything got soaked, especially the shotgun.
The hunter can wear a rain suit and the gun metal can be treated with common Vaseline (best product for this job I ever found).
Wood stocks can be removed from the metal and sealed with urethane or similar, prior to duck season.
What a nuisance though.
Here in my home state, weather is often horrible in big game season and stainless / synthetic rifles are mildly popular.
Most Alaskans don't fuss over it much though.
Again, it's not really my thing but, if I did want such a rifle, I'd try to find a now discontinued Model 70 Winchester stainless / synthetic in .375 H&H.
I'd probably want to spray paint the metal to a dull color though.
Those were IMO the best of the water resistant rifles available.
Sounds like you might already have one or two of those in whatever calibers.
If so, good choice.
Cheers,
Velo Dog.
