Dakota 76 280 AI

Rickmt

AH fanatic
Joined
Nov 23, 2017
Messages
903
Reaction score
1,693
Location
Belgrade, MT
Media
92
Hunting reports
Africa
4
Australia/NZ
1
Member of
SCI, NRA
Hunted
SA, NZ, Montana, Maryland , Georgia , Mississippi, USA
If anyone has this rifle sitting in their safe feeling lonely I would be very interested in purchasing your gun . Please pm if you are interested in my offer. Thank you Rick
 
I don't think Dakota made any in this configuration, at least I've not yet seen one. The 280AI wasn't a SAAMI cartridge until the very end of the Dakota era. Anything is possible, but I think the odds of finding any Dakota in this caliber are pretty low, far lower with the requirement of a 76 vs a plastic 97.

Based on the era if you did find the one in a million gun, I'm sure you're aware it will be for the original wildcat loading which is not compatible with factory produced SAAMI ammo which is slightly different.

Just trying to be helpful, you might want to find the nicest, least expensive Dakota 76 that pleases you (e.g. a lower value proprietary Dakota caliber) and send it to Parkwest for a rebarrel to your preferred version of 280AI.

Good luck in your search, please let the forum know if you find one or learn how many were made.
 
Thank you for your wisdom . I did see one here on AH . I have a Dakota 280 and have discovered I really enjoy shooting the caliber. I just spoken to my gunsmith and he is willing to rebarrel my Dakota 30.06 to 280 AI for about $900.00 with a good barrel. Not sure I want to do that. Appreciate your advice again as you have me thinking [emoji848].
 
Yeah, easier to find a 76 and have it re-barreled. .280 AI is a great caliber. Perfect for NA, and just fine for PG in Africa.
 
Wow, the unicorn just appeared!!!
 

Forum statistics

Threads
63,742
Messages
1,402,997
Members
126,775
Latest member
ww88aeorg
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

Thank you for the bookings Gents August is now fully booked!

Updated available dates for 2026!

1-27 feb is open
5-31March is open
1-10 April is open
17-30 April is open
1-6 May is open
24-31 May is open
12-18 June is open
24-30 June is open
1-17 July is open
August is now fully booked
from September onwards is wide open!
1760558427422.png

Flights Booked
Hotel Booked
Booth Booked

We are very excited to come to Salzburg for the first time.
Should you at all have any interest in hunting with me and want to discuss different options please do not hesitate to contact me and we can set something up.
Hyde Hunter wrote on malcome83's profile.
where are you located? I would be happy to help you with you doing the reloading but I will only load for a very few real close friends as posted before liability is the problem. but will help you.
Screenshot 2025-10-09 at 7.53.47 AM.png
A two minute video I made of our recent Safari. I think it turned out well
 
Top