Dakota Model 76 338 Cal

[Manny R]

I have a question for the most knowledgeable on this forum. I recently purchased a Dakota Model 76 338Cal rifle. I sent it to Edwards for a Recoil Reducer so right now it is not in front of me.
My question is I am going to purchase a Cotton Rifle Strap 1.5" width from Trader Keith. they have 2 sized 1'' or 3/4" swivels. Does anyone know which Dakota swivel fits the Model 76.
The reason I am going with cotton instead of leather is the humidity in Africa. I think cotton will hold up much better in the Africa climate.

 

[uplander01]

The 1" or 3/4" refers to the leather piece of that sling that connects the sling swivel. Trader Keith makes 2 different sized leather connectors. Pick which size you like, they will work on the gun as that is a standard swivel size. Just jumped over to their site, I would call and buy your sling swivels from them and he'll get you set up with the right pair of sling swivels, you have to install them on the sling. I would go with 1" personally, or call Murray Leather and guy one of their slings, with HD swivels, it will last a lifetime and the size slides easily so you don't have a bunch of sling bunching up in your gun case.

 

[Manny R]

A BIG THANK YOU !!!
I love this site.

 

[Louis Toadvine]

I think the question you're wanting to ask is which type of swivel fits the Dakota: American or European. I've never owned a Dakota so I can't say with certainty, but I imagine they take the American style swivel. The difference between the two has to do with the width of the swivel stud on the rifle. A European stud is slightly narrower, I believe.

As uplander01 said, the 1" or 3/4" refers to the leather end of the sling that will loop through the swivel. If you're ordering the Trader Keith Cotton Rifle Strap, the ends of it can be 1" or 3/4". The 1.5" in the description describes the width of the sling's middle, not the ends.

 

[Manny R]

OK I will call Trader Keith and order the 1" swivel connectors and let them know it is for an American Rifle. I will also ask him to install the swivels so all I have to do is connect them to the rifle and I am set.
Thanks for all your help.

 

[Louis Toadvine]

"Installing" the swivels on the Cotton Rifle Strap is akin to tightening a belt (there are notches and a prong that fix the leather end of the sling around the swivel). If you can put on pants you can probably attach the sling to the swivels.

 

[Manny R]

I am smiling ...I just wish to make sure everything fits the first time. I am ordering the 1" Swivels to fit on the rifle Strap

 

[rookhawk]

Everyone is correct.

2nd part of the puzzle, a Dakota is an American gun and uses an American swivel. For example, an Uncle Mikes or anything like it.

Only guns like Heyms and other German and Ferlach guns use the $50+ a pair European sling swivels made by EAW. Everybody else gets away with a $10 off the shelf swivel.

 

[Nevada Mike]

My Dakota 76 has 1" American style quick release swivels. I also have several rifles that wear Trader Keith's canvas web slings - I like them better than leather slings. Lighter and more comfaortable on the shoulder.

 

[YancyW]

I am not suggesting you change anything you have done, but I have a Dakota 76 with the narrower swivel stud hole. All my other Dakotas use the American style, it just depends on how they were ordered at the time they were built.