Dakota Arms Varminter

[AlanF]

How are the Dakota Arms Varminter rifles? Thinking especially those produced 2015-2017. I remember reading about the early rifles (Predator I think they were called) in Small Caliber News and wondered how the later rifles perform. Thank you.

 

[SmokinJoe]

I have 14 of them from over a period of time and all seem to be top quality. As a company, or part of a larger company, their management may be pretty screwed up, but their products seem to be solid. Mine are in calibers from 221FB or 20VT on up to 22-250, all good. Only things I do to them is have the firing pin bushed & reduced to .062, have the ejector removed and filled (not gonna even think about chasing my precious brass), and on the ones that I don't like the triggers replace 'em with Jewells. There are many thousands of prairie dogs sent to their afterlife via my Dakotas. FYI, the bolt work can be done by "carlsbad" or GreTan Rifles, both do outstanding work, carlsbad is probably quicker.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I have one with something like AA grade walnut. It came from the factory with the jewell upgrade. Its a very very nice rifle i cant seem to use because its too pretty.

 

[AlanF]

Thanks for the info.

I have decided to purchase a NIB Varminter in 6mmBR.

Do these rifles take Remington 700-type triggers or is there a model made just for these rifles?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Thanks for the info.

I have decided to purchase a NIB Varminter in 6mmBR.

Do these rifles take Remington 700-type triggers or is there a model made just for these rifles?

Takes remington trigger. The actions are small but the triggers are remington

 

[AlanF]

Takes remington trigger. The actions are small but the triggers are remington

Thank you Dusty.

 

[SmokinJoe]

FWIW, I tried to install a B&A in one of mine with no luck. Jewells seem to work fine as do Rifle Basix, which were factory at one point.

 

[AlanF]

SmokinJoe,

What are the benefits having the firing bushed and reduced to .062"?

 

[SmokinJoe]

It eliminates false signs of pressure on the primer indentation and the smaller pin diameter also reduces the chance of blanking a primer. That is why benchrest actions use that setup.

 

[AlanF]

Any one else with experience with these rifles?

 

[RussellJ]

Any one else with experience with these rifles?

I own a 221FB Predator that I purchased new in 2016. I'm real happy with it, I'm shooting blemished factory Nosler 221FB 40grn HP ammo. It shoots very well, it has a smooth action, exceptional fit & finish. I believe it is balanced better than the front heavy Cooper rifles.

 

[AlanF]

Thanks RussellJ. Sounds great. 221FB is about perfect.

 

[SmokinJoe]

I have 2 in 221FB that are absolute tack drivers which frequently shoot 1/4" 5 shot groups @ 100 yds. They like 40BT best but the V-Max and Varmagedon are almost as good @ 3500 - 3550fps. PD nightmares out to about 350 yds. As far as quality construction, the Dakotas are right up there with the finest customs. It is a real shame that these fine rifles have never been properly marketed.

 

[AlanF]

What bore guide are you guys using with these rifles?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I turned down a lucas to fit.

 

[SmokinJoe]

I use guides from Mike Lucas for pretty much everything. Contact him @

lucasmjb@windstream.net

 

[AlanF]

Thank you. Placed an order with Mike.

 

[AlanF]

Received my rifle yesterday. What a fine rifle!

Do any of you know what trigger they used on the rifles built 2016-2017? I would like to lighten the pull weight.

 

[SmokinJoe]

They used to use Rifle Basix but I would recommend Jewell. I use both, don't use any of the Remington triggers, prefer the Jewell.

 

[AlanF]

I am trying to figure out what trigger is on my rifle. It has an adjustment screw facing down right in front of the trigger. I spoke with the guys at Rifle Basix and they do not recognize it as one of theirs.