Dakota Predator - using Douglas bbls

[Nomo4me]

I had a chance to look one of these over at First Stop Guns in Rapid City last week. I liked the gun and would spend the $$ but for one thing: Keith says Dakota is now building these guns with Douglas air gauged barrels.

I go back far enough to remember when every fine custom rifle was fitted with a Douglas air gauged. Nowadays, it seems you never see one incorporated into a top drawer build.

The Predator may well be a can't miss value at $2k, but I'd have to think long and hard at buying one given the factory barrel choice.

Thoughts?

 

[pauls]

I've got 2 ( .20 VarTarg & .22 BR ) and they both shoot very, very well. It was my understanding that the barrels were Wilson's, just like Coopers. Mine are very smooth, minimally copper foul, and accurate. The triggers ( Timney, I'm told ) can use some adjusting or replacement ( I'm told a Jewell will fit ). Gun is moderate weight, rides the bags well, and can be carried if necessary.

So, if they're using Douglas now, it would ( at least perceptionally ) be a step up. It would be hard to shoot better than mine does with its barrel.

 

[clowdis]

I've never heard anything bad about a Douglas airgauged barrel. If you'll take the time to look at the tolerances that are held at the factory on these barrels you'll see that almost no-one else does any better. The only difference between Douglas's air gauged barrels and some of the other custom manufacturers is the hand lapping. And frankly, I'm not sure hand lapping improves the tolerances.