Cooper vs Dakota
- Thread starter KDX
- Start date
bearkilr
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nowhere, ......just past the middle
Last time I checked prices, you could buy 2 Coopers for 1 Dakota, so not really a fair comparison.
I've shot a Dakota in 338 WinMag, but never owned one. I have a Cooper Excalibur and it's a really tight, well built gun and very accurate. I can't comment on the wood of Cooper's, but hear it's very nice. The Dakota also had beautiful wood, but it was a $4500US gun.
IMO,the most overpriced gun I've handled/shot so far was a Nosler Custom. Poor accuracy as well on that one, 300WSM. That was when they first came out, I was quite disappointed. Maybe the newer ones are better.
I've shot a Dakota in 338 WinMag, but never owned one. I have a Cooper Excalibur and it's a really tight, well built gun and very accurate. I can't comment on the wood of Cooper's, but hear it's very nice. The Dakota also had beautiful wood, but it was a $4500US gun.
IMO,the most overpriced gun I've handled/shot so far was a Nosler Custom. Poor accuracy as well on that one, 300WSM. That was when they first came out, I was quite disappointed. Maybe the newer ones are better.
Was my last post ever horribly written. Wow.
Sorry; both brands are very nice, but they fill different roles. The Cooper is really a semi-production rifle focused on accuracy using high quality parts. They are tight and precise, with nice wood normally.
The Dakota 76 and the phased out 97 is a custom rifle of a more classic style and in form is strictly a hunting rifle. Accuracy is normally very good, but don't expect the same "focus" as Cooper puts into that. The Nesika Bay tactical/varminter series of Dakota will compete with Cooper, with closer price points. The wood on a Dakota is likely visually more pleasing as that is their MO.
If you are looking for a CRF hunting rifle to brag about: Dakota. If you are looking for a super accurate paper punching deer rifle: Cooper.
Sorry; both brands are very nice, but they fill different roles. The Cooper is really a semi-production rifle focused on accuracy using high quality parts. They are tight and precise, with nice wood normally.
The Dakota 76 and the phased out 97 is a custom rifle of a more classic style and in form is strictly a hunting rifle. Accuracy is normally very good, but don't expect the same "focus" as Cooper puts into that. The Nesika Bay tactical/varminter series of Dakota will compete with Cooper, with closer price points. The wood on a Dakota is likely visually more pleasing as that is their MO.
If you are looking for a CRF hunting rifle to brag about: Dakota. If you are looking for a super accurate paper punching deer rifle: Cooper.
Coopers rock
I own three Coopers with the fourth AND fifth on order
I agree, Cooper has got to be the best production rifle on the market, however, they are somewhat limited in caliber selection. They have lots of cool chamberings but no magnums, short or otherwise. You can upgrade the wood on your cooper until it costs $5000 or more..... if you want to spend dakota type $$. Given the choice of a $1800 sako or $2000 cooper, I would pick the cooper. Remington owns dakota, they don't own Cooper, yet, thats another plus for cooper.
On another note, I have a kimber super america that rates right up there with these nice rifles. The fit and finish, wood, and blueing is all top notch and what a great trigger. Meant to be more of a hunting rifle than a target gun, like the Dakota I guess.
Its nice to see Prophet River carrying in so many Coopers, I rarely seen any in Canada till Clay started advertising on here. My next rifle will be a Cooper in .20 Vartarg, amazing little round and Cooper seem to be the only one chambering this round, in a factory rifle.
Sako 85's are selling for $1600 ( 30-06)and the Cooper Excalibre is $2200 or Jackson $2000. Quite a bit of difference for us working class people. I can buy a McMillan and toss it on my Finnlight for about the same cost as an Excalibre. Mind you if you want a AI calibre Sako does not offer that but they do offer magnums and wsm's that Cooper does not.
If the difference was truly $200 I would jump on a Cooper in a heart beat but sadly that is not the case.
Cheers!!
I have 3 Coopers, 221fireball, 20Vartarg, and a 17 fireball. All 3 are extremely accurate, 3 shots under 1/4'' at 100 yds on a calm day. I also have a Dakota Predator in 6PPC. This gun is about the same price as the Coopers.(around 2000 US) The PPC will also shoot in the 2's and 3's when I do my part, and I have a few 0's and 1's. The Dakota (Nesika Bay) action is much smoother than the Coopers. I can't speak for the other models of the Dakota's as I haven't handled them. Hopefully someday...... Honestly can't go wrong with either make! Have fun!!
New M21 Classic. 223 AI $1699
M52 Classic. 30/06 $1999
Sako 85 Hunter, Blued Wood 30-06 Sprg. 1,799.00 NEW
Sako 85 Bavarian, Wood Stock 30-06 Sprg. 1,925.00 NEW
These are prices from board sponsors. It seems I buy my Coopers in the right place, but I buy my sakos at the wrong place! AND my Cooper will come with FREE shipping and outstanding service, my sako's will not be shipped free and service will be standard.
Well I got a great deal on my Sako 85 Finnlight from Clay and comparing a similar gun in a Cooper, was quite abit more. I dont like wood stocks so I was more looking at rifles of same cal. and similar configuration.
My Sako also comes with free shipping and great service as well.
Cheers!!
