Luxus Model 11

[Clay M]

Went by a Cabela's store this weekend. I always head to the gun library first thing.
They always have something I want but can't afford.
Saw a Luxus Model 11 in .30/06.It was very beautiful. At $3000 , it should be, and is.
Very nice Turkish Walnut,and Charcoal Bone case coloring. If I had $3000 that I didn't need, I would have been very tempted by it.

http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2012/3/13/luxus-arms-model-11-review/

[timspawn]

They are beautiful rifles. I have never seen one in person.

[Clay M]

If I had $3000 to spend I would no doubt build a custom target rifle in 6.5X47 Lapua.After all, I am a shooter, but the Luxus is an amazing rifle that I appreciate.

[gnoahhh]

Yes, I too am impressed with the wood and workmanship of those beautiful rifles. I just don't care for the big old cocking lever on the side. If I were to spring for a new luxury single shot right now (and I am kind of looking, with a big wad of "found" money burning a hole in my pocket), I'm afraid I would have to opt for a Dakota, probably in .22 Hornet, for the same kind of money, give or take.

[Clay M]

Yes, I too am impressed with the wood and workmanship of those beautiful rifles. I just don't care for the big old cocking lever on the side. If I were to spring for a new luxury single shot right now (and I am kind of looking, with a big wad of "found" money burning a hole in my pocket), I'm afraid I would have to opt for a Dakota, probably in .22 Hornet, for the same kind of money, give or take.

I agree, the Dakota would be the top choice. I believe Miller makes the actions for those rifles.
Choosing the caliber would be the hardest part. I would probably go with the .270 win or .30/06

http://www.dakotaarms.com/model10.html

After doing some research , there seems to be problems with the Dakota company.

[Tatume]

Dakota owns and makes the Miller.

[Clay M]

Dakota owns and makes the Miller.

From what I have read , Dakota has had some financial issues ,so I would be wary of dealing with them.

[tonyjones]

The last time I checked, Dakota was/is owned by Cerberus, the same ownership as Remington, and is managed by Remington personnel. The plant is in Sturgis, SD and the employees are all old Dakota hands. Call one of Dakota's dealers (Gulf Breeze Firearms, First Stop Guns, Hendershots) for an update on Dakota. Also, the last time I checked, the entry point on a Dakota Model 10 is a hair under $5k before, case colors, wood upgrades, etc. IMHO the Model 10 action is superior to the Luxus by a wide margin. TJ

[Clay M]

The last time I checked, Dakota was/is owned by Cerberus, the same ownership as Remington, and is managed by Remington personnel. The plant is in Sturgis, SD and the employees are all old Dakota hands. Call one of Dakota's dealers (Gulf Breeze Firearms, First Stop Guns, Hendershots) for an update on Dakota. Also, the last time I checked, the entry point on a Dakota Model 10 is a hair under $5k before, case colors, wood upgrades, etc. IMHO the Model 10 action is superior to the Luxus by a wide margin. TJ

When the original owner died I read they went through some problems. It is good to know that they got it straightened out now. I was in their shop back in 2004.Everything was going well back then.

I agree , the Miller action would be superior to any other modern falling block single shot action.
I can't find any information on Kyle Miller at this time. His shop was in St Onge South Dakota.
Then he went to work of Dakota.

[tonyjones]

IIRC, Dakota was founded by Don Allen (spelling?), an amateur gunsmith and retired Northwest Airlines pilot. I do not use amateur in a negative sense as Don was an accomplished stock maker and owned an impressive collection of stock blanks. Upon Don's death the company was sold to Charlie (I forget his last name). Charlie took Dakota Arms into bankruptcy. A lot of Dakota's suppliers took a haircut. The second time Charlie ran Dakota Arms into the ground Cerberus bought the company. Cerberus/Remington had the good sense to keep Dakota Arms production in Sturgis and to keep Dakota's shop employees on the payroll.

The Model 10 was created by Don Allen and Ward Dobler, one of the early Dakota employees. I last spoke with Ward, currently Operations Manager of Dakota Arms, a year or two ago. As far as I know, Ward is still at Dakota Arms. Other than my own financial limitations, I have no reservations about purchasing another Dakota rifle. TJ

[tonyjones]

The Model 10 and Miller actions are not the same. I am not that familiar with the Miller and do not have an opinion as to it's superiority. TJ

[Clay M]

Kyle Miller worked for Dakota for a while . He sold them the rights to his action for exchange for stock in the company. Something bad went wrong in the relationship. The Miller action is one of the best.
Wish I had bought one when I had the chance. I would chamber a rifle in either .32 Miller short, or the 6mm BR.