Dakota 76 custom .416 Rigby Magnum. Based on an early Dakota 76 magnum action delivered circa 1990, serial R0820 is an outstanding although unattributed custom rifle. The tapering round-to-octagon 24-inch custom barrel (.690-inch muzzle diameter) has a ramped front sight (brass-beaded blade and flip-up moon sight), sling swivel stud and sculpted quarter rib (one fixed and three folding express leafs marked 25/50/75/100, each with a gold sighting line). Features include a jeweled bolt body and extractor, three-position safety, blended bolt release and a drop box magazine. STOCK: Sculpted from a stout English walnut blank with bold highlights and proper directional figure, appointments include an ebony forend tip, borderless wrap checkering, crossbolt, scalloped cheek rest with shadow line, steel grip cap, toe line stud and a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. ENGRAVING: Ramp, rib, muzzle, shank and knob are dressed with a delicate leafy vine. Caliber is engraved on barrel left. As with the balance of custom work, engraving is unsigned. MOUNTS: EAW quick release mounts (1-inch meduim rings) are attached. CAPACITY: Four plus one, the extractor “snapping over” the fifth round. Feeding/extraction/ejection are each positive and smooth. DIMENSIONS: Weight (inclusive of mounts) is 9.2 pounds and length-of-pull is 13.65 inches. CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Mechanics are solid. Metal finish (polished blue) is approximately 97 percent with a few trace pinpricks along the ramp and rib. Wood (hand-rubbed oil finish) is at least 95 percent with a scattering of minor impressions. OBSERVATION: The proper “between-the-hands” balance, slim forearm and open grip combine to create a high degree of natural pointability. The rifle comes quickly to target and then locks into position – rare but most certainly ideal for the purpose intended.