NEW Dakota Professional Hunter - 450 Rigby Rifle Review

Welcome to Ron Spomer Outdoors! One of the extra special treats about hunting in Africa is when you get to run into different hunters with different firearms and sample and test them out. They're particularly special when you're PH has one because these guys are doing this every day and they have specific needs in their rifles. In today's video, we get to take a look at the NEW Dakota Professional Hunter - 450 Rigby Rifle.
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Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
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Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@wicked650s]

Everyone else is excitedly reviewing the new $600 Ruger American Gen II and Ron is reviewing a $10,000 rifle. 😂

[@InTheYear]

It’s his entire career and life. He’s earned it from decades and decades of writing and being in the business. 🇺🇸

[@Saa45MIV]

Haha a 10k rifle that no one needs.., could buy a zastava m70, Winchester model 70 or a cz 550 and it will be every bit as good as this

[@MrJaimealva]

😂

[@richki.24]

I'm happy with my $350 300wsm rifle ...

[@sterlingduck5402]

That no one needs? Huh. I live in a place where a large chunk of the people own pickups, yet haul nothing but air. So, really they don't need a pickup, especially when a crappy Prius would do just as well. I hear the anti-gun people say we don't need an AR because it has no use but to kill people. So I guess we don't need an AR. We already have 'useful' guns that can defend us, take game, or target shoot. We have a good supply of food at grocery stores, so we don't need to hunt or garden. We can just go to the store (in our crappy little car, not a pickup) and get what we 'need'. One person's need, or want, is none of my business. The PH feels that tool meets his needs. So be it. I applaud Mr Spomer for showing us this rifle. Would I own it? No. Is it better in some ways than many other firearms? Yes, even if I don't "need" it. Showing us such a rifle is showing the craftsmanship and what a professional in his job uses. I'm not anyone who should dictate his "need".

[@paulsimmons5726]

That 450Rby sounds like a deal closer! Rump to neck on a hippo, wow!

[@davelenzi3698]

I didn't realize Dakota was still in the game. That's really cool to see.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

New owners had to change name to Parkwest Arms.

[@Eggomania86]

I've read comments about a lot of you complaining about the price of this rifle. I'm going to put things in perspective for you. First of all this gentlemen is a PH. He needs something reliable and well made. He needs something that's going to perform in the field. Keep in mind a PH is responsible for YOUR SAFETY. Would you want a PH to back you up with something that is a budget tier rifle? Also it's his livelihood. He makes money with said rifle. It will pay for itself. A PH owning a 10k rifle is really no different from a tradesmen or mechanic owing 10k plus worth of tools. He needs said rifle to do his job. Let me ask you this would you want your mechanic, electrician, plumber or contractor to run box store brand tools that could possibly break? Resulting in more downtime or worse injury or causing damage to your property? A PH needs something that works that won't fail him in a life or death situation. A client hunter can get away with running a factory thats of reasonable quality. Just like any tool out there a rifle can break or malfunction. It's not a question of IF it's a question of When. A custom rifle built for a PH is going to be put together with tougher materials and hard use in mind.

[@larrysayers1377]

Always loved those Dakota rifles albeit they are expensive.

[@BabaBlueJay]

Great interview between two experienced hunters.

[@bboness713]

Ron interviews south African white rhino

[@jasonframe5245]

Ron how about a video detailing the Dakota/Parkwest refinements versus a stock model 70.

[@cameronmcandrew9745]

If a man bet his life, his clients life, his family's peace and income on a round and a rifle, I'd imagine I could too. Fine video by two skilled, knowledgeable and humble men. Well done.

[@patrickthorssen1]

Love my 450 Rigby, can't wait to hear what your thoughts are about it. Mine is a CZ550 Safari, bought new several years ago.

[@InTheYear]

Awesome rifle!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

That CZ 550 is a fine CRF rifle.

[@klesmer]

Lucky man. 550"s are gold now. Mine is a 550FS in 6.5 Swede. Had I known some brain-dead bean counter at CZ decided to replace them with the 600, I would have bought every 550 that I could afford. Like so many times in life the son [600] will never fill the shoes of the father [550].5

[@miguelblanco9912]

Thanks so much for everything you do! 😀

[@mistercoloneldoctor]

They also listened to the PH's requests and made the changes to their rifle. Bigger bolt nob, barrel band sling swivels, etc.

[@JoeZelensky]

Some embedded QD points would be the best for sling mount options. And a rail on the bottom for a bipod.

[@open-debate]

Africa is a very special place and I'm super priviledged to call it my home continent ...Gods country indeed !

[@InTheYear]

Awesome content Ron! Thanks for sharing

[@stevensimpson5462]

Had the privilege of shooting with one just recently. Absolute machine of a rifle and quality is really what you'd expect for the price. Such a smooth action and the stock they have really soaks up the recoil but obviously it's not going to make it recoil like a little 308 Would love to have one... I want to need one.

[@JeffreyCotle]

I hunt with Winchesters rifles only. Newer might be better. But they work for me. My newest Winchester is over 50 years old.

[@baumdiggity27]

Can you give us an in depth video on 375 hh for American hunters. Covering barrel length, factory ammo, downloading ammo, bullet selection and how they may act in different shot placements on deer hog and bear. I think a lot of people are wanting the same info who want to go to Africa one day but want to be a one rifle hunter practicing in America for the time being. Hopefully more interest in the states may garner more attention to ammo manufacturers to produce more ammo for 375 in the US. My thought for price is to purchase cheap ppu ammo dump powder and bullets and reload with better powder and bullets since primers are near impossible to find.

[@deifiedStag]

I totally agree with the PH

[@sammartinez8084]

Thank you for the info 🤠👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@woodcrafter76]

I have zero need for a .450 Rigby. I do have a ton of want for a .450 Rigby though.

[@billbennett9537]

Lol, me too brother me too. Something North of .400 cal get me glossy eyed and giddy.

[@richki.24]

Yay for Ron ....

[@TMFShooting]

Great Video Ron 💯💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@nohandle257]

Would love to see this question come up on one of your broadcasts: Does speed kill as effectively or moreso than greater bullet weight given an appropriate caliber for given animal size? I was a patreon sub for a year but I retired and really can't afford it any more. So I'm putting my question here. I DO let your ads run. Reed Scott

[@JamesJones-cx5pk]

I would guess that after 100 years of African hunting they would say weight. The newer all copper bullets should make the bullet lighter and drive deeper while being about the same size.🤔

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thank you for you support, Reed. I've addressed the weight vs speed issue several times. There is no absolute answer, but for stopping big, charging animals such as buffalo, bears, elephant, PHs prefer mass over velocity. 400- to 500-grain bullets at roughly 2,200 fps are standard. They need bullet momentum more than pure energy. That said, a 500-grain bullet to the heart/lungs is usually no more effective a stopper than a 300-gr. or even 100-gr. to the same place. Once the adrenaline is flowing, support structures (major bones) or central nervous system must be hit to stop a charge. I'm a rank amateur with just 3 buffalo and 1 elephant to my credit and none were charging. Single shots did them in. I have noticed that lighter, all copper bullets such as Barnes TSX and Hammer Hunters/Shock Hammers, etc., perform as well as much heavier lead core bullets because they don't lose as much weight during penetration. But the pros almost always prefer the heaviest bullets in their stopping rifles. The client, however, can "deliver the goods" with slightly lighter bullets placed carefully.

[@nohandle257]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors Yes, I have gleaned most of this from your broadcasts. But I'm more interested in the meat of my question as it applies to the majority of animals most of us shoot. I will most likely never shoot an elk or a moose or even a bear, let alone African dangerous game. I shoot deer and hogs and maybe a coyote. I also am recoil sensitive due to an eye problem. So I want to keep the bullet weight down and I'm hoping speed makes up for my situation. I can't remember but I seem to have heard that speed multiplies energy on target to a greater extent than bullet weight and this is what I was seeking hard data about. reed scott

[@regsparkes6507]

Very interesting video Ron, thanks.

[@JeffreyCotle]

Hi Ron. You will laugh at my rifle. I still use my grandpaps 1894 30 wcf. Made in 1909. 26" octagon barrel.itsfilled .my freezer with moose, caribou deer and black bear. Since 1978. If i went to Africa ide use my original 1895 405. Theodore Roosevelt couldn't be wrong. Ide love to shoot a cape bullalo with it. God bless. 😊

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

I'm not laughing, but I'm a bit jealous. How cool to own and hunt with a classic M94 passed down from your grandfather. I'm arranging a few Africa hunts for this spring and next year, at least one of which is buffalo, so let me know if you're interested in joining us. Use the comment section of ronspomeroutdoors.com website to message me.

[@JeffreyCotle]

Ron ide love to come to hunt Africa with you,but ide never be able to afford the hunt. I worked on the North slope oil field for 12 years doing oil exploration. And I made very good wages. But I had to come home after my father passed away. Now I work for the Pennsylvania game commission. I love my job. But it doesn't pay enough for a hunt in africa.thank you for asking. Ill be watching you hunt your channel is awesome.your Pennsylvania buddy Jeff.

[@brettscott7770]

Nice guy nice gun and Cartridge.

[@buckaroobonsi555]

That guy is eating well and pumping some iron for sure. I was about his size in my 20's!

[@buysneil]

No, this is the normal for a South African "boer". They are all huge human beings that are strong as hell.

[@Drivapete]

Maybe Ron should have a disclaimer. Warning: "If you can't afford this rifle , dont watch"!

[@sammy-cf1yo]

No

[@PK-ym4ve]

Another great video!

[@chrisgunsandguitars1403]

Get your hands on the new Savage 334, preferably the walnut version in .243, and give us your thoughts on that!

[@rickstrandberg6398]

Did he say Buffalo with. 270?😮👍🤠

[@scootertrash911]

270 grain bullet I think

[@alexandergolder2678]

Winchester 70 Safari Express ?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

All sling mounts need to convert to the flush-mount QD pockets to the SIDE of the butt and the forend. The sling studs are annoying. They dig into your back, recoil rips up your forward hand, the stud hangs up on bags or bipods.

[@donnysanner342]

These are super nice rifles no doubt , I wonder if my old Winchester model 70 wouldn’t kill just the same. Very pricey , Ron’s a good guy however I think he’s lost the understanding that most of us are stuck with old junky Remingtons and Winchesters.

[@brianhoxworth3881]

This thing looks just like a Winchester model 70 with a synthetic stock. I think you'll be fine.

[@anthonykaiser974]

Ron hasn't lost anything. There's only so many times you can review the basic rifle, especially in a crowded market.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

I've enjoyed many decades of hunting with junky old Remingtons, Winchesters, Savages, Mossbergs, Marlins, Henrys, Rugers, etc., Donny, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate other rifles. Ignoring pricier, higher quality tools just because you can't afford them is to ignore potential. We all have our economic limitations, but can still appreciate and work toward higher quality. And, obviously, plenty of hunters can afford rifles like this or companies like Parkwest Arms wouldn't be in business. I'm guessing there are hunters out there who can't afford your M700s and M70s and insist we report only on H&R break action single shots.

[@rajeevkumarsingh7590]

Nice information 😅

[@mistercoloneldoctor]

The chaps at ParkWest Arms are good people. If you want an all American made high-end rifle, then ParkWest Arms is the place to go. Tell them Jeremiah T sent you!

[@texpatriot8462]

I have always wondered how professional hunters could afford insanely priced rifles.

[@nohandle257]

connections

[@NomenClature-o8s]

It’s their primary tool. Anyone can afford a $10,000 car, right? Whats the difference with a rifle if you’re a professional and using it every day.

[@BrokenBarBox]

@@NomenClature-o8sexcellent point! Most craftsmen and tradesmen have thousands invested in their tools

[@jbradley500]

Mechanics have tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in tools. I don't think this is a whole lot different, especially when you're putting your life on the line.

[@Saa45MIV]

@@NomenClature-o8sdon’t need to spend 10k to get a good bolt gun.

[@GeorgeSemel]

I am wondering if he is related to Walther Kurt von Seydlitz-Kurzbac? As for the rifle, it looks like, with a little tweaking, it will be a good one.

[@lorenzotelleria1858]

QD cups may be better, and even better BOTH

[@buzzbomb67]

When does the 450 Rigby AR upper come out? Asking for a friend… ;)

[@wizardofahhhs759]

Now I know why I've never heard of Dakota rifles. I'd have to sell every gun I own just to buy the barrel.

[@kerrypurcell6022]

a real rifle,,worthy of the name,,not some china made ruger gen 2 as others are reporting,,

[@Kind_Candor]

Yowza!

[@FISHUNTREECOUNTRY]

Similar to the 8400 Montana

[@jasonframe5245]

Is this based on the 76 or 97 action?

[@rickstrandberg6398]

Now I know why the American gun writers are always sniveling about light weight and low recoil! See em next to a real man!😂😂😂

[@robertschweppenhauser9891]

Go doubles they best.

[@raskazonepubgmobile5001]

Can I use cz 22 hornet cocking handle in cz 223 rem ? Someone knows?

[@robbiesmith9786]

What about the 416 ruger

[@JamesJones-cx5pk]

I put a 2 screw sling stud from Tally in the butt of my O/U walnut stock. You chisel out and drill the wood so It sits flush. It looks beautiful and will not twist.👍

[@Heinrich_STG44]

Im assuming the Rifle has a free floated barrel so wouldn't putting a ring on the barrel interfere with the barrel harmonics?

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

For a dangerous game rifle? No. They shoot short distances only, hence the reddot. Couldn't sling that 500g projectile very far anyways, plus they hunt in the bush there...

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

The barrel sling mount would be part of the harmonics, but wouldn't change or ruin them unless the sling were tensioned during the shot (wrapped around forearm, etc.) But hardly matters because a backup or stopping rifle like this is used at spitting distances to perhaps 50 yards. A hunter might take a shot at a buffalo at 100 yards.

[@Heinrich_STG44]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors Thank for explaining my question Ron. I'm a big fan of the channel. Much appreciated.

[@larryh9933]

he wants his ammo back👍

[@adrianw3985]

It would be amazing to hunt Africa, I bet that fellow has amazing stories to tell. Nice rifle. I don't want to be on the bad side of that fellow... Just sayin.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

This man looks like he could slap you right into a coma. You'd break the sound barrier flying against the next wall. 😂

[@Royal-xh8db]

​@@mysterioanonymous3206I was thinking kind of along the lines of "Back To The Future", no fancy cars or electricity required.

[@Blair338RUM]

Essentially an unbelted 460 Wby.

[@PassivePortfolios]

Surprising that such a big bore, hard kicking rifle does not have a muzzle brake.

[@markjohnson206]

This dude sounds like Bane.

[@peetsnort]

When I was a soldier in the sadf in the border war we were not allowed a sling .we had to carry the R1 at the ready for 30km patrols. That modern man calling himself a a hunter is bit soft

[@peetsnort]

The only rife that costs less than a box of 50 cartridges

[@hammerheadms]

Damned KZbin un-subbed me!

[@Peter-od7op]

If u. No how to operate a bolt you never grab the bolt knob

[@charlessmith4242]

* When you're faced with a life threatening situation, you do. A slip of your hand off of the bolt handle is not a good thing, nor is short stroking the bolt.

[@chrisgunsandguitars1403]

So do they put a bolt knob on rifles for no reason? Lol

[@Peter-od7op]

@@chrisgunsandguitars1403 its to use with palm of hand and in winter with a glove smart guy

[@Peter-od7op]

@@charlessmith4242 go to gunblue490 he can show u how

[@vincentnastri7736]

⁠​⁠@@Peter-od7op your wrong. Always grip the bolt , I’ve watched so many palm slip offs it’s untrue! He worked the bolt fine if a little too fast and jerky but it’s a new rifle and he is still probably getting used to it , try doing the Enfield minute with your palm ! And of course when you have a wounded water buffalo charging you ! 🇮🇱🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🌺💪👍

[@keepmahaney7412]

This rifle is hilariously overpriced.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

People with a lot of money have no sense of what things are worth or not - after a while they're totally out of touch. Belts are 500. Wallets for 1k. Wife's handbag is 8k. Cars 200k. Whatever. Those Namibia hunts don't come cheap, if you afford an African hunt 10k aren't making a dent in your wallet. People run around with custom, gold engraved Krieghoffs and they're a whole lot pricier than this... You can easily spend 25k on one of those...

[@mikeinlutz]

Why are you still shooting elephants, Hippos, all these safaris to take endangered animals is so sad, Ron I love your videos nut not this one!

[@NelsonAdvisors]

You do realize that in many parts of Africa, they are not endangered and the license fees are used to protect the animals from poachers? The only reason that there is sustainable populations of these animals is due to the conservationist strategy.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

This other guy is right. Hunters are the only demographic willing to spend big bucks on animals so their proceeds are what makes healthy game populations worthwhile. I know its counter intuitive, but hunters keep these animals economically viable and the profits from the industry pay to keep the poachers away. It's not palatable to the mainstream, but it works very well.

[@ULFISHGETTER]

A 10000 dollar gun with a 200 dollar trash optics on it

[@ronbeckybeasley3566]

It would be sad to take my Ruger American rifle and it out preform that bs rifle. Anyone who pays thousands of dollars for a rifle is just plain dumb.

[@johnkertzman3223]

You just don't have a clue, do you? If you think your Ruger American rifle would be a good choice for hunting dangerous game, then you're the one full of BS!

[@Peter-od7op]

How can these ph not no how to operate a bolt so sad. I would never hunt with this guy

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Peter, perhaps you could open a school in Africa and teach these inexperienced professional hunters how to do things the right way.

[@Peter-od7op]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors you cant teach stupid try operating a bolt like that in winter with gloves on. Gunblue490 has vdo on how to operate a bolt. Ron go watch it even you can learn. We are never to old to learn.

[@pepepepito623]

Ha! White Hunter needs a new rifle. ..

[@roddecker1900]

Is that bolt ONE PIECE? When not cocked can you feel of itwith your thumb? S OPPOSED TO COCKED? can you close bolt on cartridge in chamber? When working bolt att shoulder will your finger fall off bolt right in front of triger? Willyour front sight be one piece with the barrel.hope it has very good mag well spring and follower.seems like 98 well springs consistently work best.🦬🐎probly wont make an african hunt. Not skilled enough to get a tag here. You know my favotite rifle