'DAKOTA' revolver

[Will Pluggum]

I've got a line on a Dakota Marshal SAA .357 mag for $250.  It's in like new condition but I suspect it is an older import made by Armi San Marcos.  I already know I would have to change the trigger/hammer springs to make it reliable.  Anybody got any comments on these guns? 

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Howdy Will,

Why would you have to change the springs?  The Dakota has been a decent performing pistol for quite a few years.  It has (as I recollect) been the name for the basic pistol offered by EMF.  They do some cost cutting in terms of finish, but the mechanics are generally good. 

My only "advice" is to remember that a gun you pay $250 to buy may only sell for $200 and take a while as well.  Sometimes beginners best served with main street gun choices.

Adios,

[Cheyenne]

"Older" ASM guns rarely need springs changed to make them reliable, that started when AWA bought into ASM and started using lightened mainsprings to give them that oft touted "Factory Action" job.....problem was the springs were too light for reliable ignition.

I have a pair of ASM's made for EMF that I've had over 10 years and never done anything to them, though I'm thinking of working over the actions and using Wolff springs, just to make them 'feel
' better.

If it's in good shape, and you like it, get it and shoot it at least 200 rounds before you decide it 'needs' anything.  In that amount of shooting you'll be able to identify any probelm areas if they exist.

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[Will Pluggum]

Howdy fellas...The changing the springs came from a discussion with a owner of an older Dakota.  He said his hammer spring broke twice.  He finally put colt springs in and no more problems.  Said it was a tight, good shooter and was very happy with his.  As for stickin to main stream guns, my war chest is so empty it don't hardly rattle when you shake it.  Im shopping for used bargins but trying to avoid junk or problem pistols.  Later on I can move up.  $250 is managable.
CHEYENNE...your report on your good luck with your ASM Dakota is reassuring.  I will shoot it until it breaks.  Just don't want it to happen midway thru a stage!

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Will,

If Cheyenne says it, it must be true.  He knows the CAS gun business like the back of his hand.  He's top notch.

Adios,

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Unless he's talking bad about me.. Somehow the man has a forked tongue when it comes to telling a few stories.  

[Will Pluggum]

Dang, every cowboy knows that a story ain't nearly as good as it could be unless ya add a little here and add a little there, kinda pump it up sum!!!!

[RRio]

Will,
I have a New Dakota by EMF. Uberti made .45, and very dependable and accurate. Usally a lot of folks set up on the tables at Rio Salado before we have a shoot. I have seen some really good buys. Gonna send ya email.

[Will Pluggum]

Thanks Rio, do appreciate it, but I've decided to go .357 all the way.  One reason is I don't reload and I can get .38sp 158 gn  for $5.80 a box. (www.ammodirect.com)  Another is I've been a fan of the .357mag  for many, many years.
I shot at Reo Salado in the Fri nite mini-match and went back Sat to see what was for sale.  It was late afternoon when I got there and all the good deals were done,  only thing out for sale was Colt SAA's.  To para-phrase an old joke,  I have a Colt SAA appetite but  a used Uberti wallet!

[Cheyenne]

Well, thar was this one time Hext went and registered to shoot Ladies Duelist, him bein' a gamer an' all, and well folks just thought "Hextina" was an Aggie gal......

[Will Pluggum]

Well, thar was this one time Hext went and registered to shoot Ladies Duelist, him bein' a gamer an' all, and well folks just thought "Hextina" was an Aggie gal......

hmmmm.... watch out fer the the bearded lady, she's a purty good shooter.....