Don Allen was a retired airline pilot and master gun stock maker.  In 1986, Don and his wife, Norma, decided to team up with master gunsmith Pete Grisel to build custom bolt action rifles.  The rifles were to take the best features of the Mauser 98 and Winchester Model 70, along with Pete’s improvements, and combine them into a single rifle.  The result was the Dakota Model 76.

The Dakota Model 76 was an instant success for Dakota Arms, Inc.  The quality could only be matched by other manufacturers like Rigby of London or Weatherby.  The Dakota 76 was of the highest quality and accuracy, but it did carry a hefty price tag.  Most American hunters scoffed at the idea of the Dakota 76 because it cost an average of three times more than other American made firearms built for the same purpose.  However, Dakota Arms, Inc. ran a lucrative business for the next fifteen years.

In 2003, Don Allen passed away, and Norma decided to sell the company.  The new owner decided to bring in other product lines to sell under the Dakota Arms name, but business declined.  In 2009, Dakota Arms, Inc. went into bankruptcy.

Remington Arms bought the company out of bankruptcy and decided to revive the brand.  Dakota Arms, Inc. is once again on solid financial footing. The brand is back and producing some of the most beautiful, well-made rifles on the market.  Dakota Arms, Inc. also manufactures ammunition that is perfectly matched to the quality of the rifle.  Current Dakota Arms models include the Model 76, Model 97, Model 10, Varminter, and Sharps. These firearms can be purchased through most gun retailers nationwide.