which would you prefer to own?

[foxhunter]

cooper or Dakota, price is not a consideration.

[Glenn Arner]

I have multiple of each. All in varmint calibers. I have several early Coopers with outstanding wood. Both Coopers and Dakotas are quite accurate from the factory.

In my opinion, the Dakota Predator and Varmint series are one of the best buys.
More polish and finish than a Cooper

[Ricco1949]

If price is not a consideration I would choose a custom.

In fact I would choose a custom in most cases.......rifles are like tools of the trade for me......not presentation pieces.

Don't get me wrong..........I fine looking rifle is something to behold.....but if they a pampered to preserve that fine look without use then they cease to be the tool they were meant to be.

Even a well done blueprinted Rem, pillar-bedded in the stock of choice, and re-barreled with a reamer, and a twist rate that matches the bullet of choice has far more appeal to me than the finest factory rifle....custom shop or not.

[DittoHead]

Normally I'd pick the Cooper, but if price is not a consideration I'd pick a Dakota just to give it a try.

[SmokinJoe]

Would depend on what you are going to build IMO. If it is a cartridge based on the 223 family, I have never seen any other action more perfect for that family of cartridges than the little Dakota. I have 12 Dakota Predator/Varmints and they are by far my favorite rifles, including a number of 1st class customs that hardly ever get shot anymore. Only change I wish Dakota would make is to use true custom quality barrels. The Douglas Premiums are pretty good, but a Krieger would just be sooooo nice. If it is for a 308 bolt size, then I would go custom, like a Defiance or Borden.

[drover]

I prefer the Cooper myself, the lines of the Dakota varminter stock are not as pleasing to me as the Cooper varminter.

drover

[Daryl]

Either would be nice, thanks. Just mail it to me.