Every Parkwest Arms’ rifle is a union of disciplined craftsmanship and precise engineering, where time-honored artistry meets modern performance. This quiet confidence defines every stage of construction, from the careful selection of air-cured wood blanks and precision-machined steels to the final pass of polishing and hand checkering. Each rifle is a masterwork, created for those who understand that true quality speaks softly but carries enduring authority. The SD-76 Dark Continent rifle is built for hunters who face the world’s most formidable game with unwavering confidence.
The Model 76 was developed in 1986 by legendary gunsmiths, Don Allen and Pete Grisel, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Carrying that vision forward, the SD-76 Dark Continent Rifle was designed to meet the extreme demands of dangerous game hunting. Today, it stands as a continuation of American rifle making excellence: rugged, elegant, and dependable in every respect. With its balanced configuration, blueprint-fitted action, and hand-selected walnut, the SD-76 Dark Continent Rifle exemplifies the authority and confidence that define Parkwest Arms.
Specs
- Overall length is approximately 45 inches
- Approximate weight 9.5 pounds (caliber and option dependent)
- Each rifle is fully hand polished
- Range sight-in with test target with load data provided
- Ships in a premium hard-shell case
Action
- Available in right-hand and left-handed configurations
- Chromoly steel construction with one-piece bolt design
- Blueprinted from birth for precision that begins at the foundation
- Extended floorplate with inside release
- Drop belly magazine with 4+1 capacity for most calibers
- Matte blue finish
Barrel
- Barrel length is 24 inches
- Premium match-grade chromoly steel barrel, button rifled and selected for the cartridge
- Twist rate matched to bullet weights for optimal accuracy
- Barrel threads individually matched to the receiver within .0005” for a precise fit
- Barrel band included
- Matte blue finish
- Custom barrel options available: manufacturer, contour, length, stainless steel, recessed target crown, and custom chamber dimensions
Stock
- Premium walnut stock with hand-rubbed oil finish
- Custom length of pull; standard is 13 5/8 inches
- Point wrap checkering on fore-end at 23 LPI
- Grip panel checkering at 23 LPI
- Cheekpiece with shadow line
- Ebony fore-end Tip
- Two-screw steel grip cap with engraved stock shield
- Ken Howell swivel stud
- Two cross bolts with ebony plugs
- Mercury recoil reducer
- 1-inch black recoil pad
Sights
- Quarter rib with one standing blade
- Banded hooded front sight with flip-up night bead
- Talley lever lock rings and scope bases
- Color case hardened or matte blue finish
The three position safety is located on the bolt shroud for easy access and is important for several reasons; Rear Position – bolt handle is locked in the down position, firing pin is locked, rifle is safe. Mid-Position – Bolt will operate but firing pin remains locked, “ready position” rifle is safe. Bolt Can be operated safely to unload the rifle or to safely chamber a round if stalking game. Foward Position – Fire! Everyone must follow all standard procedures of firearm safety. Refer to the 10 commandments of gun safety for reference.
True controlled round feed in a bolt action rifle is when the extractor captures the cartridge as it comes out of the magazine thus controlling the cartridge as it goes into the chamber. The cartridge is always held in place “controlled” by either the magazine or the bolt. This was originally developed for the military to assure 100% reliable feeding regardless of position or movement during operation. The cartridge is held in the bolt face by the claw extractor and cannot fall out or become misaligned even if held upside down. This also prevents “short stroking” a cartridge, that is when the bolt is started forward enough to start a cartridge into the chamber, then pulled back “short” of chambering and another round picked up from the magazine. This is most prevalent in “push feed” rifles when operated in a hurry for follow up shots.
The full length claw extractor is simply the most foolproof, 100% reliable method to extract cases from the chamber, with a full .395″ wide extractor “claw” to engage the extractor groove. It will be reliably extract the most stubborn case. In the past cases were subject to swelling or corrosion in the hot, humid conditions found in Africa. Today the weather is the same but cartridge cases are made to a higher quality but still subject to external conditions that could cause sticking. Dirt, deformed bullets or excessive case expansion can effectively disable a rifle if the extractor is not up to the task.
The Mechanical ejector is a spring loaded blade of steel that rides in a relief cut in the bolt, as the bolt is pulled back with the case captured in the “controlled” feed the blade will physically push the case out of the action, the force of ejection depends on the effort of bolt operation. This is another holdover or benefit from military bolt action rifles like the Mauser which provides 100% reliable ejection of fired cases from the action. Plunger style ejectors (on a “push feed” system depend on a spring loaded plunger to push the case clear of the action and sometimes weaken and barely clear the action or worse seize up in the retracted position and provide no ejection. They can even seize in the extended position and not allow bolt to close on the case. There are debates about the effects on accuracy of the constant pressure of the plunger on the case head as opposed to the mechanical ejector which does not contact the case head when in battery.
Yes, email sales@parkwestarms.com for all special requests.
The SD-76 is a flat bottom receiver and is more like the pre-64 model 70 Winchester whereas the model SD-97 is more like a Remington model 700 but with the model 70 safety feeding and trigger systems. The SD-97 is a round body.
All we need to get started on your build is a 50% deposit.
Your firearm will need to be shipped to a licensed FFL.
That will be determined at the time of order. If you have a hunt planned, please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Yes! Let us know what you have in mind.
Yes!