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Can anyone shed some light on the Dakota Arms Legend (Legacy?) sxs model (roundbody with 50% engraving) that Dakota Arms sold? Were these guns made by Ferlib and imported or was there some other relationship in place?

Thanks in advance, Doverham

Doverham:

Posed your question to Ivano Tanfoglio, ex-Ferlib owner.
Response, slightly edited for clarity.

"That's a one million dollar question!
As Ferlib I did several side by side (20?) as Legend or Premier models.
This when my friend Don Allen was alive, then with {new} ownership we almost immediately stop the relationship because he was buying guns as Legend or Premier from other guns makers, different quality, different price of buying. same price on retail...."

So the answer is murky, like much in the gun trade, but at least a few Ferlib made Dakotas exist. The example I recall seeing (Ferlib) was very nice.

Hope this helps.

I know Siace made some SXS guns for them. I owned a Superlight made by them in 28GA and it was very nice.

I believe the majority were made by Siace! They even made a few marked--Ithaca Classic Doubles--that was the same exact gun made by Siace. Steve L. was exploring a relationship with Dakota when his NY operation was ending.

Agree with Gerry and Bill. The Dakota Superlights I've seen have been SIACE-made guns. Bill, was SIACE the supplier when Steve was having his guns made in Italy, or did they come from more than one source? Did not know of the SIACE/ICD relationship, but the only ICD I've owned was one of the later guns, after he'd given up on the Italians.

That is a big help, Vic - thanks so much for contacting Mr. Tanfoglio. The gun in question is stated to be a Ferlib, and not a SIACE, but that point remains to be confirmed. Based on my marginally educated eye it looks like a Ferlib and not a SIACE. Too bad it is not a Prince sidelever - that is a gun that never seems to come to market.

Larry---no--Siace has nothing to do with the original Italian made parts for the 1st group of ICD guns. They were the 470xxx serial numbered guns. The final run of guns--those with serial numbers 471000 and up were not made in Italy and featured Krupp barrels. Dakota Arms was a potential buyer of the ICD business, but legal considerations would have caused the guns to have a different design--hence the few Siace spec guns that were made up and bear the ICD logo. Everything collapsed with the Victor, NY ICD bankruptcy and as Walt Snyder indicated, all remaining assets were bought by a Texas fellow. I'm told he did sell the entire lot to Doug Turnbull a few years ago. There were approx 50 parts sets left for the double guns and a few single barrel trap part sets too! Perhaps Doug will build them in the future. He did much of the work on the original ICD guns.

If the gun in question resembles, very closely resembles a Dickson RA, then 99% sure it was made by Ferlib. If the gun is marked as a super light, has a scalloped frame, and looks like a rounded off box lock, it was probably made by Siace.
Never heard of the Siace/ICD connection either. Mario Beschi,yes. Siace no. Huh. Interesting.

I own a Dakota Ferlib 20 bore that I am looking to sell...it is a virtual clone of a Dickson Round Action, chopper lump barrels, articulated front trigger, a best gun in every regard. Pics can be viewed at jthagency.com under used guns/Dakota. Feel free to contact me if you have questions: ohgunrunner@yahoo.com.

So, Vic, does this mean that Ferlib has a new owner? If so, do you have an idea how active they are?
I have a sidelock ejector that Ferlib made in the early 80's and it is superb quality.