New Parkwest Arms SD-76 Take-Down Rifle: A Traveler’s Classic

Eric B
by Eric B

Do you need a serious rifle that travels well? Parkwest Arms' latest offering, the SD-76 Take-Down Rifle System, builds on the legacy of their Model 76 platform, aiming to serve hunters and marksmen who need a reliable rifle. The SD-76 Take-Down is a modular version of the Model 76, a rifle first designed in 1986 by gunsmiths Don Allen and Pete Grisel. That original design earned a following for its performance in tough conditions, particularly for dangerous game hunting. The new system keeps the core of what made the Model 76 a standout, solid mechanics and hand-finished touches like checkered walnut stocks, while adding the ability to break the rifle into two parts for easier transport.

The SD-76 Dark Continent bolt and action

Parkwest says that what sets them apart is their approach to blending old-school craftsmanship with modern production. The walnut stocks start as carefully chosen blanks, and the actions are meticulously machined. The result is a rifle that feels personal but performs consistently, with a take-down feature that doesn’t sacrifice this. It’s designed to maintain accuracy and reliability, whether you’re in the field or reassembling at a remote camp.

The SD-76 Legend TD disconnected barrel

The SD-76 Take-Down, especially in its Dark Continent configuration, is built for those who need a rifle that can handle big game and fit in a compact case. It’s a practical evolution of a proven design, made for people who value function over flash.

The SD-76 Take-Down comes in single or dual-caliber setups, letting shooters pick the right tool for the job. Pairings like .375 H&H and .300 H&H cover everything from plains game to dangerous game, while heavier options like the .404 Jeffery pack serious power in a rifle that still breaks down small enough for a briefcase.

The SD-76 Legend bolt knob and classic trigger guard

Parkwest offers three models (Dark Continent, Savanna, and The Legend), each built for specific environments.

Key Features of the SD-76 Take-Down System:

  • Non-threaded Breeching System
    Designed for long-term durability, this innovative breech avoids the wear common in traditional interrupted-thread systems and maintains a consistent, repeatable fit.
  • Foolproof Headspace Locking
    The bolt head locks directly into the barrel sleeve, guaranteeing precise and repeatable headspacing with every reassembly, vital for both safety and precision.
  • Ultra-Compact Travel Profile
    Once disassembled, the rifle fits discreetly in a non-traditional case, perfect for international travel, small aircraft, and situations requiring low-profile transport.

The price starts from $10,995, and you can build your own dream rifle here: https://parkwestarms.com/product-category/build-your-dream-rifle/

Eric B
Eric B

Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.

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  • The85113199 The85113199 on Aug 19, 2025

    That in .458 Lott, yes. I know a lot of people look at the price but compared to most Dangerous Game rifles, it's a bargain! You don't want a bargain bin rifle when a ton of angry cheeseburger, the meanest Mo Fo on Earth, the Cape Buffalo, is charging full steam towards you with ill intent! "The scariest thing a man ever heard was not the roar of a charging lion or the whistle of a falling bomb, its hearing "Click" when you were expecting a "Bang." Col. Jeff Cooper USMC (Ret).

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