In Focus: The Dakota Tactical D54P and D300P

   10.06.14

In Focus: The Dakota Tactical D54P and D300P

I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Stoppiello, the founder of Dakota Tactical, at a recent competition shooting event here in Southeast Michigan (the Ninth Combat Rifle Championship put on by the American Confederation of Tactical Shooters). As a sponsor of the shoot, Dakota Tactical had a bay set up at the range to show off some of the guns they make, particularly the D54P and D300P. Check out my pictures and details on these two firearms below. Read my in-depth article on Dakota Tactical’s story here.

D54P

A shooter shoulders a D54P in 9x19mm paired with a select-fire trigger housing and mechanism. It's also sporting an Octane 9 suppressor.
Robert Pittman shoulders a D54P in 9x19mm paired with a select-fire trigger housing and mechanism. It’s also sporting an Octane 9 suppressor.
When using subsonic ammunition with a suppressor-equipped firearm, hearing protection is not a necessity--though you should always keep it handy if you're not the only person at the range.
When using subsonic ammunition with a suppressor-equipped firearm, hearing protection is not a necessity–though you should always keep it handy if you’re not the only person at the range.
The D54P was great fun without a suppressor, too. It ran like a dream. Note the flying, blurred brass in the upper part of this photo.
The D54P was great fun without a suppressor, too. It ran like a dream. Note the flying, blurred brass in the upper-right corner of this photo.

Dakota Tactical is one of the most highly-regarded manufacturers of roller-delayed blowback (also known as “roller lock”) firearms in the United States. Their most popular product is the D54P, an MP5-style pistol available in several configurations and calibers. After going through the proper federal procedures, D54Ps can easily be converted into short-barreled rifles (SBRs). They retail for roughly $3,000 and up.

D300P

Matt Ohrstrom shoulders the Dakota Tactical D300P. The gun that Stoppiello brought to CRC9 was outfitted with a suppressor and was paired with a select-fire trigger mechanism.
Matt Ohrstrom shoulders the Dakota Tactical D300P. The gun that Stoppiello brought to CRC9 was outfitted with a suppressor and was paired with a select-fire trigger mechanism. Note the Magpul ACS stock mounted to the gun using the Spuhr adapter.
Joe Stoppiello fires the D300P in full auto.
Joe Stoppiello fires the D300P in full auto.
Matt Ohrstrom aims the D300P from a prone position.
Matt Ohrstrom aims the D300P from a prone position.
Joe Stoppiello shows off the D300P.
Joe Stoppiello shows off the D300P.

To many, the D300P is the perfect gun—and it’s easy to see why someone might think so. Chambered in 300 BLK, utilizing the ultra-reliable roller-lock action, and featuring an eight-inch barrel, it’s a winning combination. It’s based off of the Heckler & Koch HK53 carbine, and utilizes HK33-pattern magazines. Like the D54P, these were supplied SBR-ready. Stoppiello was testing a new AR stock adapter made by Swedish firm Spuhr on the D300P he brought to the event. Though some may roll their eyes at the idea of an AR-style stock on such a gun, it actually facilitated a very natural and comfortable cheekweld, making it easier to get a solid sight picture when using optics. The first run of D300Ps Dakota Tactical sold retailed for around $3,000, and the next round made will likely cost the same. Stoppiello had also attached a SilencerCo Saker 762 suppressor to the D300P at the event. Shooting subsonic rounds in short bursts was quite enjoyable, and the considerable heft of the gun helped make automatic fire more controllable.

Dakota Tactical’s firearms might seem like unobtanium to some, but for those interested in owning the absolute highest-quality, American-made roller-lock guns available, there’s no substitute.

Special thanks to ACTS for allowing me to drop by their event, I don’t think I’ve ever met a more accommodating and friendly group of shooters. Dakota Tactical’s social media accounts are very active. If you’re interested in hearing the latest about their products (and like awesome gun pictures), follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Avatar Author ID 144 - 864355097

I've been a history and gun enthusiast since I was a kid. I love to shoot just about anything, from silenced bolt-action .22s to fully automatic heavy machine guns, and I love even more when I get to write about them. My main interests are modern small arms and the military small arms of World War II and prior conflicts, with a particular focus on Russian and Finnish firearms. Reading about guns like the Mosin-Nagant rifle in books and on the internet got me interested in collecting, shooting, and writing about them, and I hope to do the same for others through my work.

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