Glad to see this thread come up.
I have a strong affinity for rifles built by the Scandinavians/ Finns and Tikkas and Sakos are at the top of the list.
My Sako TRG is by far my most prized possession as far as target rifles go, but the older Tikka hunting rifles and newer Tikkas have proven to be exceptional in their craftsmanship/accuracy.
Ithica imported one produced by Tikka known as the LSA 55 and 65 (short and long actions). They had Bofors barrels and were Mauser actions. They are one of the best kept secrets of the "old rifle" world. Exceptional accuracy and being Mausers, they are exceptionally reliable. The downside is that magaizines are next to non existant, so don't lose the one that comes with the gun (which I have never actually heard of anyone losing a mag).
Mine is a 30-06 and shoots 155 Scenars into very small groups (Scandinavian bullets for a Scandinavian rifle naturally).
I think whoever designed the stock also invented the word ergonomic before the word even existed. Flat bottomed stock and a superb wrist.
I am not sure about its peak combat utility today, but to be honest, I would not feel poorly armed with using it in a precision rifle role, and the Finnish Legend Simo Häyhä might think that the Sakos and Tikkas are far from useless, even though he used something slightly different (SAKO M28/30).
I know that I would be not consider myself poorly armed if it was my only bolt action centerfire rifle.
A man could do much, much worse.