The more I shop for a new bolt action hunting rifle, the more I am saying to myself, "Just hunt with your Swede." I swear, my Swede has really spoiled me for today's quality. There is still some real quality to be had out there. Sako, Mauser, Dakota, Cooper, the semi-customs, etc. But nearly $2,000, and likely well over, for it. I take my Swede apart and look at how it was made, how smooth it is, how it cycles, and I realize I will never, ever find the kind of quality in a new production rifle for under $2,000 that I can find in a 121 year old Swede for well under $1,000.

I think I'm just going to look for another nice Swedish Mauser.

Yes, they are sweet. I shoot mine at the bench and carefully eject the empties in a neat little pile at 2:00. Mine's a baby compared to yours (1938). Bolt moves like a greased eel on ice.

Funny you should say that. Same thing with my empties. They end up within inches of each other. And it will hold a group with open sights at 100 yard I can cover with palm of my hand.

So true. I have a Cooper that is a fantastic quality rifle. I also wanted a Sako and while shopping for one, I was given a deal on a Browning X-bolt Stainless Hunter for half the price. The fit and finish on that X-bolt has more than exceeded my expectation, and I was pleasantly surprised to have found a factory load that clover leafed in one hole at 100 yards. That said, that old Swede has a soul not found in modern rifles.