Agreed. I own a Browning A-bolt anda Sako 75. Nothing wrong with the Browning but the Sako is a higher grade of firearm. If money is no object then it's a no brainer, get the Sako. If money is a consideration then a Sako is a lotto spendfor a kids first rifle.

As for the barrel blow ups? That problem was limitedto onebatch of bad stainless steel used to manufacture some barrels. Those firearms have been recalled and there is no problem that I am aware of with any Sako rifles currently being produced. Despite that unfortunate episode I would trust Sako's quality control over most other firearms manufacturers out there.