RL,
I just picked up a Benelli Monte in 20ga. Damn nice little shotgun.
As far as the Tikkas go, as I posted before, I see them as tools much more than my very nice wood M70s, etc. A scratch or two obtained from very rugged use is of no consequence. BUT they are rugged and relaible. I would put one up against any rifle in cold, dust, mud, snow, etc. Anyone who says these rifles are not dependable are just blowing crap out of their arse.