That was one of the best looking military bolt actions ever.
You are right after some initial kinks it eventually turned into a good battle rifle. Compared to a Mauser or Springfield many would consider it clunky and ugly. I have one and enjoy shooting it, a 43 Aussie if I remember correctly.
My son has a sporterized version of one he bought at a pawn shop to hunt with and he loves it. It is beat and banged up but shoots accurately and works every time he pulls the trigger.