The Dakotas are very good. They are basically a Win M70 type of action and would be great for a hunting rifle.
From Sako I would look for a model 75. I think they were smoother than the 85s which appeared to be, not so much of an improvement for the consumer but more efficiently produced for the manufacturer. The A7's, you might as well save your money and buy a Tikka.
As far as Cooper, I didn't know any of the stuff about the original owner. Beretta has been a problematic company in a handful of ways as well. But if you look hard enough, you can find something negative about anything out there.