I lugged a 9.5 pound 300 RUM around the Frank Church Wilderness several years ago looking for a ram. I didn't get a sheep, and I vowed to have a lighter rifle if I ever returned. A few years later, I tracked down a new Gen 1 Remington 700 in 270 Win. Even though the bolt was on the wrong side, I got it. Topped with a 2.5-8 Leupold, it weighs 6 pounds, 6 ounces. I thought I was set but then I found that I really couldn't hold it that steady from field positions. So, my search continued. I ended up getting a Tikka T3X Superlite in 6.5 CM and I topped it with a SWFA 3-9. It weighs 7.75 ready to go, it carries well in my Kifaru Gun Bearer, and I shoot it well.
As luck would have it, I drew another sheep tag right after I got the Tikka set up - 13 years after the trip with the RUM. The Tikka was not overly burdensome when carried in some pretty rough country, and I had complete confidence in it when I took a 417 yard shot on a rainy day. It is not a fancy rifle, but I would not hesitate to take it back after another sheep. For me, 7.5-8 pounds seems to be the sweet spot when balancing ease of carry with the ability to shoot.
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