Too much testosterone on this thread for me. I'm almost 70 and I still hunt out west (and back here in the east) and I'm not lugging any stick over 8 pounds.... period. That is scoped and loaded. Must be why I like skeletonized titanium receivers, and CF stocks with light contour tubes.
My Savage 338 Lapua is a tank at 16 pounds and if I ever took it hunting (doubtful), I'd be hiring a lackey to lug it for me.
I want to enjoy my hunt, not have a heart attack carrying a rock up a mountain and when I get to where I can take a shot, be so whipped I cannot even aim the stick.
You all can lug your lead sleds all you want to. I'll stay light, right and ready to go.
See ya at the top, you'll be shot, I'll be kicking back, laughing.