Originally Posted by dylan_b

aside from getting a few strange looks while out in the bush, there is nothing wrong with a slightly heavy or longer gun for the bush. just think of it this why, in manitoba back in the early 50's to 60's, the number one rifle was the lee enfield. a gun that gets to be 9.75 pounds once its scoped. today its not as common but none the less people still got there game with heavy guns. as for it being a little longer, well if plenty of guys navigate the bush with 28 inch barreled shotguns to get grouse then a 26 inch barreled gun wont be much harder. just make sure you pick a caliber that is suitable for your game (the .22-250 is no moose gun)

all that said its all up to what feels good to you. my first deer gun was over 9 pounds without a scope. my next one was 10 pounds with scope and my current go to deer rifle comes in around 9 1/2 with the scope and steel rings. a heavy gun has never been a problem because i have never really had to many lighter deer rifles. infact, ive never liked any of my deer guns that were under 9 pounds. and yes i carry my guns up and down the hills and no i havent had to turn around because i was carrying to much gun.

fyi good luck getting that stainless stalker in 270 wsm, both cabelas and wholesale sports are out at the moment.