spd I am 6'4", 235 and ANY rifle isn't really a problem to carry. But that doesn't mean that a lighter gun isn't nicer at the end of the day, ESPECIALLY when this flatlander heads out west. I live at 300ft here in west TN. When I've gone out west I conditioned well before the hunts but regardless of my physical ability I can NOT condition for elevations over 6k ft. Sure 1" and 6 ozs don't make squat. Thats not what I am talking about. Guns like the Sako 75Hunter and several others in WSMs are not short barreled, trimmed and scaled down enough to merit getting one. BUT guns like the Kimber Montana and the Sako FinnLight ARE considerably lighter, by as much as 2-3 pounds. Some are loaded in 22" and 23" barrels. They carry easier than 24" and especially 26" full length magnums!

For treestand hunting, yeah the guns size and weight shouldn't be an issue, thats what guns like Eclipse's and Sendero's are made for. But when the days agenda calls for big game, miles covered and altitude changes of 1-3k ft then yeah DO sign me up for smaller guns that don't give up firepower.

I probably have more true magnums in my gun safe than 90% of the folks on here, I'm just trying to tell you guys that unless you just want multiple guns for the hell of it (which is ALWAYS a good thing! ) then save your money and time and try out a WSM in one of the ultra-light offerings that is ever increasing each year!!!
RA