Almost all the rifles I've carried over the years went 9+, but no more. Last year I carried a CZ 527 that went a bit over 7, and now I've got a Fieldcraft in the pipe that should end up at about 6 1/2 with a pretty big scope. I'm also working on getting some weight out of my pack and off my ass. I don't want what I'm carrying to determine where I go and how long I stay out.
50 wasn't bad; started to really notice it at 60. 70's not far off now, and I want to keep at it as long as I can. Since I hunt public land, that means I have to climb, anywhere from a couple hundred to maybe 1000 feet, and since it's woods, that means a rifle is going to be in my hands a lot of the time. A pound or two carried like that is a big deal now.
