the model 7 weights about 2 pounds less.
For me that would be the deciding factor.
For moose and bear hunting it makes no difference in Alaska. Now, a sheep hunter would probably want a lightweight rifle because he cannot ride a horse or ATV on some mountains. Two of my hunting friends hunt with 16-pound .300RUM rifles, the same rifles they use for 1,000-yard competitions. But we ride ATV's and UTVs into the areas we hunt, just like a great number of Alaska hunters. The whole thing depends on having to carry a gun up some mountainous trails for many hours, or if you have to go on long hikes.
Anyway, we are beating a long dead horse.
458 Lott already provided the right answer.
