I hunt in the same style.
I've carried Remington pumps for a while. Even with a light scope, they are still bulky boat anchors.
Last summer I set out to come up with a solution to tired arms.
I almost went with a model 7. But, for a little more money, I got a Kimber Montana. Stock is much better IMO unless you find a FS or KS m7...which usually bring near Kimber prices anyways. Could buy a cheap m7 and restock it...again..back to Montana prices.
I put on a an aluminum trigger guard and titanium bolt handle...rebored to 358win...Talley Lightweights and a Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 and it's still under 6 pounds.
I carried it all last season as a 308 and I was happy with it.
Anyone that hunts in that style knows how your arms get tired after carrying a rifle around from dark till dark day after day.
I also decided I needed something for days when a scope is about useless. 7600 35 Whelen Carbine with a Williams WGRS with no apeture in place...replaced the factory synthetic stock with a straight combed walnut stock just cause I didn't care for the plastic. Added a little weight but balances better IMO.
A locking bolt wasn't a huge deal for me but it is nice insurance.
