GregW, I fail to see how it matters where and how someone hunts. If all you are looking for is a lightweight, rugged, accurate "tool", there are plenty of sub $1000 rifles that will fit the bill nicely. Why would you even consider a more expensive rifle when the majority of the cheap ones shoot sub-moa, are around 7 pounds, some less, and you could run them over with a truck and not hurt them much?
However, to answer your question, I live in NC, and do most of my hunting in the central and western part of the state. I'll be headed to Africa for plains game in 2016. No, Ive never hunted out west where you live.
