superdown,
It seems you hunt as I do, backpacking in, setting up camp and then still hunting. I would offer this. The Kimber weighs 5 lb 2 oz according tho their literature. When backpacking in I have the rifle in a scabbard attached to the backpack, and an extra 1-1 1/2 lb on the rifle over this means nothing to me. When I am still hunting I have a small rucksack with my food, drink, and emergency supplies in case I get lost or injured. The rifle weight at this point is not critical, and my stalking rifles weigh 6 1/2 to just under 7 lbs without scope. I use fixed power low magnification scopes in the Ruger rings, so the sight/ring weight is just over 1 lb. additional. I would like to add to Zachary's caution about recoil in the light rifles. I am not recoil sensitive, and I have shot scoped rifles weighing in under 6lb in .308 and .30-06. It is not something that will encourage lots of practice shooting with the firearm. I personally consider my Ruger Model 77 RSI in .308 (used with a peep it weighs just over 6 7/8 lb) as light a rifle as I want to practice with a lot, so the scoped Kimber will probably be okay if recoil does not cause you problems. I have handled their standard rifle and it is nicely made with good metal to wood fit and a nice finish on both wood and metal. For me, it shoulders well and points true. I hunted with a fellow owning one and shot it during our sight in sessions at the club. I would own one if I did not already have my hunting rifle battery. That said, there was a firm named Kifaru that offered some extremely light rifles. They make a great backpack.