I would just ask why this 8.5 pound limit is so important? Ah, you say that carrying that extra pound or so is a daunting proposition? I would ask how far any of us really packs a rifle around these days? It seem to be in a vehicle, on an atv or horse more than in our hands lately, no? When I was in my 20's & 30's I hunted elk in central Idaho's steep Frank Church country with an 8 pound rifle. It was great to carry, I do say. Then I acquired a .375, one of the first "new/old controlled round feed" M70's when they first came out in 1989. They were available out of the custom shop only at that time, and after I decided on a 25" barrel cut and banded front sight and what not, it ended up weighing just a hair under 10 pounds with scope, sling and full magazine. I just had to use it! So naturally an elk was about all on my hunting schedule back then that wasn't a lot of over kill for the caliber. Man did I find out fast how much smoother and quicker I could bring that 10 lb rifle into action when I got huffing and puffing up and down those hills! And the older I get, the better the sight picture looks (read that - not wobbly) when I throw it up to my shoulder. I have made some of my best offhand shots with that rifle - it just comes up and is rock steady, even with my old lungs working against me. So, I learned a long time ago to find a different pound or so of gear to leave in camp when I was afoot all day. And as far as actually shooting it....That 8 pound 30-06 jabs me fast and hard and is less pleasant to shoot than the 10 pound .375 H&H. They both have almost identical trajectories btw. So, I tend to shoot my .375 frequently and thus always feel comfortable and confident with it. I have found confidence in how you can shoot your firearm (especially the bigger bores) helps immensely when you are actually firing at game. Anyway, I sure don't begrudge you your 8.5 pound .375 H&H. They make all flavor of things to satisfy our varied desires. Just throwing another opinion in the pool of thought. I just hope you get to take what ever you end up with to Africa somewhere and shoot something with it! Good luck.
