PG, yes, they can be made much closer, within approx 1lb of each other.
An M70 Fwt 30-06, with McMillan Hunters Compact Edge, Talley Lwt's, 6x36 Leupold, PT&G Aluminum Bottom Metal, Graphite Follower, Butler Creek Mtn Sling, 4rds will come in at 7lbs 7 oz's +/-
An 84L MT with barrel cut to 22.5" (how I like 84L's), Talley Lwt Lows, Leupold 6x36, 4 rds, Butler Creek Mtn Sling, will come in at 6lbs 8oz's +/-
