I'm a handgun hunter primarily,but have taken plenty game with a rifle over the years also. Last year I finally built me a 6.8 with a 16" barrel after wanting to for years. I shot a nice 10pt. Whitetail buck and a doe also last season in KY. First big game I've taken with a AR, and I have to say it was very enjoyable to pack around for the 5 or 6 days it took to take those two animals.
The only other rifle/carbine that has compared to it, as of ease of carry, was a Marlin 16" 1894P .44mag. I used to own. When you can carry a lightweight rifle by the grip and dangle it along side your leg, and still have the muzzle 8-12" off the ground, that's a plus to me. And I'm 5'-6"!😄