Actually, O'Connor wanted his rifles in 7x57 (or .270, or .30-06) around 8 pounds with scope, sling and ammo. Which with a leather sling means around 7-1/2 with scope. I've handled some of his rifles, along with some built for others in the family, including Eleanor and his son Bradford. They're pretty nice in both weight and balance--which is why some of my own walnut-stocked rifles are pretty similar.
“Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is like from hearing Texans.” John Steinbeck
