Losing weight around the waist has nothing to do with a carrying a lighter rifle. I've never seen a fat hunter way back in the back country anyway. It is only the guys who have no weight to lose on their bodies that are looking for other ways to cut weight who seem interested in a lighter gun.
For the money Tikka is the way to go. I've had a couple and like them just fine. I only sold mine after buying the Kimber. I like the Kimber better. It is almost exactly 1 lb lighter, but a good argument can be made that the Tikka is light enough. And it is certainly a lot cheaper.
