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.
I've backpack hunted with a 6lb .308 Kimber and a 7.5 lbs 30.06. I carried each in my hands all day long on those trips and the 06' won out in the long run because I could shoot it better. The extra 1.5 lbs was not a big deal. And yes, I'm one of those scrawny guys and cutting wt. is valid goal, but I will always choose hitting over carrying when it comes to firearms.
