Under 8lbs. was considered light in those days. The Europeans understood Mt. rifles and were not afraid to slim down barrels more than is customarily done here so some of their carbines are a full pound or even two lighter.

I will have to go to the Museum. I can't believe the number of times I was in range of it and didn't go, it would be like visiting the Taj Mahal or Machu Pichu for me.

"When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred." Niccolo Machiavelli