My two centerfire elk and deer rifles are a Rem 700 and a Win FW.. But the rifle I've used most is a Hawken cap lock replica. From using that rifle so much, I think shape and balance may be more important than weight. My scoped rifles are 30-06 and 308win so recoil is negligible. I am sensitive to recoil and would shy away from too muck octane in too little weight.
Both of my bull barrel target rifles are long gone with no regrets and won't be replaced with anythin similar.
Carrying a Stevens SxS 311 all day is a chore. If I was a shotgun hunter, I'd opt for lighter.
I have also opted for a handgun for weight savings a few times.
