I don't worry about weight too much but appreciate lightness more as time passes. As important as weight are balance and the contour of that portion I am carrying in my hand. I have a Hawken replica which is pretty heavy (about 10 pounds) but fits in the hand very nicely and balances well. It is much nicer for me to carry than is a 7.5 pound rifle which is a little too fat in the middle. Now, as I approach 72, it doesn't take much to make my hands start to hurt and a fat stock makes it worse. An old Model 70 is heavy but fits and balances pretty well.
I have no problem hitting the 500 meter rams at the silhouette range with rifles wearing a fixed 4X scope so I am happy with that for hunting. Last time I was out with my 6.5x55, I fired a 4 inch, 5 shot group, at 300 meters from a sitting position with a sling. I could maybe do better with a big 6-24 variable but it would bum me out having to carry it! GD
