Just a few thoughts.
When a gunstock is butt-heavy, with the barreled action out of it, it doesn't mean the rifle is overweight - it only means that the stock is out of balance w/o the barreled action installed.
If the rifle "feels" heavy in the hands, during normal hunting/shooting handling/postions, sometimes the only thing needed to correct the feeling is some balancing - just like a vehicle tire/wheel.
The assembled rifle SHOULD balance at about the recoil lug, +/- (YMMV) - depending upon if the owner prefers a "slightly weight-forward" balance, or a "slightly weight-rearward" balance.
"Weight forward" delivers steadier shots, and is better suited to a target and/or stand rifle; while a "weight rearward" rifle will handle quicker for snap/jump shots at game or some action competitions - which is why YMMV.
It's only AFTER the rifle is balanced to the user's liking, that it should actually be weighed, and then either considered for an overall, balanced weight-reduction, or the idea disregarded.
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