AC--Mine is 25 lbs-Have 5lbs lead and epoxy in the butt. Recoil is brisk but not bruizing. As for uses, a good DG stopping gun with 700-1000 gr slugs. With sabots good for deer, especially in shotgun only areas.Mine could be lightened to 15 lbs for sabot shooting. For carry, I use the African, over the shoulder, barrel forward, and slightly down, carry position.Ed.