I've found light rifles will work quite well if you practice with them. There's also some virtue in having a heavier, longer barrel on a light rifle, but the balance and weight also depend on the shooter.
Agreed. Last three bucks I killed with a rifle just exactly like Randy's posted above(weight 7 1/4 pounds) were at 340 yards from prone,at 80 yards off hand as he ran past,and at 170 yards as the buck stood broadside and I wrestled with a cramped and uncomfortable sitting position.I could have made the same shots with a Kimber Montana, or an 8 pound 7 mag.
If you are used to a rifle, within certain parameters, I doubt it matters much if you practice with it.
