My current pack rifle is about 5lbs 2oz all in.
.308 adirondack with a swaro z3 sitting in talleys. Of course its had a few other little mods to shave weight as well. The balance is well forward. I see no need for a sling when hunting with a pack and stopped using them altogether about 3/4 years ago. If I ever need one in an emergency I will use a spare boot lace.
Zeroed for 200yds the first holdover is bang on at 300yds. I haven’t shot further than that with it yet. As has been stated already, light rifles are harder to shoot consistently and so practise is key. Recoil is definitely stout at the bench but unnoticed in the field.
As a solo pack hunter I weigh every item physically and mentally, that enters my pack as I still have to plan for a downed animal on top of what I head in with.
Outside of pack hunting, my go to is a Mountain ascent 280ai weighing in around 7lbs
