I have been offered an unbeatable deal in an original older (~20+ yr old) stainless model seven, in 308, with the black tupperware stock. This rifles "carrying" characteristics could not be worse, ie clunky and heavy.
I would like to improve these issues and thinking a change of stocks might provide the panacea I'm looking for.
Hoping some of you have been there, and so, might be willing to share your experiences.?.
Total weight is less an issue than achieving a nice balance.
I used this rifle on an Alaskan trip some years ago. Loaded it with 180 gr Failsafes, and it was a smasher. I was (much) younger then.
Appreciate any ideas you might be willing to share.
Merry Christmas!

I can't comment on an older Model 7, but I have a 2 year old Model 7, stainless with the black synthetic stock that is an absolute joy to carry. Nothing clunky or heavy about it.

If You Plan On Keeping It.Drop The $ On a Mcmillan Edge.Best Thing You Will Ever Do For The Rifle And Yourself.. My Last Edge Weighed 25.3OZ. The New Model Seven Stocks Are As Light,25-27Oz. But Not As Stiff... The Older Factory Black Ones Are Like A Brick.. Most I've Weighed And That's Been A lot Or In 31-33Oz. Range.Had One That Went 35Oz..

Like Mull said, it's a balance thing. You need a stock that will get weight out of the back end of the rifle.

Mine all have the old Brown Precision FS stocks.

There are 4 of those older clunkie ,very heavy ss model 7 's in my hunting camp here in upstate NY. --- All with the original black plastic stock. Only complaint comes from the bucks that claim when someone pulls the trigger on one, it knocks them off balance and they have an out of body experience.

My 7mm08 is in a KS MICKY that I bought from mull. Only rifle I carried for years until the Bob I had built last year.

For the money, the best upgrade is to swap that old pebble-grain tupperware M7 handle for one of the newer SPS-looking tupperware M7 handles. Might take some looking, but they are bound to be out there. The new stocks are about 8-10 ounces lighter, which greatly improves balance. My buddy has one of the new ones in 7mm-08 and it handles way better than the old ones.

I can get you one of the new SPS style for cheap after new year

I bought a Model Seven SS recently and put a Bell and Carlson Alaskan on it. It dropped right in with no issues. It's way better than the factory stock, imo.

My Model 7 stainless, with the synthetic stock, Burris 3X9, one piece steel Redfield mount, steel Redfield rings, sling, 5 rounds of 223's in the magazine, and 9 more in a ammo carrier on the stock weighs 7 pounds 8 ounces on my postal scale. I don't think that's too bad at all.

For the money, the "new" Seven synthetic is the way to go.

If willing to spend money, get the Brown FS pattern (either an original takeoff or just order one new from them).

The Mickey KS Edge is fine, but not the equal of the Brown for true lightweight functionality.

Thanks to all for the comments. Sounds like there is a solution to my problem, so something to work on over the winter. Best regards to all.

Wish that high tech still did a stick for the 7.