Most people can more easily lose 5 lbs off their bodies that they won't have to carry around than shave another pound off their rifle.
That is the truth. I prefer a heavier rifle because I can hold it steady. I remember one pleasant hike one early AM when by the time we got on top ..I couldn't hold my lightweight rifle steady until i stopped puffing. At that time I thought any legal animal coming thru here is going to be safe at any normal shooting range. Sure was nice walking up the mountain with that lightweight though.