The H&R is closer to 11 or 12 lbs fully rigged. If your a big guy and used to it you would be ok I guess. It would be steadier to shoot off hand if you could lift it.

I'm not saying don't get one, for the money they are pretty nice weapons. And from what I hear you can have the factory to a trigger job on them that is pretty good. I think if you had the extra money the Savage bolt action would be a better gun for what you want. I think they are about twice as much as the H&R's though. Of course the build quality is much better as well. If money was not an issue with me that is what I probably would have bought.

I think from the sounds of it you already know what you want though, so just go for it I guess. I am pretty sure you won't be disappointed in the H&R in the performance department, it is just a heavy gun is all. It does however manage recoil very well. And you can remove the weight bar from the stock if you want.

Paul