Heavy is always good. my rifle is 8 1/4lbs but rocky stead when you are shooting it off your knee. My old staghorn that was 6 1/2lbs would wobble all over in the slightest breeze. Plus that extra weight tames the mag loads and the heavier bullet charges. How much does the optima pro weigh? i know one of the cva's out there is over 9lbs i just cant remember which one.