No kidding. That Howa is a quality firearm and should get you close to being able to buy that Savage. I know what you mean about the weight. I have had 2 shoulder surgeries and struggle with that aspect of hunting every year. Too much weight and packing a rifle gets to be a real pain in the neck, leterally and too little weight and the recoil of even a light kicking gun gives me an instant headache.