"I do not understand why I must lug an extra pound or more of weight, and another foot or so of length, when I carry my rifle afield, hunting." Actually the weight would stay the same or more than likely you would gain a little because of the configuration. I think you are seeing a problem where there isn't one. By the way, national defense has nothing to do with hunting. There are combat weapons, and there are hunting weapons. Also you mentioned sight radius, well, it would change as well if you used sights. If you used a scope you would have to mount it way forward of the reciever. You are looking at some serious money to set up a rifle that I doubt would function the way you espect it to.