If I'm still hunting the lighter is better, an extra pound or two if I'm in a stand isn't a big deal. I've only weighed a two of my rifles before and both were just under 8, scoped, loaded and slinged,but I know that I have thatisprobably 10 pounds if it's an once.Now that I'm thinkng about it,,,, I'm going to have to weigh a few more just to see what they really weigh