A couple of inches of a light contour barrel is not very much difference in weight. The short action vs. the long action is not very much weight. I would not consider these as major factors unless I was shaving every ounce to include light weight sling, scope rings, and of course the scope. I see fellows with light rifles equipped with padded leather slings and big scopes and I do not quite understand their thinking.

A light contour barrel and a light weight stock make sense if you are starting with a fairly light action to begin with.

I have had light weight rifles before and decided that I did not need them. I had a Forbes and finally sold it a couple of years ago. There are a still a M700 Mountain rifle chambered in 270 here that my wife loves. If I wanted another light rifle I would just buy another M700 Mountain rifle chambered in 270 or 280.

The 308 is a very useful cartridge and it is a good compromise for most purposes. It is a "Jack of all trades, Master of none" and it certainly has it's place. However, for larger game and general versatility I think most would be better served with one of the long-action cartridges.