A model 70 winchester shadow with scope weighs in around 8 lbs. That to me is not to heavy. PUt a recoil pad on it and it's a pleasant rifle to carry around and to shoot if recoil is a concern. It's amazing how a good pad can deaden the effect of recoil. I put a nice one on my m70 and it seems to kick less than my 7mm08 without the pad. I would only be concerned with barrel length. i wouldn't go much over 22-24" otherwise you may have to fight that thru the woods.