If you're looking for the rifle to be used by youths or women of smalled stature, don't attempt to get a "lightweight" rifle. For carrying its fine, but for shooting the felt recoil is heavier the lighter your rifle weighs. a couple of pounds heavier adds up over a day of carrying, but for shooting the couple pounds lighter translates to much more recoil. Fit of rifle is important, and a lightweight will spank you more.