Lightweight rifles
 

What do you guys think is "too light"? 6 lbs scoped? 4.5lbs bare?

IF YOU HAVE TO CARRY IT IN...............??

Only have to shoot it once; if it's accurate !!!

4.5lbs too light? Maybe for one of my revolvers :-P

I do have a little difficulty stabilizing off hand with a Marlin 60, it claims 5.5lbs bare if I remember correctly, but the balance is quite close to the trigger for the newer models. Absolutely DREADED offhand shooting with a forend-less mountain takedown rifle.

I'd play with the balance point as much as I did the weight. If you can keep the balance out front far enough to lock down for off hand shooting, you could go a little lighter and still not feel as light.

Then of course, balance your recoil too - I assume you're talking a substantial brake on these unless the cartridge is quite mild. I'd rather carry a 10lb rifle I can stand to shoot and practice with than a 5lb 7mm mag which beats the he11 out of me.

Centerfire? Rimfire? What caliber and application?

Centerfire, big game hunting rifles.

A NULA is under 5lbs...

So much depends on your choice of caliber and the fit of the stock to your body. Balance, as has been mentioned, is key for gaining quick comfortable mounting, but the fit of the stock to your shoulder/face/cheek can greatly help your perceived recoil.

Only their .223rem length mini action - the "short" is under 5. The standard length is listed at 5.5, bare. The magnum rifles are 6-7.5lbs.

Getting down to a 20oz action is a feat.

The NULA model 20 is around 5lbs and beautifully made, i know because i have one of his custom smokeless muzzle loaders called a M209.

(The Ultimate Mountain Rifle) This rifle is built on an intermediate length action. It is designed for exceptional accuracy with .308 class cartridges, while maintaining extreme lightweight. The action weighs a modest 20 ounces, and the finished rifle is only 5 pounds.* The Ultimate Mountain rifle is available in all .308 length cartridges, including the .284 Winchester. A three-inch magazine is featured to allow extra versatility for load

Model 24 in 30-06 weighs in around 5.5lbs and Model 28s start around 6lbs for calibers like 338 Win Mag.

My Model 20 weighs in at about 7.5lbs with a custom order heavier/longer barrel (ready to hunt). It thumps when i shoot a 275gr bullet at nearly 2450fps. Still very manageable though and far from abusive.

Most of mine weight 7-8 pounds, plus the scope, rings and ammo. I don't begrudge anyone wanting a lighter/heavier rifle as it's personal preference.

Lighter is nice, but recoil tends to be more. With a good sling, I don't mind heavier rifles.