the lighter, the better
the lighter, the better, at least until you pull the trigger. but seriously, you drag this thing all over the place. up and down hills, through miles of open prarrie, thich forrest, swamps,over river and streams, all for (hopefully) ONE shot. so, in my mind, and in my hands, the lighter the better. light powerful guns are not fun to shoot (they kick like a freaking mule) but the bullet does not know that. if you are going to shoot it a bunch, you want a heavier rifle, but if its sole purpose is taking game, try to figure out a way to lighten it as much as is practicle. i am even comtemplating hollowing out a spot in my stock to lighten it up some. of course i would probably put in some survival gear in there if i do it, so i am not sure how much weight i would save. but even then, a few small plastic things should weigh less than solid walnut.