9lbs you say? Who doesn’t carry a tripod when they are hunting unless you’re a Midwest whitetail hunter then what’s the point of a light gun anyways? Spartan or mtn gear bipods weigh 5-9 ounces and don’t have to be attached to the rifle. What I’m saying is for a 2 ounce weight penalty on a stock that is already stupid light why not give yourself every chance to succeed at making a good, clean, ethical shot? There is only so many scenarios that shooting off a pack is viable but many more can be covered with a bipod/tripod. You do you and that’s fine but to say that someone is taking away from the purpose of of the stock by adding that stuff is ignorant. If it’s not your jam, scroll on by.
Well this was built for out west, after owning a 338 win mag built by Fred Sinclair in the 70's and shooting a 338/06 a couple decades back and 35 Whelen, the 338/06 was in my opinion, the most efficient of the three and not really 100 yards difference in any of them. But it wouldn't matter which one, the only cut rifled barrels I had an option of required a #4 sporter taper. Accuracy was my goal.
Only 100 yards, but the heavier #4 sporter barrel does 3 shots well with clean barrel putting my 180 grain Accubond load for Antelope to deer down range reliably, when I do my part. I just hope my 210 grain Sirocco's will do half that good for my Elk and up big game load, as soon the heat subsides a little closer to hunting conditions I'll work on it.
I am not sure why the tripod for long range, I've been much better off using my pack when I have to stretch them out their. But that is where I carry everything and use my hiking staff as a rest for intermediate shots, out to 300 or a bit further. No doubt everyone has different styles they refine over the years, or decades in this case.
But off the shoulder, with no luggage is what lean is all about, I have all the time in the world to setup for way out there, but have killed as many or more big game animals inside 100 to 150 yards, and that requires the leanest possible in the spur of the moment when I jump them, time matters and many times a little stumble where a harmless little plate even with nothing on it, catching a strap or anything on a backpack coming off the shoulder is all it takes to negate that opportunity, and at 71 those opportunities are fewer and fewer!
But obvious, only your way of doing things makes sense,,,, or this remark
"Right except the 2 ounces for a pic and arca rail doesn’t make them fast and light anymore 
"
as what I answered to let you know, YES IT CERTAINLY CAN MATTER,,, I tried to make that clear with the lean and clean comment, it all about the over 1# the plates and accessories add!
Over the decades I have learned a lot about what matters and what don't, for me, still trying to stalk, and I don't care what part of the country your in east west even the far north. I am much more prepared for every situation using my backpack for the carry all than the rifle, and had much better results beyond 500 yards with a rest, be it backpack or even my rain gear on anything solid than bipod, I spend much more time trying to get situated for those shots when I did use a bipod.
But make no mistake, yes it can matter cluttering a hunting gun with accessories, especially when I have better options. By the way I've had far less need to reach out over 400 yards than I have had to take that 100 yard opportunity before it clears the open when the chances are presented.
But unlike you I don't find it an opportunity to post the snide remarks without considering every situation, and need for different gear. If we all hunted the same, and never understood different advantages, we would only need one option? But trust me, I have been there and done that. Today I use all those situations to to build one rifle very capable for for every situation, with the fewest chances of not being ready to fill everyone.
From antelope and hogs, to moose and big bear, with the later a significant consideration for why lean and mean was figured into this build, even the arca at the right time could cause me being supper, or hunting the next day! Trust me, it only takes seconds for something not to clear completely in that situation, then 2oz can make the hugest difference!
Nice rifles, I hope they will serve you as well in every situation no matter what it is. I'm pretty sure mine will.
