Mine is balanced very nice. I have read of guys removing the rear butt pad and throwing some lead shot and filling with spray foam to help it out a bit and get rid of that hollow feel but I'm happy with mine. Its a 6.5 PRC.
I hunt with mine. 20” in 6.5 creed. It is a little heavy but a very handy size with the short barrel. I just put it in a GRS Hunter Light stock and it’s even better offhand now. I wouldn’t want to hike too far with it but I’m a fan.
I use a CTR to hunt. I also run varmint barrels on the action. Never really noticed an issue with weight, I’ve always hated pencil barrels so I just hunt with heavy profile barrels and stopped noticing it. My elk rifle with a heavy barrel is just shy of 12lbs. Which isn’t heavy but isn’t light when it comes to rifles.
I try to never take off hand shots if I can help it so I get better accuracy but just practice at the range and you will get better. Think of it like lifting weights the more you do it the easier it gets.
B
Mine is an arctic and fairly front heavy
My 20 inch 223 is my go to for coyote calling. It handles quick with enough weight to be steady in awkward positions. It's plenty light enough for walks to and from the truck calling but if you're going to hike all day it would wear on you.
How long is the walk from your truck to your pop up blind?
Great picture EJG!