To the original poster: Technically yes, you can probably find an optic that will be lighter. However, optical quality, usable/appropriate magnification, etc all being equal, it's a pretty poor return on investment to save on weight of a rifle system. Regardless of typical preference choices between hunting rifle types of those who stalk (ie walk lots, shoot little) and those who are more static, there are better, more cost effective ways to make your system weight work more for you.
I cast aside fitness for the moment and briefly mention simple choices of clothing that may be more impactful that completely swapping an optic. I'll also caveat that I don't believe in the notion that kit solves the perceived problem because it seldom is. Whilst kit should be fit for purpose (ie suitable for abilities and technical requirements), it isn't the end all be all. However, simple things like choice of clothing and footwear have a larger impact on carrying efficiency. Many people use equipment that is overbuilt for their requirements. Anytime that increase weight is preferred, it must offer something else (eg stability, protection) in return. One doesn't wear heavy, robust reinforced mountaineering boots, if one is primarily on non-alpine terrain, carrying light loads. Conversely, the increased weight of technical footwear is acceptable and preferred for the added stability, protection to manage your overall load better in those terrains where lighter footwear options may not offer more efficient energy expenditure.
Nobody humps like the Infantry. Spent a couple years carrying a MG and Carl G. Walked hundreds or thousands of KM over my time. So a few oz won't matter of you train for it. You are going to make up the weight if it's raining and stuff gets wet.
... like the
LIGHT infantry
Not sure why you jumped straight to fitness here. Anyone can lose weight. Anyone. And eating like a pig and trying to run it off isn't the way.
You can't outrun your diet, but you can eat smart and lose weight. I've done it, and anybody can do it if they want to so quit making excuses. If you're obese, have heart, joint, or physical ailments, you can still lose weight. Eat less, it's not that hard. Some exercise helps, but I lost 26 lb by changing my diet and not my activity level.
As for the ounces, get real. Sure you can notice a few ounces sitting in your hand or whatever, but on your rifle? Right. If you're so sensitive to weight, do you notice yourself losing approx 2 oz of moisture an hour by breathing when you're out walking? More so from bodily functions, such as sweating? Do you have a sigh of relief after urinating 3-4 oz?
Respectfully I disagree.
First: No, not
everyone can lose weight and stay healthy doing it. And for many people it's just not realistic. Either way, you shouldn't have to be at your ideal body weight in order to discuss lighter gear options here.
Second: Yes, some people can notice the difference a few ounces make on a rifle. Weight on something you carry feels different from weight in your body.
I'm happy to agree to disagree. If we want to get into more detail, these are probably great topics for another thread.
The ol'adage is true. 'You can't outrun a bad diet.' Most also accept the 80/20 rule (for average people), where 80% of your physical fitness/health is largely nutritional choices and only 20% is physical activity. [Even elite world-class athletes that are already training and eating at the best, are ~70/30].
Everyone can be healthier than they currently are. Athletes do not stop training and eating as such, even when they've achieved their intended body morphology for that isn't the goal but rather just a means to an end. Except for those with genetic hormonal imbalances and diseases, people fail and are overweight because they don't develop good habits and lifestyles.
