I think the word "ideal" is hard to single out. Someone that sets behind a desk all day and a coffee cup and a pencil is about all they lift all day, a 7 pound rifle might be heavy to them. A construction worker than carries a 25 pound tool bag for 8-10 hours a day doesn't give a 12 pound rifle a second thought. It all boils down to what's comfortable for the individual. Now that I'm retired and don't do a lot of physical work, I kinda prefer some of the lighter rifles and don't carry any more than I really need.