One future rifle project I've been thinking about is the proverbial "walking around rifle". The 35 Whelen is looking better and better to me. Being a southpaw, action selections are limited but it looks like Ruger is going to stick with the model 77 Mark II design for awhile.

What I have in mind is a stainless Mark II with a custom barrel chambered for 35W, a light synthetic stock, and a low power fixed scope like the Leupold 2.5X. I'd like to keep the all-up weight to around 7.5 lb, but not if it means a pencil barrel.

Using the search engine here I've learned about the pros and cons of the Mark II action, but the one thing I haven't found is whether the Mark II can be lightened. Is it reasonably practical to lighten a Mark II action?

Also, what peep sight options are there that can remain in place when the scope is mounted? I rather like the simpler WGRS type of thing rather than the target style receiver sights, if that's possible.