With this S&B 1.5-6 x42 scope its mounted quite forward and until I fire it, it might be enough weight to balance it. The gun seems to settle well into my shoulder so I hardly feel any weight in my hands now. I would like to keep the weight down to an absolute minimum. I had a AR15 M4 with a short barrel and found it very loud even with a mod on so if I have to wear muffs I might dispense with a mod altogether? I will also look into getting a stronger and contoured picatinny rail mount.