The balance is subjective to you. Until you try it you will not know. What one person likes another may not. That being said, how would he lighten it up? Hog out the stock, thin the barrels?

My 577 is barrel heavy at 10.5 lbs. By putting a Murray Leather cartridge holder on the stock with 4 cartridges it balances on the hinge pin. The stock was made to my dimensions so whether or not it is a little front heavy does not mean much. I like it a bit heavy as it steadies nice.

At the risk of having rocks thrown at me I have not found Searcy's to be particularly well balanced or handy. I've never had one made for me either so perhaps that is part of it.

I'm looking forward to seeing his new stuff this winter though. It sounds pretty neat. That is if he let's me touch one.