GG375 In reply to your question about weight the results are:1)Before claw mount bases and without shells:7lbs .2)After claw mount bases fitted and with 2 cartridges:7lbs8ozs3)With scope attached and with 2 cartridges8lbs4ozs. Rolf Bachnik did a fine job on the claws:engraved with traditional cross hatch and blued beautifully.My only (minor) disappointment was Rolf`s way of mating the rear claws to the spring loaded lock.I expected a definite,distinct click or snap as the claws spring home.Rolf thinks this is conducive to quick and excessive wear and made the fitting finer and smaller and also tighter.This means the mating is made with a progressive push- I am hopeful of posting some photographs soon so all this will then be plain. BEST WISHES Hubert