Yes it was done, maybe still is but the wght. reduction is negligible and really not worth the effort in MHO.
Besides removing a bit of metal on the receiver the bottom metal sides were punched full of holes.
Just some suggestions, find a small ring receiver, aluminum bottom metal / none, use a light contour barrel, pick a stock for its lightness, in other words choose components for their wght., Eg. a light barrel in a larger bore will be lighter.
Like Nitro suggested look at the 33/40, I suppose you save an oz.+/-? compared to say a Brno 21/22.
Dr. feel free to PM me with any questions I realize I didn't really answer your ?. --- John