I have a Criterion 22" Light Varmint and I find it to be a FANTASTIC balance of length and weight. Its a rifle that I have hunted with, but I'm not humping it around all day up and down hills, either. For a 2/3mi hike to the treestand, it was just fine.
I think a 22" LV or Mag contour would be your ticket. For a 243, I wouldn't go much shorter and for a hunting rifle I wouldn't go much longer.
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