The butt stock weighs less than a lb, and is surprisingly rigid. The 1/4 inch rods actually became stronger when I bent them, It didn't make sense to me at first, but now it does, there is some magical ratio between the diameter of the rods and the length between bends. also because I hardened them on the bends, and on the locking notches. I took the rifle by the barrel and slammed the butt pad onto concrete for about 5 minutes, and she wouldn't give, and that's far more stress than a .300 win mag. As soon as I get a scope I'll let you know how she does at longer ranges, but I was hitting beer cans with the red dot at 100 yards, which doesn't say much, but it's something.