Louis, There are some Regular weights that weigh less than the Featherweights. Taking the same length barrels, stock length, same type rib on both guns. Some is in the type of barrels, density of wood etc. As far as weakness in the weight, compared to what? These older guns were never made for magnum loads and this is why you see a lot of cracks behind the side plates. In my opinion the lighter the gun the lighter the load. Shooting 8,000 psi and under is again my opinion as compared to 10,000 psi loads.