I don't have any time behind that optic - just realize that the low powered variable optics, after a mount, are going to be about 25% of the weight of the rifle, so worrying about a few ounces of barrel isn't that critical when the range of masses between optics is so massive. That said, between ways to save weight for money without giving up performance, both suffer from definite cases of diminishing returns as far as weight and cost go

