I needed a lefty .243 for my tiney daughter, so I bought the regular sized 11GL and am having the stock cut down some and a Decelerator pad added. When she grows big enough, I will simply buy a nicer stock and have it fitted again. I have bought the lightest sling possible, took off the iron sights, and bought lightweight Tally rings all to save weight. I plan on fitting a smaller scope, hopefully a fixed 6 power Leupy, to also save a little weight. After much reading, I have been convinced it will be brighter than than the variables and eliminate the need for her to worry about changing powers. If she turns into an avid hunter as she appears she will, I will rebarrel the Savage with a .260 when I think she is ready for more recoil
She shoots an old savage 340 .222 now and the stock was cut way down for little kids and has worked beautifully. I also cut a couple inches off the barrel.
I have a Model 7 now, full size, but needed a lefty. The only complaint I have with the Model 7 is the muzzle blast from the shorter barrel (20").
pepaw