My Howa mini is 7.62x39 with the 20" lightweight barrel (same muzzle diameter as the 22" sporter, but 2" shorter). I feel like the stock choice and balance would be a determining factor. I haven't held one, but it seems like the heavy barrel version with the factory stock would be very muzzle heavy. In a Boyds stock, probably less so.
I got mine as a barreled action, and put it in a Boyds stock. It was very butt heavy with the LW barrel. I drilled out the inside of the butt to get it balanced as best I could, and it's about right. It would probably be a little better with the 22" sporter contour. Mine made for a nice light package with a total weight with a crossfire 2-7x of 6.75lb. But more barrel weight would probably make it a little easier to shoot well. It is still quite accurate, just takes an extra bit of focus.
I'm looking at rebarreling that action (or getting another one) in 6 ARC, and will go with a heavier barrel and a new boyds to balance it, with a target total weight around 9-10lb depending on the scope. My hope is that will result in a compact package that is easy enough to carry and balances well. A little heavy for a long hike, but still easily portable. That weight rifle in 6 ARC or 6.5 Grendel should make for really low felt recoil.