Mike, I'd like to also add my thanks. For me this post was most timely.

I highly respect Xausa's and Ripp's views on this stuff and their endorsements are just what I need to get started with a project or two of my own.

Regarding zero, here's a thought...

I have noticed over the years different zero depending on bench and hand hold. I rarely shoot from the bench, and I am wondering something about these rests as opposed to my own admittedly mediocre bench technique. When shooting on my Lead Sled the other day, I noticed the rear of the butt can be set against the rest and the bottom of the butt need not be held down on a bag, etc. Maybe that's why there is no zero change reported by rest-users even with two-piece stock rifles, because the gun comes straight back under recoil? I don't know, but plan to investigate further.

Makes a darn good rest for shooting ground squirrels, that's for sure. With the brush leafing out and the grass growing, a hair here and a hair there is all I see of them now, so I'll take any help I can get...