I contacted my woodworking pal, Bob the Builder, and discussed what I think I need in a standing rest. Showed him the illustration in Greener's book, and talked about the characteristics I want in the rest I propose to have built. He said he will be glad to undertake the job - just as soon as he finishes building his Ark (well, within the next two weeks). He does good work, and is efficient, so I hope to have positive results within the next month. Then I can resume testing with more consistent results, I hope. The thumb should be healed by then! I'll report on developments in this and other areas of interest as they come up. I'm gonna weigh my Merkel as soon as possible, and am thinking about fabricating a mercury recoil reducer to replace the steel slug - if the rifle REALLY weighs only 10 lb. 3 oz., that's not enough! My .458, 'Old Ugly'
(built by me on a Remington 30-S action) weighs 10 lb. 12 oz., and is both comfortable to shoot and VERY accurate.
mhb - Mike