Thanks for the reminder about the effects of balance and weight on regulation and handling - I was aware of these things. What I had thought of doing with the mercury recoil reducer was to duplicate the weight of the steel slug while gaining the advantage of the mercury's damping effects - then, perhaps, an effective recoil pad would be all that might be needed in addition. I'll weigh the rifle and then think about it. I don't find the Merkel unmanageable, at all, but wouldn't complain if the felt recoil could be moderated some.
mhb - Mike