Daryl,, You write, "Part of the climb is the relaxed hold I'd think."

I think this is on the money. As I mentioned, when I am practicing I "rock and roll" with the recoil and there is muzzle rise.

I also think that there is an absence of muzzle rise shooting at "moving" game, which is what happens with elephants. You approach with the rifle ready to mount until the elephant turns to you and then you mount and shoot very quickly. So you are both keyed up, because you are damn close, and inmotion, mounting and shooting as the ele turns to you.

JPK