Some wood will bend some won't. Some will crack.
Did the gunsmith try already and it does not take the bent?
I have a Lefever G-grade that when I got it was set up for a lefty. The triggers were reversed and the stock was decidedly cast-on. I couldn't shoot it.
Steve Bertram (SKB on the forum) swapped the triggers and advised me that due to an old wood repair under the side plates, the stock would probably break if he tried to bend it. However he said if it broke he could fix the break if it wasn't too bad. I elected to take the chance and it did break as he predicted, but he invisibly fixed the break and all was well.
So, even if the Merkel stock we're discussing does break if it is bent, all may not be lost. A gun that fits is worth the risk, in my opinion...Geo
