CK,
I've got access to a Bridgeport to do the work. Your suggestion to use a gundrill is genious IMO. I'm amazed that it hasn't been brought up in the other numerous threads I've seen on drilling stocks. All that 'brace n bit' stuff aint for me. I'm very familiar with gundrills but hadn't thought of it till you mentioned it. Making one should be a snap. I've made other drill types and special pitch taps in the past.
In my case, I don't have to drill too far. Just have to go from the glueline to the bottom of the lightening pocket, then I'll pilot the counterbore on the hole and c'bore down to that blue line.
