Thanks for the responses. Steve, I am very interested to hear more about your bending jig.

Just like stock bending can be done on a measured basis (1/8" bend up will move the pattern up 2" at 16 yards), I would think bending the barrel could be done in a controlled manner to produce a specified outcome. Out of respect for my gun, I am hoping to avoid methods that involve banging, forked trees, or dead rabbits . . . .

Such a long, long time to be gone, and a short time to be there.