Rx.Helix wins Petersen's Editors Choice Award

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 02:43:00 -0500

Centerfires: Merkel RX Helix

The Merkel RX Helix combines Old World beauty with a new straight-pull bolt-action design that is, perhaps, one of the only truly innovative rifle designs to be unveiled this year. The Helix employs a rotating bolt head with six locking lugs. Moving the bolt handle transmits motion to the bolt head at a ratio of two-to-one thanks to a revolutionary transmission gearing system. It cycles silky-smooth and lightning fast. Oh, it�s also a takedown. It is available in three action lengths and 12 calibers, from .222 to 9.3x62.
Price: $3,995

Pick up a copy of Petersen's Hunting Annual 2013 for a lot more info or go to www.petersenshunting.comRead more: http://www.petersenshunting.com/2012/08/08/editors-choice-awards-best-gear-for-this-year/#ixzz237wfXw2N

Rx.Helix

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:36:00 -0500

MERKEL RX HELIX
Merkel has created a truly revolutionary bolt action that cycles in half the length of the conventional system. While the RX Helix is a straight-pull rifle, it retains the strength of a rotary bolt head with seven locking lugs, as well as a fully enclosed, hard-anodized aluminum action housing. The RX Helix�s linear motion of the bolt handle is transmitted to the bolt head by way of a revolutionary transmission gearing system.

Merkel has created a truly revolutionary bolt action that cycles in half the length of the conventional system. While the RX Helix is a straight-pull rifle, it retains the strength of a rotary bolt head with seven locking lugs, as well as a fully enclosed, hard-anodized aluminum action housing. The RX Helix�s linear motion of the bolt handle is transmitted to the bolt head by way of a revolutionary transmission gearing system. A true takedown rifle, it can be dismantled in a matter of seconds without tools. The RX Helix has a universal action length that covers calibers from .222 Rem. to .300 Win. Mag., and changing calibers takes less than a minute with the appropriate barrel, bolt and magazine. (rx-helix.com; 205-655-8299)

Merkel KR1-The Complete Rifleman 2010

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 20:02:00 -0500

I had the pleasure of visiting Suhl and the Merkel factory a couple of years ago, and I can tell you it is quite an impressive facility. There is no lack of the latest CNC and EDM machinery, but what you see most throughout the factory is handwork: polishing, fitting, more polishing and more fitting. The town of Suhl was founded and built by gunsmiths, for in addition to Merkel it is the ancestral home of Anschutz, Krieghoff, Heym, Sauer, Steyr and Haenel, to name a few. First Impressions
Anyway, upon seeing the KR1 for the first time, I was struck by its unique and highly distinctive appearance. For one thing, there�s no loading port, just a butterknife bolt handle sticking out of a cowling of sorts, with nothing like a conventional bolt to be seen. At each side at the front of the cowling, which is a lightweight alloy of bronze color that nicely contrasts the blued steel barrel, are forward-projecting ears that straddle the chamber portion of the barrel. All mechanisms within are completely protected from the elements. It�s really quite an elegant-looking rifle. Of course, raising the handle and opening the action pretty much answered all the questions that were running through my mind. I immediately was struck by how smooth and quiet the action is. The bolt�or rather the cowling that surrounds the bolt�reciprocates on T-slot rails machined into the upper edge of the lower receiver unit.
Like the Browning A-Bolt, the �floorplate� on the Merkel is hinged, but the magazine does not attach to it. Note that the trigger moves with the unit. Having said that, opening the action does, indeed, expose a somewhat conventional-looking bolt head having two rows of three lugs oriented on 120-degree centers. Also conventional is a recessed bolt face, a plunger-type ejector and an extractor that moves radially within a T-slot in one of the locking lugs. Like so many European-made rifles that have debuted over the past 25 years or so, this one has the bolt locking directly with abutments within the barrel itself, a feature that makes barrel interchangeability more practical. By replacing the barrel, bolt head and magazine box, it is possible to switch from, say, a .30-06 to a .338 Winchester Magnum. Direct lockup offers several other advantages as well�some practical, some theoretical. First and foremost, by having the bolt lock up within the barrel, the number of stressed components is reduced by a third�i.e., from three to two. In a conventional bolt-action the bolt engages abutments within the receiver ring, thereby transferring firing stresses to it as well as to the bolt and barrel. In the case of the KR1 and similar guns, only the bolt and barrel are involved; the �receiver� needs serve only as a housing for the bolt, trigger unit and magazine. For that reason the receivers of such guns can be of a lightweight alloy. On paper, at least, direct lockup would seem to be superior to the Mauser system, because there are fewer stressed components and therefore less vibration.
Lacking a receiver, the Merkel has a shorter overall length than a conventional bolt gun. The Remington 700 above sports a 22� barrel, the Merkel below it has a 21.5� barrel, yet there�s still about a 2-1/2� difference between them. Also, with the barrel serving the same function as the receiver ring in a Mauser-type action, you eliminate that portion of the gun normally taken up by the barrel shank/receiver ring. The net result, all other things equal, is that you save in overall length. For example, the test gun I was sent was in .30-06 and therefore sported a standard-length action, yet with a 21-1/2� barrel the overall length of the rifle was slightly more than 40�, or about 2-1/2� shorter than a 22�-barreled Remington 700 in the same caliber. Just as the bolt needs nothing other than a support structure to keep it in alignment with the chamber as the action is cycled, the barrel needs only a V-block of sorts to keep it aligned with the bolt. That�s why it�s fairly easy to incorporate barrel interchangeability into a direct-lockup system. Only two threaded studs welded to the bottom of the barrel shank are needed to position the barrel and provide idiot-proof barrel-changing capability. In the case of the KR1, two captive Allen-head machine nuts secure the barrel to its V-block. The forward one is exposed at the front of the floorplate tenon, the other is exposed when the integrated floorplate/trigger-guard unit is dropped down. In that respect this rifle is similar to the Browning A-Bolt in that the entire bottom metal unit is hinged at the front. A release latch just ahead of the guard bow drops the floorplate, exposing the detachable box magazine. Unlike the Browning, however, the box does not attach/detach from the floorplate, so it doesn�t drop down with it. The box is simply trapped between the floorplate and the lower receiver unit and drops out when the bottom is opened. This magazine can be charged from the top, just like a conventional bolt-action�a very good feature.
Everything about the KR1 is flush with the stock surface, and there are no protruding components other than the bolt handle. Trigger Talk
Compared to a Mauser or Winchester Model 70 trigger, the KR1�s is typically complex�and, being a set trigger, doubly so. The finger piece is attached to the bottom metal unit and therefore drops down with it when opened. The actual trigger mechanism is integrated into the lower receiver unit I spoke of, which is mated to the stock and without which the gun can�t function. It�s oh so different from our bolt-action rifles. The three-position safety is conveniently located on the rear tang where it falls under the thumb. In the center of the thumbpiece is a locking tab that must be depressed to move it fore and aft. Fully rearward locks the bolt and blocks the sear. In the central position the sear is still blocked, but the action can be cycled for safe loading and unloading. Pushing the trigger�s finger piece forward about a quarter-inch activates the set trigger, which on the test gun broke at a very light six ounces. Once set, it can be deactivated by engaging the safety and pulling the trigger. In so doing, the system reverts to functioning like a conventional trigger�in this case one that broke at 2-1/4 pounds, which is light enough to make the typical trial lawyer lick his chops. This is only a portion of the complete article. To see the remainder of the article visit the tactical-life website here.

Rifle Magazine: Merkel Custom .470 NE

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:33:00 -0500

Trekking across Africa in pursuit of dangerous game, flanking a professional hunter (PH) as he carried a .577 Nitro Express Best Quality British double rifle, my thoughts turned to the fact that the big-bore double rifle is not only alive and well, but also just as useful today as ever. Quizzing the PH confirmed this particular gun was his �favorite buffalo and elephant rifle,� which had accounted for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of each species. He is a dedicated hunter but is also highly knowledgeable of many types of firearms and has an extensive collection at his fingertips. He could use any gun of his choosing, but the big British boxlock double was his first choice when dealing with large game that can and will stomp and kill the hunter in a split second if given the slightest opportunity. Evenings were spent around a campfire, and I listened intently to stories not normally shared in the pages of gun and hunting magazines of angry buff and elusive elephants. The big rifle had pulled him through many tough scrapes, even having the stock broken by a charging, wounded buffalo, but thanks to two fast shots and heavy, large-caliber solids, combined with excellent marksmanship, our PH lived to hunt another day. Some may ask why a double gun for dangerous game, when high-grade bolt-action magazine rifles are so close to perfection and cost much less? Others feel double guns are outdated, used primarily by traditionalists. Actually there are several important virtues that make the double gun a top choice. Primarily they are two guns, with two locks (firing mechanisms), firing pins, triggers, barrels, etc. Should something break, a barrel become bulged from an obstruction or somehow the gun is damaged, the �second� rifle will probably still work. When a hunter is deep in the African bush with days of travel to the closest gunsmith, this feature alone may very well save his or her skin. Another important feature is having two shots that can be fired in unusually short succession and without working a mechanical device. Having an instant follow-up shot is obviously valuable; however, having it ready to go without making any noise is especially important. For example, game often has no idea the hunter is present until the first shot is fired, and then they usually don�t know their exact location. If a second shot is necessary, it can be executed without making even the slightest noise and letting the animal know the hunter�s location. Due largely to their actions, double guns are comparatively short and trim, with a natural balancing point that aids in their carry. Much of Africa is brushy, particularly areas where hunters chase elephant and buffalo, and a short rifle offers a certain handiness that bolt actions can�t match. With this compactness, along with correct stocking, they rise to the shoulder rapidly with instant sight alignment, like a fine shotgun. This is important, as hunters often come face to face with buffalo and elephant in close quarters, and choosing a rifle that comes to the shoulder quickly and naturally, along with an ultrafast second shot, has proven itself a lifesaver. Experienced shooters can also reload a double gun with incredible speed, as they break open the action, drop two large cartridges home, then close it, all the while keeping their eyes on the target. Most of the popular or classic cartridges for which double guns are chambered were developed with cordite powder (one of the earliest smokeless propellants developed in Great Britain) and were of relatively low pressures. This is important to mention for several reasons. First, Africa can be brutally hot, and ammunition exposed to such, with steel blue barrels that are likewise hot from the sun, can result in a significant increase in pressures. If a cartridge is already pushing �maximum� pressure, as many modern high-intensity loads are, the heat will often increase pressures to unsafe or problematic levels, such as sticky extraction, case head separation, blown primers, etc. On the other hand, with cartridges developed for the big British double guns, pressure by comparison is low, which allows them to function reliability under all conditions. In short, there is substantially less chance of a sticky case or extraction, blown primers, etc. For these reasons, combined with the fact that most double guns are not brutally strong like modern bolt-action rifles, most British double rifle cartridges designed for smokeless powders generate between 30,000 and 40,000 psi. The double rifle is purely a sporting rifle and remains a first choice of many professionals and experienced hunters. MERKEL CUSTOM GRADE .470 NITRO EXPRESS Vintage double rifles from the golden era have become difficult to find and are also very expensive, with Best Quality guns often bringing $25,000 to $50,000 and beyond. Many have been shot almost to death, while others with decades of �experience� sometimes fail to perform as they once did. To further complicate matters, there are some specialized dealers asking far greater prices than their appraised value. As a result, some have purchased these rifles in hopes of using them and getting their investment back at some point only to have a rather unpleasant surprise � or should we say loss? There are many newly manufactured double rifles; some are excellent while others fail to perform as they should. One manufacturer worthy of consideration is Merkel, a German company that has offered fine firearms since around 1898. While it is particularly famous for its double shotguns and rifles, both side-by-side and over/under and in sidelock and boxlock configurations,it also offers a unique bolt-action rifle (KR1) with interchangeable barrels/calibers, a Jager-tilted breechblock centerfire single shot (K1 and K2), drillings and others. Its crowning jewel remains the side-by-side double gun � both shotguns and rifles. During the pre-World War II years, Merkel shotguns dominated in live bird shoots and enjoyed a reputation for being ultrareliable, refined and long lasting. Due to their locking system, the guns virtually never shot loose or had to be tightened. Merkel�s Custom Grade �African Safari Series� Model 140-2.1 .470 Nitro Express is a top-of-line boxlock rifle that features a silver nitride receiver that is fully engraved in English-style arabesque and highlighted with gold. The engraving extends to the barrel breech and fully covers the trigger guard, pistol-grip cap and forearm hardware, all of which is tastefully executed. Appropriately, a Cape buffalo bust is inlayed in gold on the bottom of the frame. �AFRICAN SAFARI SERIES No.17� is inlaid in gold above the buffalo, and the en-graver discretely signs the masterpiece. Incidentally, when this rifle is chambered in .375 H&H Magnum, it features a gold inlaid lion, while the .450-400 is embellished with a leopard and the .500 NE, an elephant. The barrels are blue finish, or what most readers know as rust blue, with a tone that is non-reflective yet highly attractive and pleasing to the eye. The 23.6-inch barrels are contoured and octagonal. The action is the proven Anson and Deeley lockwork, with bushed firing pins, cocking indicators, double triggers and ejectors. (Not all Model 140-2.1s feature ejectors, with extractors being standard.) It also features the famous Greener cross bolt for enhanced strength and durability, and there is a double conventional bottom bite. The attention to detail is excellent, with each screw correctly tightened and the slots all horizontally oriented. The barrels are joined together with traditional soldering. In studying this junction, the craftsmen have certainly mastered the process, as there are no visible flaws. There is a mounting pin approximately 1.5 inches forward of the breech, centered through a solid rib that extends down through the barrels and acts to positively join the barrels. It is well concealed and only a trained eye will be able to see it disguised in the knurled rib. The tang safety is not one of those silly automatic arrangements that have no place on a dangerous game rifle! The classic-styled stock with cheekpiece is half-luxus Turkish walnut that features attractive contrasting dark and light steaks. The grain is rather straight to assure that strength is not compromised. This is important for any dangerous game rifle, particularly when matched to a powerful cartridge such as the .470 Nitro Express. The front sight is a gold bead, while the rear is housed in the solid barrel rib and has a single stationary wide English V, with three folding leafs that are U-notched and regulated at 50, 75 and 100 meters, respectively. This is a classic design that has proven useful for hunting big critters at close range when the chips are down. Merkel manufactures firearms using a blend of modern precision tooling combined with hand craftsmanship. This results in a high-quality product that offers top-notch performance while retaining the grace and aesthetic beauty of a former era. THE .470 NITRO EXPRESS Most sources indicate the .470 Nitro Express (NE) was developed around 1907 by Joseph Lang, although some indicate it was first offered in 1900. Regardless, it became a favorite among the British gun trade and remains the most widely popular and available large-caliber cartridge designed for heavy game. Traditionally, it houses a 500-grain bullet pushed around 2,150 fps. Beginning in 1989, Federal Cartridge developed several .470 NE loads utilizing several premium hunting bullets in both softpoint and solid configurations. This ammunition was carefully developed to duplicate pressures and velocities of the original loads so that it would properly regulate in vintage double rifles. This changed the outlook of the cartridge in the U.S., as ammunition, cases, bullets, etc. were now readily available. Naturally, interest in the grand, old cartridge has been renewed. Hornady Manufacturing is now offering two .470 NE loads in its Dangerous Game Series of ammunition. The standard bullet weight is 500 grains, and muzzle speed is advertised at 2,150 fps. In the words of noted Professional Hunter Harry Claassens, �If you are looking for a large-bore double rifle today, then I will definitely recommend the .470 NE. It still remains one of the very best large-bore calibers, and believe me, if you do your part, this grand, old caliber will never let you down!� I might add that in interviewing a number of professional hunters and my own experience in testing bullets in mediums, .470 NE bullets are not prone to tumbling after impact as are some other big-bore cartridges. They are stable and have earned a great reputation on dangerous game where straight and deep penetration is essential. FROM THE BENCH The factory test target provided with the gun indicated it was capable of placing bullets from each barrel into what appears to be about 1.25 inches at 50 meters. Merkel is currently using Federal 500-grain Trophy Bonded Solids to regulate new rifles. Incidentally, the bullets are supposed to �cross� somewhere beyond 50 meters and before 100 meters. Based on this information, the bullets on the target had not crossed. With a supply of Federal and Hornady factory loads, as well as handloads, I retired to my bench to check velocities and accuracy. Using Federal Premium CapeShok ammunition with 500-grain Trophy Bonded Sledgehammer solids, velocity clocked 2,096 fps with an extreme spread for five shots of 11 fps. Conditions were horrible, as the 95-degree August sun beat directly down on me, but even worse it glared heavily on the sights. This made precise sight alignment more difficult, but the Federal load managed to place two bullets (one fired from each barrel) into 1.2 inches from each other with approximately .5-inch elevation difference at 50 meters. The bullets had not �crossed� paths at this point. I was using an 8-inch black bullseye (Caldwell Orange Peel) with a 6-o�clock hold using the 100-meter leaf, and bullets were striking approximately one inch above the aiming point. The right barrel was fired first, with the second shot (left barrel) being fired within a few seconds of the first. Due to the heat associated with the first shot, the folks at Merkel suggest the left barrel be fired within four to seven seconds after the right barrel for best groups. Switching to Hornady .470 NE factory loads with 500-grain DGX bullets, velocities clocked 2,120 fps and had an extreme spread of 14 fps for a five-shot string. At 50 meters, the Hornady load planted two bullets within 1.1 inches and was striking about one inch lower than the Federal load or exactly to the point of aim using the 100-meter leaf. This was repeated several times with nearly identical results. Using only the left barrel, three shots were fired at 75 yards, two of which were touching and the third bullet opened the group to just slightly over one inch center to center. With a suggested retail of $150.39, the Hornady loads have indeed domesticated the .470 NE. While no groups were fired at 50 meters with just one barrel, in overlapping the targets, it was clear that each barrel was capable of something around .5-or .625-inch groups at that distance. Handloading the .470 NE can be accomplished successfully, but there are some pitfalls to be aware of. First, a chronograph is essential in determining velocities, which should more or less duplicate the above factory loads. Second, ignition is always a challenge when trying to ignite powder of this volume. For example, when the folks at Federal developed their factory loads, they found that a primer with greater gas gave more reliable ignition, so a special primer (known as the #216) was developed that is not available as a component. With the .470�s large powder capacity, some powders leave excess space and fail to produce consistent velocities and pressures and often will not regulate correctly. The industry maximum average pressure for the .470 NE is 41,000 psi, with pressures from Federal and Hornady factory loads being well below that figure. I did take time to develop a handload containing the 500-grain Barnes FB Banded Solid behind 107.0 grains of Hodgdon 4831SC for 2,108 fps. There was a fair amount of shooting/chronographing to settle on this exact powder charge. The velocity falls exactly between the Federal and Hornady factory loads. Ignition was by Federal GM215M primers in Federal cases. Case length was 3.240 inches, and bullets were seated to an overall cartridge length of 3.970 inches, then a heavy crimp applied. Eight shots were checked for consistency across an Oehler Model 35P chronograph, which gave an extreme spread of 15 fps, and there were no signs of poor ignition. This load consistently grouped bullets, fired from each barrel, within 1 to 1.5 inches at 50 meters. At 75 yards, using the right barrel only, one group was recorded that measured exactly one inch center to center. Some may find it of interest that 80.0 grains of IMR-3031 or IMR-4895 will push 500-grain bullets to similar speeds and, according to Elmer Keith, will regulate in most vintage rifles. Deadlines being what they are, those handloads were not checked in the Merkel for accuracy or regulation. Depending on load, most bullets appeared to be �crossing� paths at something close to 100 yards, which is ideal on a dangerous game double rifle. The gunsmith at Merkel tells me that some rifles will never cross, with some bullets remaining parallel at long distances, which works equally well. Recoil is certainly present, but my teenage son was able to manage it. Long shooting sessions from sandbag rests and even chronograph sessions certainly wore on my shoulder, which is somewhat sore as I write these words. On the other hand, it is doubtful that recoil would ever be felt in the field, as this is a working rifle intended for large and dangerous game, which often results in a situation where recoil is usually the last thing on the hunter�s mind. The Merkel 140-2.1 is a modern hunting rifle worthy of the African bush. For more information contact Steyr Arms at 7661 Commerce Lane, Trussville AL 35173; or www.merkel-usa.com. Re-printed with permission from Rifle Magazine. Visit their website at www.riflemagazine.com.

ShootingUK: Merkel 303 20-bore shotgun review

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:39:00 -0500

This Merkel 303 sidelock 20-bore shotgun has superb German craftsmanship and unusual detailing. There are occasions in the gun trade, albeit increasingly rare, when one comes across a genuine sleeper. That is, a gun, usually fine quality, that has lain unused for many years, cocooned in its own forgotten world against the ravages of time and wear. There is something very special about such guns. The walnut has a subtle glow, the barrel blacking seems less dense than many modern finishes, the classic lines and obvious proof of craftsmanship make you want to reach out and touch it to assure yourself it is indeed real. AN INTRIGUING BLEND The subject of this test, the Merkel 303 sidelock, evoked similar impressions of that same timeless quality, almost of a gun belonging to another era. It is true its beauty is a little less restrained than an English gun, but it carries with it a slightly exotic air that only serves to make one want to know more. This intriguing mix of understated elegance and exotic beauty, even if it is not to one's particular taste, is carried out with great skill. The most eye-catching aspect is the action with its deep lockplates and, in Merkel's words, its rich English-style arabesque with chiselled base and medium scrolls. Though the decoration is in the carved style that has become something of a trademark for German guns, it has a lightness that may appeal to British tastes. No expense has been spared with the decoration on the lockplates and action body, much of the trigger-guard and tang, top-strap, top-lever, fore-end catch and the sides of the monoblock barrel assembly.

IMPRESSIVE DETAIL
It is the detail, at first not obvious, that is really impressive. There are the small screw pins incorporated to lock some of the larger screw pins into place. Another example is the way the screw pins in the base of the action blend in so well as to be almost invisible, given away only by the turnscrew slots.

Then there is the tiny but beautifully evenly distributed jewelling on the action face. Having the barrel selector on the triggerplate, though unconventional, is quite sensible. It is easy to use and allows for a dainty safety button with a suitably slim top-strap.

Most impressive, though, is the concealed screw for removing the hand-detachable sidelocks. The small crescent slot (just big enough to insert a fingernail) is the only indicator that something a little unusual is afoot. Open it and a circular trap door clicks open - the means of unscrewing the single pin that secures the locks.

Add to these features others such as the raised cocking indicators, neat engraving on the tang and butt-plate screws and a fine, artistically shaped trigger, and you get the impression that this gun is put together just right.

THAT GROWN-THERE LOOK
No high-quality gun would be complete without suitably complementary walnut and in this department the Merkel excels. The oil-finished stock has a marbled effect - a reddish-brown background with prolific dark veining. The wood on the slim, tapered fore-end is the kind of close match that suggests it has all been made from the same blank and the hand chequering is very finely cut.

The wood-to-metal fit is super, an example of that much sought-after but rarely achieved 'grown-there' look. The fore-end's three-piece design was once common on good over-unders.

Though it is now regarded as a little bit old hat, it is technically very good. The top parts of the fore-end, which in most other designs are vulnerable to damage, are secured to the barrel side ribs. This means they can be exceptionally slim for pleasing styling.

As a result the detachable piece of the fore-end that carries the ejectors is proportionally stiff and strong. It is an expensive way to make a fore-end and difficult to make it look like one piece of wood.

CONVENTIONAL WORKINGS
Some aspects of the Merkel are very conventional, such as the two-lump doublebite system found most often on side-by-side guns. This means it locks shut in the same way, with the curved rear of the front lump (run up) and curved front part of the real lump (draw) making a tight lock-up.

A belt-and-braces measure is the double-barrel top extensions, through which the cross-bolt engages. The monoblock method of barrel assembly is similarly conventional. The joining in the top barrel is almost invisible and it has been treated with the usual decorative band.

The barrel tubes have fixed chokes, deeply curved side ribs and a well-lain tapered top-rib with matted finish and brass bead foresight. Both internally and externally the barrels are flawless, exhibiting the kind of finish only attainable with careful handwork. On this model, chokes measured a tight half in the top barrel and a quarter in the lower. However, as this is a handcrafted gun, individual specifications can be accommodated.

SIX-PIN DESIGN
The lockwork of a sidelock gun is usually of interest, and the Merkel is no exception. In gunsmiths' techno-speak there are bar locks with back-action mainsprings.

This simply means the forward part of the lockplate fits into the projecting bar of the action body and the mainspring is held towards the back of the plate.

There is decorative jewelling in abundance and the six-pin design incorporates desirable features such as intercepting sears - for safety - and a short throw hammer (or tumbler) to provide ultraquick lock time. At just over 5lb, the trigger pulls are a little heavier than I expected, but it was not obvious as the break was very crisp and clean.

SLIM & REFINED
Even with its 26.3/4in barrels, weighing just less than 7lb, the Merkel is not particularly light for a 20-bore. The method of construction requires a fairly deep action and the quality and therefore density of the walnut all contribute towards that weight.

However, it is a portly gun. Rather it is slim and refined - balancing so well it feels much lighter, as if the word pointability might have been specially invented to describe the handling characteristics of such an example of the gunmaker's art. It even fitted me fairly well with a reasonable amount of right-hand cast and a drop across the comb of 1.5/8in to 2.5/8in. Only the length of pull at 14.1/2in was a little short for me, but again this is a dimension that would be tailored to the client.

A GUN WITH SOUL
Out on test, everything performed exactly as it should. The barrel selection was positive but effortless, the dinky but practically shaped auto-safety snicked back and forwards in a crisp manner and the ejectors are timed to go off exactly together.

Patterns, with the cartridges I used, were some of the best I have seen. There was a very even and noticeably uniform spread of shot.

This is the kind of gun that inspires the user to try that bit harder, while at the same time it quickly feels so familiar that one can forget the gun and concentrate on the shooting.

Its handling characteristics are such that it is almost the magic wand that shooters dream about. It is a gun with soul, the result of hours of painstaking, skilled work by people who have an intimate knowledge of the product.

A CONNOISSEUR'S GUN?
In spite of my enthusiasm, I have to concede that it is perhaps a gun for the individual who can afford a handcrafted item tailored to their requirements but who is prepared to accept that colleagues may find their choice a little quirky. It may be one for the connoisseur who feels no obligation to follow the crowd.

This is probably a good thing as production of this model normally runs at 50 per year. Of that modest number, a handful are destined for the UK market. A case of good things coming in small numbers.

Shot patterns 5 / 5

Reliability: 5 / 5

Handling: 5 / 5

Trigger: 2 / 5

Finish: 5 / 5

Stock: 5 / 5

Value: 5 / 5

Price:

�19,177