Hi all, Has anyone purchased a new Merkel recently? How are they finding the build quality, regulation and lastly, do they still have a doubling issue? I'm looking at a new Merkel in 500NE but unsure. Alternatively, it's a VC in 450/400....
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Merkel 140ae
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Just go with the VC. You'll like the rifle and caliber better.
AZDAVE
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I have shot a merkel 500 that a friend owns but haven't owned one myself, there are a couple guys here on AH that shoot Merkel's wait for them to respond. I have a VC in 450/400 it and my 9.3 Chapuis are my favourite rifles that I own. I would highly recommend the VC or a Chapuis in 450/400.
Longwalker
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I have a Merkel 140AE .450-400. Not exactly "new" I bought it used, but believe it was shipped from the factory about 5 years ago. Regulation was OK, but I had it re-regulated anyway for use with a scope. No doubling issues. I have had no problems with function. The main reason I like it so much is that it fits me perfectly.
There is a big difference between the .500 and the .450-400 in "shoot ability" and also in power. If you don't need the power of the .500 as a charge stopper, as mentioned by degoins and Azdave I believe you will like the smaller cartridge better.
There is a big difference between the .500 and the .450-400 in "shoot ability" and also in power. If you don't need the power of the .500 as a charge stopper, as mentioned by degoins and Azdave I believe you will like the smaller cartridge better.
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CAustin
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Buy the Merkel
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I’ve had a Merkel in 470 NE for 14 years never had a problem with it, shot 2 Cape Buffalo, A Giraffe and a Elephant with it. Have around 400 rounds through it.
RockSlinger404
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Reviving an old thread...
My main question is, "why not Merkel"?
I am not a PH and a double rifle is definitely a "nice to have" rather than a "must have".
I've been reading as much as possible about the subject and still can't justify why a non-professional hunter would pay almost double for a VC or Heym vs a Merkel.
If anyone could shine more light on the subject, it would be greatly appreciated.
My main question is, "why not Merkel"?
I am not a PH and a double rifle is definitely a "nice to have" rather than a "must have".
I've been reading as much as possible about the subject and still can't justify why a non-professional hunter would pay almost double for a VC or Heym vs a Merkel.
If anyone could shine more light on the subject, it would be greatly appreciated.
IvW
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Between those 3 only Heym....VC is only nice on the outside not the inside......Merkel well cheap end German not the best....
machinistbutler
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Love my new to me Merkel 470
My first double, have no doubling problems.
I have read on here about doubling with Krieghoff and Heym as well, so every make can have their issues. I have seen pictures of they Heym actions split in half too.
I bought a Merkel shotgun with almost the exact dimensions to practice with, cost about 350 Canadian. So hopefully by the time I hunt something that is more dangerous than a paper target I will be used to the configuration.
If it fits and you love it buy it! If you don't like it sell it. Much cheaper to play around with than trying out a new wife.
My first double, have no doubling problems.
I have read on here about doubling with Krieghoff and Heym as well, so every make can have their issues. I have seen pictures of they Heym actions split in half too.
I bought a Merkel shotgun with almost the exact dimensions to practice with, cost about 350 Canadian. So hopefully by the time I hunt something that is more dangerous than a paper target I will be used to the configuration.
If it fits and you love it buy it! If you don't like it sell it. Much cheaper to play around with than trying out a new wife.
machinistbutler
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IvW
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Out of spec chambers, rough machining...
IvW
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Chamber sizes headspacing
IvW
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I woul love to see pictures of a Heym action split in two...do you have them?
machinistbutler
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I think they had a bad batch of steel years ago. I think it was Heym. When I was researching everything about doubles for many years I came across some posts on it. If I remember the manufacturer looked after the customers immediately and made things right. I will see if I can find it.
Sometimes things happen in manufacturing, it is how the business looks after the customer if things go wrong that says a lot about them.
Daniel Cary
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Nice! .. btw,
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