Completing the battery.....

[HWL]

Hi folks...

I have the chance to buy a quite new Merkel 140 AE in .450/400 NE...

For a long time, I am looking for a SxS, that, in a pinch, can handle every game africa has to offer.

I am not a professional but a "client"...

.... and I do not look for a "charge stopper",....but for the all around rifle.

Is a double in .450/400 NE the right tool?


HWL

 

[IvW]

Great caliber. Make of double not so great.

 

[stug]

Pondoro Taylor said he would be happy to spend his days with a 450/400 double.

 

[HWL]

Great caliber. Make of double not so great.

What´s wrong with Merkel?

HWL

 

[BenKK]

They’re accurate and functional, strong, but expect a few problems to fix.

I experienced soft trigger steel that led to a double discharge; the weight thing in the stock was made so poorly and came loose, rattling and starting to lift the pad; and that plastic grip cap - terrible!

Other than that it handled beautifully and shot perfectly, and accounted for heaps of buffalo.

 

[HWL]

They’re accurate and functional, strong, but expect a few problems to fix.

I experienced soft trigger steel that led to a double discharge; the weight thing in the stock was made so poorly and came loose, rattling and starting to lift the pad; and that plastic grip cap - terrible!

Other than that it handled beautifully and shot perfectly, and accounted for heaps of buffalo.

Do you think, I am just buying a construction site?

Who/how fixed the trigger?

Your's is a .450/400 NE?

HWL

 

[BenKK]

I had a .500NE. I suspect that most Merkel doubles in larger calibres would need more or less work at some point in their lives. However, that trigger problem I mentioned seems rare. I believe you can enjoy and successfully use a Merkel straight out of the box, but issues may arise as you use it more.

 

[alby]

I have a Merkel 140AE 450-400 3" which I purchased second hand and have had no issues at all. I have maybe put 300 rounds through it and love it as a working/hunting rifle!
No buff yet ( Not counting a couple of back ups) but have taken scrub bulls and plenty of pigs, using Woodleigh 400gn RNSN.
Good fun Rifle!

 

[BenKK]

They are not all bad. Aside from the faults I mentioned mine served me very well and I sold it to put funds into other things not because I hated it. I actually liked it a lot.

 

[IvW]

What´s wrong with Merkel?

HWL

Although German, they are not so well put together.

Chamber dimensions, bad triggers, double discharge issues et. etc.

They are mass produced doubles and not hand made.

I know of 9 different ones in SA with issues and getting the cold shoulder from Merkel.

 

[IvW]

Our main hunting and outdoor co here have stopped stocking them for the same reason.

They may not all have issues but personally I would have a major problem if I got a dud. Buyinga used one would compound the problem.

I would rather save up and buy a different make such as VC, which is not only top quality hand made but comes with after sales service second to none.

 

[CTDolan]

Hi folks...

I have the chance to buy a quite new Merkel 140 AE in .450/400 NE...

For a long time, I am looking for a SxS, that, in a pinch, can handle every game africa has to offer.

I am not a professional but a "client"...

.... and I do not look for a "charge stopper",....but for the all around rifle.

Is a double in .450/400 NE the right tool?


HWL

A 450/400 is near ideal as an all-around double. As for Merkel, you can get one hell of a lot more rifle in bolt action form for the same price. However, if the rifle fits you well (extra important when it comes to a double) and you fancy it otherwise, I'd not be afraid to take the leap.

 

[HWL]

A 450/400 is near ideal as an all-around double. As for Merkel, you can get one hell of a lot more rifle in bolt action form for the same price. However, if the rifle fits you well (extra important when it comes to a double) and you fancy it otherwise, I'd not be afraid to take the leap.

I am well equipped with bolt actions, up to a .470 Capstick.

So, I do not feel any demand this way.

The problem with this Merkel is,... it's a used one, and there is no chance for a "test drive".... use it or lose it.


HWL

 

[CTDolan]

You haven't a .505 Gibbs? I think you need to add to your battery!

 

[HWL]

You haven't a .505 Gibbs? I think you need to add to your battery!

Unfortunately, there is no open season in Jurassic Park....



HWL

 

[jacques smith]

I for one am going to balk at trash talking Merkel. I completely disagree that they all got problems and aren’t made well. My 470NE is as tight as a tick, accurate and I consider it an affordable tool, not a toy or showpiece In s perfect world you would be able to test fire before purchase because I do agree fit is crucial as calibers increase[emoji56]. Cheers

 

[ve7poi]

That’s mine on buff 470NE

 

[IvW]

I for one am going to balk at trash talking Merkel. I completely disagree that they all got problems and aren’t made well. My 470NE is as tight as a tick, accurate and I consider it an affordable tool, not a toy or showpiece In s perfect world you would be able to test fire before purchase because I do agree fit is crucial as calibers increase[emoji56]. Cheers

They do not all have issues but I can assure you that many have issues.

Doubles are expensive. If you buy one and it has issues heaven help you. Some double rifle makers have excellent service, some do not.

At least the OP is in Germany so I guess he would be able to take it back to Merkel if it had any issue.

However for me I would not take the chance with a Merkel, as I would be stuck with what I have if there is an issue.

 

[crs]

HWL,
Here is a radical suggestion:
You have a beautiful .405 WCF double so why not use it and spend the gun$ on Safari?
What animals do you want to take that a 300 grain Woodleigh Weldcore or solid at 2250 fps will not kill?
If you need a 400 grain Woodleigh pill, you can do what I did for my Winchester 1895 .405 and shoot 400 grain Woodies at 2050-2100 fps ( sounds a little like a 450/400? ) See dead buff above left.

Of course, if you just want to buy a new rifle (and who does not?) there are many available or, you can have a gun maker ( like Aaron Little) make one for you to your specs.

 

[HWL]

HWL,
Here is a radical suggestion:
You have a beautiful .405 WCF double so why not use it and spend the gun$ on Safari?
What animals do you want to take that a 300 grain Woodleigh Weldcore or solid at 2250 fps will not kill?
If you need a 400 grain Woodleigh pill, you can do what I did for my Winchester 1895 .405 and shoot 400 grain Woodies at 2050-2100 fps ( sounds a little like a 450/400? ) See dead buff above left.

Of course, if you just want to buy a new rifle (and who does not?) there are many available or, you can have a gun maker ( like Aaron Little) make one for you to your specs.

Dear crs,....you are right to a certain extent... no doubt.

I have a double in .405 Win and also one in .450/400 2 3/8 NE.

May be, this Merkel is just a love affair, but if so, I enjoy it.

What I am concerned about is, that some members fear, it is an error affected construction.

I own a Merkel 200something Over/Under 12 ga/.30-06 Springfield, that works like a clockwork.

Now I think about it, is it worth the money to figure out, who is right.


HWL