Merkel 141 Problem

[Scott Semle]

Hello,
I have been a fan of Merkel firearms for years. I currently own a 961L, a 96k and a 141. I bought the 141 ten years ago. It is chambered in 7x57r. I have hunted the Maine woods with it and taken many nice Whitetail and one bear. It has a single enertial trigger.

The rifle worked fine for years. It then began having problems with the left barrel sear not setting after the right barrel was fired. I returned it to Merkel USA and spoke with Herbert. He tuned the rifle and quickly returned it. It worked fine again. However, after a few years it began to double fire. I tried everything I could to eleviate the problem. I assumed I was doing something wrong. I sent it back to Herbert. He said he could not duplicate the issue but had increased the sear weight on the left barrel. It sat in my safe until the following fall when I took it out for deer season. I fired three times without trouble. On the fourth firing I felt an impact on my forehead. I few seconds later blood began to poor down my face. The rifle had double fired. My Swarovski scope had cut a nice half moon into my head. Quick trip the the ER and a bunch of stitches.

I contacted Merkel in Alabama and Germany. I removed the scope and made a video of myself firing the rifle in a standing position. It doubled every three or four firings. I also sent a picture of the stitches in my forehead. They were extremely apologetic and asked me to return the rifle and it would be sent to Germany for evaluation. All good. The rifle was sent to Merkel USA to prepare the proper paperwork.

It was determined the the rifle could not be repaired before it was sent to Germany. This was a problematic design. Ok, if they know there is, and has been a problem, I would expect a reasonable exchange for something that is safe. Unfortunately no. The management at Merkel USA offered me about one quarter of what I paid to buy the rifle. They also said my best financial option would be to sell the rifle because this engraved model was very valuable. Really???? Pawn an unsafe weapon off to some unsuspecting victim. Not only is it dangerous to the shooter but who knows where the second bullet ends up? The service rep was embarrassed to tell me what they did.

Am I being unrealistic in what I expect Merkel to do? As a former engineer, for Smith and Wesson, I cannot imagine a reputable manufacturer allowing an unsafe product to be left on the market? I would appreciate your feedback.

Scott

 

[Red Leg]

Maybe. How many years have you had the rifle? Did it come with a lifetime warranty?

Unless the rifle was guaranteed (I assume not), you are probably fortunate you had as much assistance as you did. You have, I suspect, three options. 1) Park it in your gun safe, 2) Sell it, divulging the issue (I assume you probably don't want to pick up any ethical or liability problems), or 3) Send it to someone competent to repair it.

JJ Perodeau http://jjperodeau.com/ is the single person in the US I would trust with such work. I suspect Herbert was filing away on seers - at some point too much medal has been removed. I am confident JJ can make it right - if he can't, he will tell you. Sure it will cost something, but you will again have a dependable rifle that you obviously love.

 

[Shootist43]

Scott, first off welcome aboard. your thoughts and actions are reasonable, prudent and ethical. There are a lot of subject matter experts on AH that hopefully you will get to "know" over time. But for now I will gladly vouch for Red Leg and his recommendation. The man knows his doubles and where to send them when gunsmithing is required. J.J. Perodeau's name has often been mentioned as the best gunsmith for double rifles in the states. Do yourself a favor, do as Red Leg suggested and you will wind up a "happy camper."

 

[HWL]

There is not a "Merkel Problem"..... the problem is the lack of qualified gunsmith in the US!

Disassemble, repair & assemble of a boxlock like this is the job of a village blacksmith on the continent.

I get hair loss reading "It was determined the rifle could not be repaired before it was sent to Germany"!!!

These guys are "unable",...or.... they simply want your money.

 

[Philip Glass]

Hello,
I have been a fan of Merkel firearms for years. I currently own a 961L, a 96k and a 141. I bought the 141 ten years ago. It is chambered in 7x57r. I have hunted the Maine woods with it and taken many nice Whitetail and one bear. It has a single enertial trigger.

The rifle worked fine for years. It then began having problems with the left barrel sear not setting after the right barrel was fired. I returned it to Merkel USA and spoke with Herbert. He tuned the rifle and quickly returned it. It worked fine again. However, after a few years it began to double fire. I tried everything I could to eleviate the problem. I assumed I was doing something wrong. I sent it back to Herbert. He said he could not duplicate the issue but had increased the sear weight on the left barrel. It sat in my safe until the following fall when I took it out for deer season. I fired three times without trouble. On the fourth firing I felt an impact on my forehead. I few seconds later blood began to poor down my face. The rifle had double fired. My Swarovski scope had cut a nice half moon into my head. Quick trip the the ER and a bunch of stitches.

I contacted Merkel in Alabama and Germany. I removed the scope and made a video of myself firing the rifle in a standing position. It doubled every three or four firings. I also sent a picture of the stitches in my forehead. They were extremely apologetic and asked me to return the rifle and it would be sent to Germany for evaluation. All good. The rifle was sent to Merkel USA to prepare the proper paperwork.

It was determined the the rifle could not be repaired before it was sent to Germany. This was a problematic design. Ok, if they know there is, and has been a problem, I would expect a reasonable exchange for something that is safe. Unfortunately no. The management at Merkel USA offered me about one quarter of what I paid to buy the rifle. They also said my best financial option would be to sell the rifle because this engraved model was very valuable. Really???? Pawn an unsafe weapon off to some unsuspecting victim. Not only is it dangerous to the shooter but who knows where the second bullet ends up? The service rep was embarrassed to tell me what they did.

Am I being unrealistic in what I expect Merkel to do? As a former engineer, for Smith and Wesson, I cannot imagine a reputable manufacturer allowing an unsafe product to be left on the market? I would appreciate your feedback.

Scott

This is one reason I bought a Kreighoff. They have an anti-doubling feature. I am always hearing of Merkels doubling. Sorry you had so much trouble.
Philip

 

[Longwalker]

A possible repair could involve replacing the single trigger with a double trigger. Single triggers are more difficult to make function properly and typically have more problems with reliability.

 

[Scott Semle]

Just an update for this old thread. Merkel stood up for their product and had the rifle sent back to Germany for evaluation and repair. It is awaiting return shipment. I don't know what the repair entailed? I'm hoping they give me the details along with the rifle. I'm very pleased that they were responsive to the needs of a loyal customer. Good on Merkel!

 

[CAustin]

Just an update for this old thread. Merkel stood up for their product and had the rifle sent back to Germany for evaluation and repair. It is awaiting return shipment. I don't know what the repair entailed? I'm hoping they give me the details along with the rifle. I'm very pleased that they were responsive to the needs of a loyal customer. Good on Merkel!

Excellent news!

 

[austrianhunter]

I really would have paid smthg extra to Merkel for replacing the trigger group with a double trigger. The front trigger for the right barrel can be outfitted with a set trigger.