Optic for Merkel 140

[superdutch]

I have been putting my new Merkel 140-2 450-400NE through the paces and discovered it shoots low except with the 75 yard leaf, which is well forward of the 50 yard leaf and express site. This got me thinking. I know it is sacrilege, but I would experiment with a red dot type optic. The Merkel 140 has a removable dovetailed plate on the barrel where it meets the receiver that appears to be designed just for this purpose. Here's the problem - I called technical support at Merkel in Alabama, and they didn't know what optic or mount system it was designed to work with!

Has anyone installed anything using that plate on their Merkel 140? I know I can send it off for expensive work, but it seems so simple with the right product. It must have been made to accommodate something! I would like to try a red dot or a ghost ring/peep site on that plate. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[CAustin]

I have been putting my new Merkel 140-2 450-400NE through the paces and discovered it shoots low except with the 75 yard leaf, which is well forward of the 50 yard leaf and express site. This got me thinking. I know it is sacrilege, but I would experiment with a red dot type optic. The Merkel 140 has a removable dovetailed plate on the barrel where it meets the receiver that appears to be designed just for this purpose. Here's the problem - I called technical support at Merkel in Alabama, and they didn't know what optic or mount system it was designed to work with!

Has anyone installed anything using that plate on their Merkel 140? I know I can send it off for expensive work, but it seems so simple with the right product. It must have been made to accommodate something! I would like to try a red dot or a ghost ring/peep site on that plate. Thanks for your thoughts!

Don’t email them in Alabama. Email the company in Germany. Trying to deal with the guys in Alabama is aggravating at best.

 

[superdutch]

Thanks Charlie, I will give that a try!

 

[CAustin]

Thanks Charlie, I will give that a try!

Your welcome

 

[Shootist43]

superdutch, does the Merkel use an interchangeable front sight? There is another post currently on AH where this is being discussed. You may find that post helpful. Just so there is no misunderstanding the other post deals with a double rifle shooting low and not the use of a red dot sight. You might also be able to contact Aim Point for some mounting information.

 

[superdutch]

Thanks for the reply Shootist. I will double check the front site. I recall it being permanently attached, but I could be wrong. I will certainly search for that other post - I am experiencing the same thing.

I called Trijicon yesterday, and they weren't familiar with the rifle or mounting system. I will try Aimpoint today.

 

[Shootist43]

Sometime back there was a post on AH by a European shooter that is one of Aimpoint's Professional shooters. You might do some research and if you can find him, send him a Personal Message asking about mounting options. The post may have had something to do with Red Dots vs RMRs.

 

[Shootist43]

superdutch, here is a link to New England Custom Guns they may be able to help you as well. https://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/Gun_Services/German_Claw_Scope_Mounts.asp

 

[AZDAVE]

One thing you might look at is a simple alignment of the screw holes with a weaver scope base and get one that has the same spacing as your dovetail spacer on the rib. Then a red dot should be easy to fit.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

I have been putting my new Merkel 140-2 450-400NE through the paces and discovered it shoots low except with the 75 yard leaf, which is well forward of the 50 yard leaf and express site. This got me thinking. I know it is sacrilege, but I would experiment with a red dot type optic. The Merkel 140 has a removable dovetailed plate on the barrel where it meets the receiver that appears to be designed just for this purpose. Here's the problem - I called technical support at Merkel in Alabama, and they didn't know what optic or mount system it was designed to work with!

Has anyone installed anything using that plate on their Merkel 140? I know I can send it off for expensive work, but it seems so simple with the right product. It must have been made to accommodate something! I would like to try a red dot or a ghost ring/peep site on that plate. Thanks for your thoughts!

This seems to be a problem on the Merkels. I have the same rifle, but in 500NE. I have a hunter that hunted a lion with me about two years ago with the same rifle, chambered in .470, exact same problem.
The easiest fix was to to replace the front bead with a bigger bead.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Trying to deal with the guys in Alabama is aggravating at best.

All us LSU fans have known this for years........

 

[superdutch]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys! I spoke with New England Custom Guns - they are very helpful. I am going to send the rifle to them and they are going to do two things. The first will be to install a removable front sight that is lower (thus raising the impact). Being removable, I will be able to make adjustments as necessary myself. Second, they are going to install a new plate on the barrel that will allow me to easily install a red dot - which is really what I would like - two functional sets of sights. Thanks again for all your help! The knowledge and generosity in terms of times and thoughtfulness is what really makes this board great.

 

[Shootist43]

I have two rifles equipped with NECG Iron Sights. They are rugged, easy to adjust and removable. You can hardly ask for more than that.