Found a Merkel 500! Any advice appreciated!!!!

[Daniel Cary]

Merkel 140-2 Luxus. 500 N.E.

Never Fired, New in Box. I haven't spoke in detail to the seller other than a hold status. Now, "Merkel". I'm not really familiar with them, or much of the other manufacturers for that reason. However, I've received some great help here with sellers taking serious consideration to the add I posted & gained a lot of knowledge along the way. I do prefer Merkel's fit, weight, Barrell length, appearance, and price. That's about all I know. If there's anyone that would care to comment or Merkel owners that have had success or downfalls, I'd sincerely appreciate any advice.

Thank You again. Regards, Dan!

 

[CAustin]

Merkel 140-2 Luxus. 500 N.E.

Never Fired, New in Box. I haven't spoke in detail to the seller other than a hold status. Now, "Merkel". I'm not really familiar with them, or much of the other manufacturers for that reason. However, I've received some great help here with sellers taking serious consideration to the add I posted & gained a lot of knowledge along the way. I do prefer Merkel's fit, weight, Barrell length, appearance, and price. That's about all I know. If there's anyone that would care to comment or Merkel owners that have had success or downfalls, I'd sincerely appreciate any advice.

Thank You again. Regards, Dan!

I have a Merkel in 470 NE and I like it very much.

 

[JPmbogo]

Have a Merkel "Safari" double in 450/400 3". Lovely "little" double that comes up like a live bird gun. Anyone who "bad mouths" Merkel double rifles has no clue. Otherwise, go spend the price of a new Range Rover or equivalent on a new London "best grade."

 

[TOBY458]

What's the price?

 

[JPmbogo]

Merkel not for sale. I was only commenting that Merkel double rifles are excellent and affordable.

 

[ve7poi]

Have a 140ae in 470 NE shoots very well that’s it in my avatar

 

[Daniel Cary]

Have a Merkel "Safari" double in 450/400 3". Lovely "little" double that comes up like a live bird gun. Anyone who "bad mouths" Merkel double rifles has no clue. Otherwise, go spend the price of a new Range Rover or equivalent on a new London "best grade."

Thank You, and that's the draw to Merkel for me, They are semi compact in overall length. Received enough insight that there more than reliable, won't shoot loose, & look great imo!

 

[Ridgewalker]

Sorry, I never had a Merkel double, but I had a drilling I should have never sold. 12x12x243 which was very accurate though a bit heavy. Excellent trigger for 243. It surprised a couple of coyotes while upland hunting.

 

[Daniel Cary]

How"s the Recoil of a 10.5 lb 500?

 

[AZDAVE]

I haven't owned a Merkel, however a 500 NE Merkel is what started my love for doubles. A good friend let me shoot his and by the time I pulled the second trigger I was hooked.

Fo me Recoil is similar to a 10 lb 458 with 500gr. It is a solid push.

I should have asked what is the largest bolt gun you have shot and are comfortable with to provide you a better answer based on your experience?

With the merkel make sure that it fits you properly, as I believe that a proper fit does more to mitigate felt recoil than a recoil pad or recoil reducers.

 

[Daniel Cary]

Thanks foremost, that helps! .. This 500 Jeffery, just under 10lbs is the largest i own & certainly is stout!

 

[AZDAVE]

Since you are comfortable or at least familar with 500 Jeff recoil the Merkel with 500 NE will be a piece of cake. Have fun

 

[Longwalker]

I have a 140AE in .450-400 3" and really like it. Works perfectly, handles like a dream. Accurate too. I'd imagine your new .500 will be satisfactory.
Shooting a double is different than a bolt gun. If you haven't done much, I suggest you consider spending a few hundred on a used Merkel SxS 12 ga. or one of the cheap but very similar E German Suhl Thahlman guns. They are almost identical in construction and fit, and will teach you "muscle memory" while you engage in cheap practise at the clay target field or on birds. It's true that shotgun shooting is somewhat different than shooting a rifle, but quick close shooting is surprisingly similar in style for both.

 

[Daniel Cary]

I have a 140AE in .450-400 3" and really like it. Works perfectly, handles like a dream. Accurate too. I'd imagine your new .500 will be satisfactory.
Shooting a double is different than a bolt gun. If you haven't done much, I suggest you consider spending a few hundred on a used Merkel SxS 12 ga. or one of the cheap but very similar E German Suhl Thahlman guns. They are almost identical in construction and fit, and will teach you "muscle memory" while you engage in cheap practise at the clay target field or on birds. It's true that shotgun shooting is somewhat different than shooting a rifle, but quick close shooting is surprisingly similar in style for both.

That's certainly a great point, as this purchase comes with a 20 gauge barrel set. I suppose it would be obvious, however, exactly what is the purpose behind an articulated trigger? If you care to share. Many Thanks!

 

[Longwalker]

If recoil is robust enough, when firing the rear trigger the gun may move back hard enough to strike your trigger finger with the front trigger. An articulated front trigger saves your finger from being bruised.
Congratulations on a great find. Nothing better than a two barrel shotgun/rifle set to get used to shooting a double rifle! AND quite useful when the sand grouse or guinea fowl present an opportunity for variety during your safari!

 

[Daniel Cary]

If recoil is robust enough, when firing the rear trigger the gun may move back hard enough to strike your trigger finger with the front trigger. An articulated front trigger saves your finger from being bruised.
Congratulations on a great find. Nothing better than a two barrel shotgun/rifle set to get used to shooting a double rifle! AND quite useful when the sand grouse or guinea fowl present an opportunity for variety during your safari!

Very well, Thank You!