Gents,
I am new to the forum so please excuse the fact that I've not poured through the threads to uncover the multitude of times this has probably been discussed, but here goes:
I have a very lightly used Merkel 140-2 in 375 H&H. I took it to the range two days ago and loaded up for my inaugural first two shots. I was immediately surprised how bad it kicked. Granted I have a 416 Rigby I've got hand loads for that will rattle your teeth, but this seemed just as bad or worse. I opened the breech and both cartridges had fired. No wonder. I was a bit concerned but I believe I may have shot the rear trigger first since I had on shooting gloves... After, I decided to load singles from either side for a few rounds. I pulled opposing triggers to see if I could get it to discharge the wrong barrel and it didn't seem to. Very well regulated in fact shooting singles.
Back to two shells. Loaded up, doubled again. I can confirm I pulled back trigger first on that one. I shoot SXS shotguns a lot on bird hunts and was taught to pull back to front. Only reading g in these forums that doesn't seem to apply to dbl rifles.
Should it really matter??? I'm not that big of a glutton for punishment, so I cleaned the rifle and put it away for the day. I will likely take it back out next weekend. My plan is to use one full load and one primer only load and try either barrels and see if the doubling is in fact the pull order... Any other thoughts?
Are the triggers sticky from non use for years? Is there some internal cleaner that may solve anything like that before I send it off to someone? I'm open to thoughts on troubleshooting... Also would love a recommendation on someone who works on Merkels if I have to go that route. I realize the Alabama location is closed now? Bummer.
There has to be others that have had to fix this issue... Thanks all.