What is the advantage of a 3-piece forearm on the Merkel over & under shotguns?
The three-piece configuration allows the forearm to fit perfectly around the barrels, greatly enhancing the firearm’s handling characteristics. Many consider the Merkel over-and-under to be the most balanced and natural pointing shotgun available.
 

What is the difference between a sidelock and a boxlock action?
On a sidelock action, all locking parts except the triggers are mounted on side lock plates. On a boxlock action, such as the Blitz and Anson Deely System, all of the locking parts are mounted on a trigger plate, or within the receiver.

What does the term "full side plate" mean?
A firearm with full side plates is one with a boxlock Anson Deely or Blitz locking system that has ornamental plates similar to side locks, but performs no mechanical function. The enlarged surface area of the side plate is larger than a typical boxlock receiver and gives the engraver more flexibility for intricate engraving patterns.

What is the advantage of detachable sidelocks?
Detachable sidelocks can be removed easily from the firearm without tools. This unique and desirable feature gives the user or service technician instant access to the firearm’s working mechanism for cleaning or service maintenance.

Why have side clips on Merkel side-by-side firearms?
Side clips were originally designed as a locking element used on side-by-side barrels in conjunction with the Greener Crossbolt and barrel lugs. Since this feature cannot be incorporated into mass production, these side clips are ornamental, adding elegance and distinguishing the Merkel as a handcrafted firearm.

What is a receiver ledge, and why does Merkel incorporate it into the side-by-sides?
A receiver ledge is an enlarged ridge, forged as part of the receiver just underneath the barrel breech. The receiver ledge adds strength to the receiver and is characteristic of a fine traditionally handcrafted firearm.

Why are many European shotguns produced with double triggers? What's the benefit?
Traditionally, all classic European game guns have double triggers. Double triggers offer the simplest, quickest, and most reliable method for instant barrel selection.

Why do European gunmakers tend to use plain, straight-grained wood, even on very expensive shotguns?
Straight-grain wood is stronger than highly figured wood. Figured wood, while more attractive, is much more prone to damage or breakage if dropped or abused.
 

Can a customer order special engraving on a Merkel?
All Merkel firearms are hand-engraved and can be custom ordered. Time of delivery varies according to the level of difficulty but normally takes 120-150 days from order to delivery.
 

Why are cold-hammer-forged barrels used on Merkel firearms?
Cold-hammer-forging creates a higher surface hardness which extends the life of the barrel and chokes. The bores are much easier to clean since they are smoother than those found on conventional barrels and are more resistance to fouling and corrosion.
 

Are screw-in chokes offered on Merkel shotguns?
Merkel does not manufacture screw-in chokes. However, they can be installed on Merkel shotguns as an aftermarket item. Briley Manufacturing of Houston, Texas, offers this service.

What is the difference between extractors and ejectors?
Extractors lift the spent shell casings out of the chamber after firing. The empty shell casing must then be removed by hand. Ejectors are spring loaded and eject the empty shell casing completely out of the chamber. Hunters and shooters who desire a quick method of reloading prefer ejectors to extractors; others prefer the stronger, more positive extractor system.

Why is my new Merkel so tight when I open and close the action?
Merkel firearms are manufactured and purposely hand-fitted to precise tolerances so as to allow the barrel "break in" to occur under normal shooting conditions. This ensures the longest service life.

Does Merkel offer ventilated ribs on their shotguns?
Ventilated ribs are available as an option on the Merkel over-and-under guns. However, the more traditional solid rib is normally found on most Merkel guns. The solid rib is more robust and less prone to damage. In addition, a solid rib is easier to clean and maintain than a ventilated rib which can collect dirt and weeds in the field.

Can a stock with customized dimensions be ordered according to a customer's specifications?
As an option, Merkel can produce a stock with custom dimensions for cast, pitch, drop, and length of pull.

Can steel shot be fired in Merkel shotguns?
The extra hardness created by Merkel's cold-hammer-forging of the barrel allows maximum choke life when using steel shot ammunition.

Glenn Rea
Sport Guns
Granbury, Texas
76049

(817) 579-0650

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