doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com I like the Merkel but what else?

Gents

I have just found this website after exhaustively looking at sxs shotguns. I like the look and feel of the sxs guns and have decided this will be my next shotgun however I really have little knowledge about these guns. I have handled several and so far the Merkel has felt the best. Any other good recomendations would be appreciated.

For me the guns with case hardened receiver aim better as opposed to a bright finish which is distracting to me. I shoot a 12 ga and hunt ducks, quail and sporting clays.

Thanks
Daubie

Welcome to the board. My best guess knowing little about your weight or height or age:

Get one 12 gauge gun for ducks and sporting clays. Should weigh about 7-3/4 pounds plus or minus a 1/2 pound. I think 28 to 32 inch barrels would be fine. Merkel is a fine gun. Winchester Model 21s also can be found in this configuration. AYA Model 56s are also heavy enough and can shoot standard USA ammo.

For your quail hunting get 20 or 28 gauge, about 6 pounds. There are several gunmakers that make suitable guns for this - Merkel, AYA, Arrieta, Rizzini (3 different Rizzin companies that I know of) just to name a few.

Depending on if you are a NFL lineman or a professional jockey you may want to move the weights up or down.

Best,

Mike

I suggest you look & handle more sxs shotguns before deciding on a merkel. I have one of them and the workmanship is exquisite but you may find another you like better as your 1st sxs. Find a sxs shooting competition nearby and scope out some other guns first up. I also like classic american side by's and you will not go wrong with good Fox or Parker guns.