doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Merkel 147E 12 Gauge Opinions

Stan,
In comparing my Markel's cheekpieces to my others, you are quite right. They seem taller and protrude futher outwards. Perhaps it was done because the action is wider, but I'm much more aware of it now. Overall I like the Merkel's looks, although I will admit that the overall lines of the stock and action don't seem to flow smoothly as most other boxlocks.
I just picked up a Churchill made in 1911 that instills how well a stock and action relationship can be.
Karl

SRH, I agree that Merkel's lack for aesthetics. I'm in complete agreement there. I bought it as my first double when I knew little and it was the only decent quality double that I could afford (new). I knew nothing of the used market then. I just wanted a decent, and strong gun. It is what I could find and afford, nothing more. It's not just German shotguns, their rifles, beer and food are also just not my favorites, but they certainly don't lack for quality in many respects. English shotguns, American Rifles, Scottish beer, and Mexican food are the pinnacles of their respective categories. For me.

Karl, Your tastes just might be "evolving" and your perspective is hauntingly familiar!

I have owned, sold and shot a bunch of Merkels. Best Clays shooter was a 30in sporter that I regret selling. Best hunter was a 20ga model 8 weighed 5lbs 12oz I miss this one also.Best looking was a 16ga 147e with killer wood and english stock. I think the GDR guns had better internal fit and finish while the latter guns had better wood. I sold a bunch of GDR Merkels over the years from model 8s to sidelock 147SLs. Can't remember a mechanical issue with a GDR gun . Did see some cracks off the points of the actions but they usually started at the point and stopped soon where the stock wood got thicker.

This is still a bit Teutonic, but I have become enamored, to some degree by Oshatz. They are a little more streamlined to my way of thinking, but still have the pancake cheekpiece. I bought and traded on with trigger bar locks that was extremely narrow and light for a 12 bore.

http://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-fo...342A9B6.cfusion

Thank you. I like the gun you listed but as time goes buy I realize more and more that I will not die of old age in this country. Adding more guns isn't going to help me when I choose to move. I need to clear out what I have and leave just one shotgun. This means I will have to more one shotgun, one rifle and three handguns.

As I mentioned before when it comes to old game guns the competition for best suited tool has always been between the English and country located south across La Manche. Take a look at French knockabout Mondaile 2" 12ga guns at Marks site. There you can see how they solved weight problem at barrel jointing and shaping of the butt stock. That is where gunmaking skill iies.