What about this gun makes it a bad deal or suspect? It has been there for a while. I'm curious.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/906064412

Short LOP is about the only issue I see.

Yes, I thought that might be it. I believe some time ago it was described as having been owned by a woman. Some 1-inch pad would cure that? Thank you for your reply.

The easiest way to get an answer to your question is to check past sales listings of similar condition Merkel 47E's on Gunbroker and other websites. You are likely to find that the minimum bid price is somewhere near or above full-blown retail, so just isn't attracting any bidders at this time. That could change for a motivated buyer as hunting seasons get closer. I'd assume the Briley Choke Tubes are an aftermarket addition which will be attractive to some buyers, and a negative to others. The rather short 13 1/4" LOP is going to eliminate some potential buyers too. Negative feedback or crazy shipping costs could also be a factor, but that doesn't seem to be the case with this Merkel. The description seems to match what we see in the pics.

Good brand name guns in good condition with low or no reserves don't usually last long without getting attention on Gunbroker.

What makes it different? 28" when people seem in love with 30", straight grip when many think PG is the "American" grip, screw in chokes when a purist wants fixed, plain stock when some want fancy walnut. It all comes down to personal preferences. As a shooter this has a lot going for it but it is an odd combinations in today's market. And you should consider how much it would cost to have Briely install chokes in a double. Last I saw that was a $500.00 item. But like many custom upgrades you will always struggle to recover the investment. If you like the gun and you can make it work for you it is a gun you ought to pick up because you will look a long time to find a gun like that for $1,000 then you can send it off for tubes. But unless you really love it you soon come to the realization you can not own them all.

i know a lady who collects mercals...but, she dont buy no:

post war commie made gons that dont look an feel right...a mercel, dis aint...

sorta like the new galazan/savage a grade foxes...an a.h. fox designed gun, it aint needer...

Yes indeed the LOP is a bit short. But what draws me in is the 76mm chambers coupled with the Superior or Magnum proof. And the proof date is either 1990 or 1996.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

That sure looks like a full length stock. If I was interested in that one I would inquire as to which trigger the LOP was measured from, it might be the rear trigger.

I was thinking the same thing. Doesn’t look cut or short to me.

I notice that this gun has the older action rear with the point of the action that could cause a cracked stock if the action isn't completely tight to the stock. The barrel also has the lump that goes through the bottom plate unlike the newer ones. Overall a very nice versatile gun for actual use. The price is nice considering the usual price of used Merkels. I own 3 and can attest that they are "stout as hell".
Karl

I have never owned a straight grip gun and based on my, was my dad's, Ithaca 37 with a shallow curved pistol grip that my long finger hand tends to move back on causing me not to be able to trip the trigger when I want to, gives me pause. The stock length, either way, would not be a problem but I do have several, "not all" but enough? What temps me is the practicality of such a gun. Strong, versatile, and lingering there on GB. Thanks for the replies. I enjoyed reading them!

grip style may be a function of shooting style and shooting opportunity...the straight grip is considered to an english thing, where much of the shooting was at driven birds passing overhead...whereas, the pistol grip is more of an american thing, where much of the shooting was at going away or crossing birds.., but then, it could also about personal preferences and style...anyway, you obviously like it...so buy it...might as well, as money is loosing value rapidly these days...

Stock doesn't look cut to me. I'd confirm the measurements. Bottom line is that gun is pretty much priced right and ready for just about anything. I sure wouldn't want to shoot 3" shells out of it however as it will rock your world. I actually think these older Merkels are a bargain as they are very much overbuilt. PS. The fact its a GDR built gun does indeed cut the value for many.

Double PS. I'd want to see it actually is marked Merkel on the barrels. Simson and Merkel are clones of each other. Sometimes its a Simson and not marked as such and by default people assume its a merkel. Picture of the barrel markings would confirm. Probably a GI bring back from Germany. Lots of them out there and they are not marked with Importer Markings on the barrels.

Nothing...

3" magnum duck gun add a 1" pad it becomes 14 & 1/4" short pull thick coat it doesn't seem so short now.

If you need to look and feel cOOl in the duck woods I would go for it.

All good advice. thank you.