My first Merkel rifle was the B3 O/U she is the lightest fastest handling of all their doubles. I wanted a rifle for plains game and decided on the 9.3 x 74R as she could also manage dangerous game, although I use a .470 NE as my first choice. The little B3 was delightful, handled superbly, recoil was brisk but manageable however she was a disaster, nothing but problems with the lock work. No problem with Merkel, (I am talking of Merkel Germany, the factory) she was replaced with the 140 in 9.3 x 74R, this was after detailed discussion with Merkel. Firstly any rifle I take to Africa must be reliably, given that was my first priority, Merkel recommended the model 140.

Based on the above I am cautions of the lightweight rifles in the heavy 9.3 x 74 R caiber, my caution may be unfounded, I am very curious to hear of others experience. Let me add that I work my rifles hard, I practice with full power ammo and when I sell a rifle, especially an expensive rifle, to a customer it is based on my first hand experience and I expect the rifle to perform as intended.

As for barrel length; Stiffness is far more important that length, short stiff barrels will normally shoot tighter groups than long barrels. To me in a double rifle balance is critical, I am a small fellow and to me rifles with shorter barrels normally balance better, they also handle faster and in thick bush are handier. To me when hunting with a double rifle the object is to get as close as I can. The difference in velocity between 20 to 28 inch barrels with the game cartridges we are talking of is only approx 25 fps per inch and as I believe in heavy slow bullets, loosing a few fps is of no concern.

The above comments are based on my experience and opinion, I accept there are many others that are also valid.

John