John,

Good summary of DR usage.

I agree the Merkel represents top value for the money. I have one of the very first .500NE Merkels (SN 3). I have shot it hundreds of times. It's a great rifle for what it cost.

I've doubled it a time or two. Always because I just put the very tip of my trigger finger on the trigger, like using a bolt gun. Every double rifle user should be aware that the rule of just the tip of the finger on the trigger is great for bolts, but it doesn't work for doubles. Put your finger on the trigger up to the first joint. No more doubling.

Curl