Yes granhaven, let me also welcome you to NE.com. Photos of your Merkels will be enjoyed by all.

I have been an enthusiastic endorser of Merkel rifles and shotguns on these forums over the years. Many of you know I have a Merkel in .500NE that I have shot many hundreds of times. It's a fine serviceable rifle and quite a bargain for the price.

I also have a top grade Merkel 323E in .375 H&H that takes a back seat to nothing. Merkel has been in business for well over 100 years and they certainly know their craft.

Curl