I have two Merkel 140s, a 140E, 9.3X74R, and a Safari 140-2 470NE. Both have been shot a lot in the 10 yrs I've had the 9.3, the 10 yrs I and the previous owner have had the 470NE. They both shoot very well and are regulated to perfection. Neither have shown any tendency to shoot loose.

When the big bore Merkels were first imported into the USA there were a lot of rumors that these rifles would shoot loose in no more that 50 rounds! 10 years later they are still shooting just fine. The rumors were started by folks who were selling other barnds that couldn't compete with the Merkel price point. The fact is it was all smoke blown up the old A-hole, and was simply not true. I know personally of about 15 guys who have one or more Merkels and not one has come off face.

The only objection I had with the Merkel big bore doubles was their chambering them with the rimless,and belted rimless cartridges 375H&H, and 416 Rigby. Not because of the pressure, but because of the rimless/belted rimless cases in a double rifle. Those two you can buy used today for way less than the 450/400, 470NE and 500NE because of those rimless cases.

My 470NE is an extractor rifle, while the little 140E 9.3 is an ejector rifle. Both are Shoelump barrels, as are the V/C doubles.

The new Merkels today are now Mono-block barrels, and are ejector rifles, and are chambered for 375H&H, 450/400 3", 416 Rigby, 470NE and 500NE.

The V/C rifles are very nice rifles with a very unique lock-up design, that seems very strong. A friend who imported three of the V/C doubles brought them to the DRSS annual get together/Wild boar hunt at the 96,000 acre low fence 4K ranch near Brady, Texas. These rifles were examined by several long time double rifle owner, and shooters, and the general word was very well made and appointed. We shot all three, and they shot very well too. I found that the off these shelf rifles fit me quite well, but so do all the Merkels. Both can be ordered custom fitted to you at extra cost. However, the V/C is prettier while the Merkel is a working rifle, so it depends what you want your money to go for. If it is quality of construction, and reliability and price is a factor, then the Merkel would be my pick because in this case there is no difference between them , but if the glitz is something you desire, then by all means buy the V/C.

I guess what I could have said with fewer words is, 6 of one, half dozen of the other except for price!