Jeffrey:

I bought my Merkel .500 NE a number of months back from Hendershot's in Maryland, USA. The cost, without tax, was in the $US 7500.00 range.

I'm not a tech savy as most others on this forum, so I can't answer the question about what action it is based upon. I'm sure someone will.

I can say, without a doubt, that I really love the way this gun looks, feels in my hands and shoots.

I'm very happy with my purchase.