The Capt is correct! This is one reason Merkels can sell for less that some inferior doubles! Merkel builds lots of double shotguns, and double rifles, so it is a cost cutting idea to build only one action for both rifles and shotguns. The actions are RIFLE strength actions and are sized like shotgun actions. The big bore Safari models are made on a slightly over sized action with the firing pin spacing the same as the 20 ga shotgun action, this also includes the 9.3X74R 140E action but is smaller in outside measurement. The 141 uses the action size that will accommodate the 28 ga shotgun. But all the actions are made strong enough for double rifles, and this makes their shotguns super strong, Merkel shotguns are made on double RIFLE actions, not the other way around!