You are in Ontario, but I'm not sure where (it's a big province after all). I would suggest you jump in the car and take a trip to Epps and personally inspect the new Merkel .500 NE they have in stock. This will give you a reference point to know what a factory finished Merkel muzzle looks like.

While you're there, you can also fondle the rifles to see what fits your physique and what doesn't. If the Merkels dont fit you, then it's simply not for you at all assuming you're buying it to shoot it. Believe me when I say, if one of these big bores don't fit, then the recoil will be unbearable. My first .470 was a Blaser s2 and it was unpleasant in the extreme to fire. With every shot, it bashed my cheek bone and mashed my second finger all to rat shit against the trigger guard. The biggest I've ever owned was a Heym in .500 - it is a bit of a step up in recoil from a .470, but I can shoot it very effectively without experiencing mashed fingers or dental work.