Guys,

That's a bunch of bunk.

I have a Merkel in .500 NE. It has been shot 300-400 times over the past year. It is just as tight as when new. In fact it isn't even fully broken in. The lever still must be shoved to the left to fully close it.

It is massive and strong. I think it will last many thousands of rounds and still be like new.

Read around on the forum, you will see others that agree.

Buy the Heym or the Merkel based on other criteria and preferences. This is a red herring.

Best,
Curl