My first Merkel Double Rifle - 470 NE - this is a great gun

Hello all,

It was almost exactly two years ago that I traded my two Sabatti double rifles ( 470NE & 500NE ) "even-up" - two-for-one, for an original Alexander Henry Double Rifle in 450-400 3-1/4" NE.
see this post. http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=doubles&Number=328857

I later replaced the 500NE, but that left me still wanting another 470NE to replace the one that I had traded away. ... well ...

I finally saw one offered for sale at a very good price, a Merkel 140 with lots of accessories to go with it. I've read a lot about Merkels over the years, and I've seen many offered for sale at what I would call bargain prices for a double rifle. I decided to bring this one home to Wisconsin. Its nice to finally have one join the family. Perhaps my post will help those looking for an adorable double rifle. It has features not found on more expensive doubles.

Here are the rifle's Specs:

Action: Anson & Deeley Boxlock
Weight: 10 lbs 10 oz
Barrels: 23-1/2"
Sights: One Standing & One Folding
LOP: 14-3/8
Features: Extended Rib w/ Greener Cross-Bolt
Features: Side-Clips
Features: Cocking Indicators
Features: Manual Safety
Features: Sling Swivels

The rifle arrived the other day with all the accessories. What a nice piece, and with so much stuff - everything from dies, to brass, to jacketed bullets, loaded ammo, tons of lead bullets for practice, and even a couple of snap-caps. A complete package. I took it immediately to the range for a test run. I fired 20 rounds in 10 pairs of 2. All 10 pairs averaged less than 1-1/2" apart. And some were astounding!

I've shown below the Custom Sighting target that I had designed some years ago. It works perfect for shooting my double rifles and developing loads. I've also shown the sighting picture that I used with this rifle. The big red fiber-optic bead fit nicely into the black arch of the target. All the groups printed right at the top of the bead -perfect for precise shot placement. I shot several loads. Some reduced loads for "fun" and a few Factory as well. All grouped wonderfully!

Now I know why people like Merkel Double Rifles.
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ORIGINAL PICTURE SENT BY THE SELLER SHOWING THE RIFLE AND ALL THE ACCESSORIES INCLUDED

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.. MY CUSTOM SIGHTING TARGET - FEEL FREE TO COPY AND TRY IT
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.. MY SIGHT PICTURE WITH THIS RIFLE
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.. 50 YARD 4-SHOT FUN LOAD GROUP - 44-1/2 FT/LBS RECOIL
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.. 50 YARD 2-SHOT FACTORY AMMO GROUP - 67-1/2 FT/LBS RECOIL
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When I moved out to 100 yards, all groups averaged under 4". Here's an example.

.. 100 YARD 4-SHOT FACTORY AMMO GROUP