Yeah, those Merkel doubles are pure junk.

Mine is in .470 NE. I have had no problems with it. Though I will have to admit that I have only fired about 100 rounds through it.

As to the actions being tight, in the instructions that came with my rifle, Merkel advised that they are made this way on purpose. They are very tight when new. (Especially with the Greener cross bolt.) Proper lubrication, working the action and shooting it a little soon has things running smoothly. Just a little normal break in.

My two cents....
-Bob F.