500Nitro

I agree with your post, I believe you are right on the money.

I called GSI today, they are the importers for Merkels. I had a long talk with one of the people that handles the Merkel end of the business. He stated that Merkel SxS rifles are in fact made on their 20 GA shotgun design, but the action is a beefed up design. This also allows one to have a set of 20 GA. barrels with the rifle if so desired. He also stated that the smaller calibers, 30-06, 9.3x74R ect. were made on the 28 GA action. He also stated that all rifles are proofed in German where proffing is very stringent. Now, if I understood everything he told me correctly, there were some problems before GSI was the importer, but these problems have been resolved. Since GSI took over importation of Merkel Rifles, the Merkel factory now retains complete control of manufacturing, another words, the importer has no say as to the quality and pricing of the rifle they want to import. The only control GSI has is the calibers they wish to sell and the type of finish on the stocks of the rifles. GSI can custom order a rifle for a customer. The customer can order a different stock finish, special engraving, inlays, and even a case colored receiver if they prefer that to the satin finish, and I woud suppose special barrel length although we did not discuss that option. I did ask if you could have a case colored receiver withot any engraving and was told no. I could have the case colored receiver, but not without their standard engraving.

I do not wish to be QUOTED on this word for word as I stated above IF I UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID CORRECTLY! We were taking on the phone and there was quite a bit of static due to a storm here.