Will,

Give me a chance - I have to work as well.

Re
"The few times I have hefted a Merkel they seemed awfully muzzle heavy and just heavy in general, to me.
This is not to disparage Merkels or your Merkel, it is just that it might be nice to find a lightweight double
sometime, if such a thing is possible.

I find it hard to believe that by the time 2 barrels are soldered together and the action added that lead
bars need to be added to get the weight up to 10 lbs. or so. Maybe just to balance it as others have
pointed out."

Yes, Merkels are Barrel heavy in 470. I have yet to put on a Old Engish Recoil pad and that
will make a difference to the balance. If not I will play around with it.

One of my friends said that they were like 2 Railway sleeps welded together !!!

I still like them as they are a good thrash gun for me.

500 Nitro