My 9.3x74R weighs about 9 lbs with scope. My loads of 286 gr bullets are only doing about 2150 fps and it is very mild. Barrel length is about 23 inches.

Some recoil calculations:

286 gr at 2150 fps in a 9 lb rifle - Recoil Energy of 25 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 13 fps

Same in a 6.6 lb rifle - Recoil Energy of 34 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 18 fps

Make the velocity 2350 fps - Recoil Energy of 42 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 20 fps

Add say a scope to bring the weight to 7.5 lbs - Recoil Energy of 37 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 18 fps

For comparison a .375 H&H with a 300 gr bullet at 2550 fps in a 9.5 lb rifle - Recoil Energy of 42 foot pounds, and Recoil Velocity of 17 fps

On paper the Merkel 9.3mm double is equivalent in recoil to the average .375 BA. Would kick a bit but would be a very handy double for medium sized driven game.

Now if some dealer or manufacturer would like to donate one to NE.com for testing for a few years, I would be more than happy to test out his recoil

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