RobertD , I have a Merkel 140E S/S double rifle chambered for 9.3X74R. It weighs in at 8.7 lbs, and handles like a fine 410 shotgun. This rifle is now called the 140.1, but is the same rifle. The Merkel 9.3 doubles are imposible to find today new, and are around $8700 US new,last time I looked, even if you could find one! GSI made a mistake in not stocking in enough, because they under estimated the market for the 9.3X74R rifles. These rifles have selective ejectors, cocking indicators, Case colored action, very nice wood, and are extremely accurate. Mine will consistantly print 2.5", 4 shot composite groups @ 100 yds. The barrels are Chopper lump (called DIMI-BLOK, in Germany) and the barrels are Krupp, cold hammer forged, The front trigger (right barrel)is a set trigger, for very fine accuracy for long range shots. The case is an all leather fitted case. The one thing these rifles need is a good recoil pad installed. They come with a plastic butt plate. This is so you may adjust the "ONE SIZE FITS ALL" pull length when you install the recoil pad, which is needed.

I think the 140.1 Merkel chambered for 9.3X74R is a bargain at $7500 US, though it might be found cheaper used, if you shop, and If you live in the USA I certainly wouldn't sell mine for that price! Now if you live in Europe, or OZ, then it may be too high,because of better availability. Here in the USA you will pay a premium because they are hard to find.

I also have a Merkel 140.2 Safari 470NE, and I find the doubles from Merkel to be real bargains, in the double rifle market today. Would I rather have both rifles from Westley Richards, hell yes, but I haven't seen any of them with that name on them for anyplace near that price, and I don't think I'll hold my breath waiting for it to happen!