Mike, you aren't too far away. Why don't you plan a visit here and you can shoot my Merkel .500NE until your heart's content. You will know by the end of the visit if a Merkel is for you.

As for me, if I were going to hunt buffalo, my Merkel is what I would take.

I haven't been too diligent at watching DR prices lately, but I think a good used Merkel can be had for about $9,000. Believe me, that's a bargain.

Curl