I HAD A MERKEL IN .470-- IT SHOT VERY WELL..and just recently sold it for $9000. In this particular case, I was able to acquire the new rifle at a great price--and sold it one year later at a profit no less. That is not usually the case however IF you take care of it you should be able to get close to what you paid for it back when you sell it. If you look at Heym's web site there are currently used Merkel doubles for sale there as well as on the Westley Richards and Cabela's Gun Library and Guns America web sites. In fact Guns America had several for sale on there when I looked earlier this week and also had the best prices. I believe a new Merkel in both .470 and .500 Nitro could be had for around $9000. In my home town, Westley Richards has their U.S. based office. I have had the privelage to shoot some of their consignment doubles prior to them being placed for sale on the web. I have to agree, in my experience, the .500 Merkel handles much better than the .470 and if I was to purchase one that is the caliber I would choose. thank you
Ripp.