Mick, you are on to the facts here! The actions used in building Merkel side by side double rifles are heat-treated for use with double rifles, and are pleanty strong for that purpose! The actions are two sizes, the 20 ga size, is used for the 375 H&H, the 416 Rigby, 470NE, and the 500NE! That one is also used for the smaller rounds as well in the model 140-1 from the 9.3X74R down! The 28 ga size is used in the new 141-1 for the 9.3X74R down. These are 20 ga, and 28 ga SIZE only, and are rifle actions. The S/S shotguns are made on these same rifle actions. The reasoning for this is simple, by doing this there is no need to make different action for rifle, and shotgun, requireing different heat-treating, and so both are machined the same for the CNC. A simple cost cutting move, with no down side, IMO!

Again, IMO, as long as you keep the 1/3 weight in the middle between the hands, it makes no difference what action you use as long as it is strong enough for the cartridge chambered in it, as longas the proper weight distribution is maintained between the hands. The weight can be adjusted for the 375, in the same as the 470NE action by simply makeing the barrels for the 375 slimmer. Where Merkel has bombed is with the 500NE, by not makeing the barrel walls a little thicker, to take back the steel lost by boreing a larger hole for the 500NE.

I know lots of people who own and have shot the heck out of every chambering that Merkel chambers, and I have not heard of even one Merkel coming off face. I'm not saying it hasn't happened, because it may have, but I'd bet my next retirement check, it was caused by someone overloading one of the 375H&H, or 416 Rigbys, and/or improper care. Still, I doubt it is anything but internet legend, started by someone who couldn't compete with Merkel's price point!

..............All just my opinion, however!