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I can tell you that it is common for drillings to shoot loose sooner than double rifles or shotguns. Traditionaly they were trimmed down as much as practicable everywhere to save weight, and this is why they were prone to shooting loose. The drilling was designed for the common German hide hunt, where one would shoot a few varied animals. The drillings didn't need to be quite as beefy, accordingly.

Heym had a hell of a time with their drillings in the early 1970s. They shot loose in no time. They had the "Old World" design being used with modern ammo. Those who used them for an everyday field gun soon found out the drilling's inherent weakness.

Now, to the Merkels...They are very strong in my experience with three post war guns, the 12/9,3X74R being my last and favorite one. If you use common sense and shoot 1 1/8 ounce field loads mostly, the gun should outlive you.

My 12/9,3 just happened to shoot ORIGINAL Brenneke slugs right dead center at 60 yards out the right barrel. I was clued to its being so regulated when I noticed that it was set up to allow for keeping the pop up rear sight up when the rifle barrel was not selected. This is a sure sign that the drilling has been set up to shoot slugs.

As to shooting the shotgun with a scope on...have claw mounts installed or Talley type bases, if possible. I have shot many chucker partridge while deer hunting with the scope on my combo guns; just remember to use both eyes open and concentrate. It makes you a better scattergunner in general if you practice with a scope in place.

I liken drillings to motor-sailer boats...they work well enough two ways and at times make you feel like you're cheating.