| animalwithin |
| (.275 member) |
| 04/07/20 01:32 PM |
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My new Merkel!
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My first personally owned rifle gifted to myself for my 30th birthday
A Merkel KR-1 Stutzen in .243 with a Leupold FX-II Ultralight. I had a Swarovski waiting for this one but it turned out to be too big to my liking so I'm saving that for my next full-stock rifle.
Rifle is a bit heavy, nearly 10lbs with scope + mount but I absolutely love it and the action is phenomenal. Can't wait to go hunting!
| Louis |
| (.375 member) |
| 04/07/20 05:12 PM |
Re: My new Merkel!
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Congratulations on your very smart full-stock rifle, even the bolt handle is Mannlicher Schoenauer in style; and good hunt with her!
Louis
| tinker |
| (.416 member) |
| 05/07/20 12:30 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Looks good!
What part of the state is your home?
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 05/07/20 01:17 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Now THAT's cool & VERY different.
18 1/2" or 20"?
| animalwithin |
| (.275 member) |
| 05/07/20 08:43 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Thanks gents!
Tinker, I'm in the ever so lovely city of Los Angeles. The more time goes on the more I aspire to a nice place somewhere in Montana.
Daryl, it's a 20" barrel but still a fairly short rifle overall at 38.5". I know the Sako carbine I was looking at is at least an Inch longer than the Merkel.
| Homer |
| (.416 member) |
| 05/07/20 09:07 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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G'Day Fella's,
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Donuts!
Avagreatweekendeh!
Homer
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 05/07/20 09:31 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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20" bl. will add 100 fps over the 18 1/2".
(close, anyway) In the short barrels, the 85gr. mono-bullets seem to shine over the heavier cup and core bullets.
| tinker |
| (.416 member) |
| 05/07/20 03:03 PM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Get yourself a game tag for something.
There's a lot of wild pig opportunity up in the Paso Robles area. It should be easy to get that neat little rifle out in the field for a workout.
You'll be happy that you did.
NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 06/07/20 11:56 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Congratulations and a nice looking stutzen in a different type of rifle. Now a birthday hunt.
| animalwithin |
| (.275 member) |
| 06/07/20 01:41 PM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Quote:
20" bl. will add 100 fps over the 18 1/2".
(close, anyway) In the short barrels, the 85gr. mono-bullets seem to shine over the heavier cup and core bullets.
As someone who completely lacks knowledge of ballistics, that's amazing how much 1.5" can add to bullet speed. Something I didn't know about.
Quote:
Get yourself a game tag for something.
There's a lot of wild pig opportunity up in the Paso Robles area. It should be easy to get that neat little rifle out in the field for a workout.
You'll be happy that you did.
I'll look through the tag options. There are at least a few outfitters here that I know with all sorts of game to be hunted, just need to decide on a date.
Quote:
Congratulations and a nice looking stutzen in a different type of rifle. Now a birthday hunt.
Thanks John! A birthday hunt is long overdue
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 07/07/20 02:21 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Normally, with that 1 1/2" drop in length, a reduction of about 50fps would be made.
The larger the case compared to bullet diameter, the greater the drop.
Normally, from say, 24" to 20", the drop would be in the 35fps range, per inch.
There seems to be a critical length, where the drop in vel. is even greater and with many ctgs. That seems to be 20" for many, and dropping from there further, will have increased drop per inch.
As noted, it depends on the ctg.
Of course in California, you will need to use a mono bullet anyway. The Hornady 80gr. GMX or Barnes 85gr. TSX will fill the bill.
So - Hornady or Federal ammo load those, seems to me.
| Ripp |
| (.577 member) |
| 08/07/20 02:18 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Quote:
Thanks gents!
Tinker, I'm in the ever so lovely city of Los Angeles. The more time goes on the more I aspire to a nice place somewhere in Montana.
Daryl, it's a 20" barrel but still a fairly short rifle overall at 38.5". I know the Sako carbine I was looking at is at least an Inch longer than the Merkel.
MONTANA is horrible.. tons of snakes, horrible grizzly attacks every day.. lots of men, women and children go missing every day... earthquakes.. fires.. droughts... tell everyone Montana is a horrible place..
Ripp
| animalwithin |
| (.275 member) |
| 08/07/20 04:02 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Quote:
Normally, with that 1 1/2" drop in length, a reduction of about 50fps would be made.
The larger the case compared to bullet diameter, the greater the drop.
Normally, from say, 24" to 20", the drop would be in the 35fps range, per inch.
There seems to be a critical length, where the drop in vel. is even greater and with many ctgs. That seems to be 20" for many, and dropping from there further, will have increased drop per inch.
As noted, it depends on the ctg.
Of course in California, you will need to use a mono bullet anyway. The Hornady 80gr. GMX or Barnes 85gr. TSX will fill the bill.
So - Hornady or Federal ammo load those, seems to me.
I will keep this in mind, thank you Daryl. I picked up Federal in 100gr for the range, will look for the ones you mentioned for hunting.
Quote:Quote:
Thanks gents!
Tinker, I'm in the ever so lovely city of Los Angeles. The more time goes on the more I aspire to a nice place somewhere in Montana.
Daryl, it's a 20" barrel but still a fairly short rifle overall at 38.5". I know the Sako carbine I was looking at is at least an Inch longer than the Merkel.
MONTANA is horrible.. tons of snakes, horrible grizzly attacks every day.. lots of men, women and children go missing every day... earthquakes.. fires.. droughts... tell everyone Montana is a horrible place..
Ripp
Can't fool me Ripp! I'd take snakes, bears, earthquakes, fires, droughts, and missing humans any day over delusional protesters and rioters. Traffic and smog isn't all that great either.
| Ripp |
| (.577 member) |
| 08/07/20 07:15 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Quote:Quote:
Normally, with that 1 1/2" drop in length, a reduction of about 50fps would be made.
The larger the case compared to bullet diameter, the greater the drop.
Normally, from say, 24" to 20", the drop would be in the 35fps range, per inch.
There seems to be a critical length, where the drop in vel. is even greater and with many ctgs. That seems to be 20" for many, and dropping from there further, will have increased drop per inch.
As noted, it depends on the ctg.
Of course in California, you will need to use a mono bullet anyway. The Hornady 80gr. GMX or Barnes 85gr. TSX will fill the bill.
So - Hornady or Federal ammo load those, seems to me.
I will keep this in mind, thank you Daryl. I picked up Federal in 100gr for the range, will look for the ones you mentioned for hunting.Quote:Quote:
Thanks gents!
Tinker, I'm in the ever so lovely city of Los Angeles. The more time goes on the more I aspire to a nice place somewhere in Montana.
Daryl, it's a 20" barrel but still a fairly short rifle overall at 38.5". I know the Sako carbine I was looking at is at least an Inch longer than the Merkel.
MONTANA is horrible.. tons of snakes, horrible grizzly attacks every day.. lots of men, women and children go missing every day... earthquakes.. fires.. droughts... tell everyone Montana is a horrible place..
Ripp
Can't fool me Ripp! I'd take snakes, bears, earthquakes, fires, droughts, and missing humans any day over delusional protesters and rioters. Traffic and smog isn't all that great either.
smog and rioters are horrible here as well..they are all moving here.. tell the world.. Montana is horrible.. stay away.. high taxes.. high unemployment... mostly all men.. no women...
| animalwithin |
| (.275 member) |
| 08/07/20 08:57 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Quote:Quote:Quote:
Normally, with that 1 1/2" drop in length, a reduction of about 50fps would be made.
The larger the case compared to bullet diameter, the greater the drop.
Normally, from say, 24" to 20", the drop would be in the 35fps range, per inch.
There seems to be a critical length, where the drop in vel. is even greater and with many ctgs. That seems to be 20" for many, and dropping from there further, will have increased drop per inch.
As noted, it depends on the ctg.
Of course in California, you will need to use a mono bullet anyway. The Hornady 80gr. GMX or Barnes 85gr. TSX will fill the bill.
So - Hornady or Federal ammo load those, seems to me.
I will keep this in mind, thank you Daryl. I picked up Federal in 100gr for the range, will look for the ones you mentioned for hunting.Quote:Quote:
Thanks gents!
Tinker, I'm in the ever so lovely city of Los Angeles. The more time goes on the more I aspire to a nice place somewhere in Montana.
Daryl, it's a 20" barrel but still a fairly short rifle overall at 38.5". I know the Sako carbine I was looking at is at least an Inch longer than the Merkel.
MONTANA is horrible.. tons of snakes, horrible grizzly attacks every day.. lots of men, women and children go missing every day... earthquakes.. fires.. droughts... tell everyone Montana is a horrible place..
Ripp
Can't fool me Ripp! I'd take snakes, bears, earthquakes, fires, droughts, and missing humans any day over delusional protesters and rioters. Traffic and smog isn't all that great either.
smog and rioters are horrible here as well..they are all moving here.. tell the world.. Montana is horrible.. stay away.. high taxes.. high unemployment... mostly all men.. no women...
Should the craziness continue, will be interesting to see if more people move away from the urban areas & more "popular" states.
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 08/07/20 12:54 PM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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smog and rioters are horrible here as well..they are all moving here.. tell the world.. Montana is horrible.. stay away.. high taxes.. high unemployment... mostly all men.. no women...
That's a good one, RIPP!!!!!!
Too many broke-back mountains?
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 08/07/20 01:09 PM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Quote:
smog and rioters are horrible here as well..they are all moving here.. tell the world.. Montana is horrible.. stay away.. high taxes.. high unemployment... mostly all men.. no women...
That's a good one, RIPP!!!!!!
Too many broke-back mountains?
Haha, I thought similar. Mostly all men, might attract certain types. Looking for a he man to be girly for. Yuck.
| Ripp |
| (.577 member) |
| 08/07/20 11:27 PM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Quote:
smog and rioters are horrible here as well..they are all moving here.. tell the world.. Montana is horrible.. stay away.. high taxes.. high unemployment... mostly all men.. no women...
That's a good one, RIPP!!!!!!
Too many broke-back mountains?
YES.. way too many
The Wuhan virus is horrible here as well..99% infection rate... most horrible state in the nation..incredibly cold winters ..-85F daytime highs..
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 09/07/20 01:42 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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-85 - WOW - Guess I won't be moving to Montana after all.
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 09/07/20 02:12 PM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Quote:
Rifle is a bit heavy, nearly 10lbs with scope + mount but I absolutely love it and the action is phenomenal. Can't wait to go hunting!
Its a pity so many of these modern German rifle designs are so overly heavy.
A nice stutzen like this should be light and handy.
| animalwithin |
| (.275 member) |
| 10/07/20 04:30 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Agreed. I suspect it's the bolt mechanism on this one that is adding to the weight.
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 10/07/20 11:29 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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There are some serious metal parts on that rifle including the bottom metal and the bolt-shroud.
Looks like a decently dense piece of wood as well.
10 pounds is fine, in my book, but 9 1/2 about perfect.
| Ripp |
| (.577 member) |
| 11/07/20 04:35 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Quote:Quote:
Rifle is a bit heavy, nearly 10lbs with scope + mount but I absolutely love it and the action is phenomenal. Can't wait to go hunting!
Its a pity so many of these modern German rifle designs are so overly heavy.
A nice stutzen like this should be light and handy.
I have a Merkel 20 Gauge SXS shotgun.. absolute dream to hunt with.. lightweight, fast and very deadly...one of my all time favorites...
| Homer |
| (.416 member) |
| 11/07/20 07:17 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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G'Day Fella's,
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Donuts!
Avagreatweekendeh!
Homer
| Ripp |
| (.577 member) |
| 13/07/20 11:38 PM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Montana..
FYI: We're doing OK here right now with COVID cases. We watch in horror as the rest of the country spikes and wonder how long before it makes its way here.
So if you plan on vacationing in our great state of Montana, our rivers, lakes or on our prairies this summer, I think you should know that red ants and bedbugs have infested hotels and motels across the area due to a wetter than usual spring.
Mountain lions have eaten all domesticated animals and some smaller people.
The poison ivy has overtaken all other vegetation.
We have had bear sightings at every park and town.
We have Bigfoots INVADING OUR PARKS.
Porcupines "stabbing" small children should they dare to enter the forest.
Skunks have made their way over and multiplied at unprecedented rates and wander the local campgrounds in packs.
Murder hornets!?! We’ve got SHITLOADS of murder hornets.
And I’m pretty sure all private tiger owners have released them into the streets of our towns.
Head lice now fly... right beside the bats.
So stay where you are, in your own province, state or county where it's safe!
Seriously, PLEASE DO NOT COME HERE... ✋🏼 🤗
and we also have NO TOILET PAPER!!
| 93x64mm |
| (.416 member) |
| 14/07/20 10:15 PM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Geez Ripp you are in strife mate!
No dunny paper & only poison ivy to wipe your date......the missus will not be amused one little bit!
Hope all is safe & well in your little part of the world (as with everyone else in this forum)
Oh & by the way after all the bushfires here the dropbear population have exploded......just hoping all the 'greenies' go bush - one can only hope & pray!
Cheers
93x64mm
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 15/07/20 03:43 PM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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Interesting how enclosed these rifle's actions are. Does this assist in keeping dust, sand, dirt, snow out?
| Rod4861 |
| (.300 member) |
| 15/07/20 04:55 PM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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2.5 X scope on a .243 ....I like it. With your 100 grain loads that should be a very nice hunting rifles. And great to see someone else using small scopes too .
cheers
Rod
| animalwithin |
| (.275 member) |
| 19/07/20 06:05 AM |
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Re: My new Merkel!
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John, I'm sure it does aid in keeping grime out of the bolt mechanism but according to Merkel, it assists in the bolt mechanism:
"The differences when compared to a more normal bolt rifle is that the entire bolt is encapsulated within the receiver casing making for a strong design, further enhanced by the locking arrangement of the bolt lugs directly into the rear of the barrel. It is reminiscence of the old Mauser 66 design to some degree."
Rod, I'm a fan of the small straight-tube scopes on full stock rifles. More traditional scopes just seem too big on these, especially since full stocks can be a bit shorter in length.