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Merkel's tend to be a bit "clunkier" IMHO, especially in the bigger calibres.

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500NE - It's odd to see that statement. My impression would be the opposite. I think the Merkel is more "traditional" and retains the lines and balance of a vintage rifle as compared to a Chapuis.

A Merkel .470NE weighs just over 10 lbs. while a Chapuis in the same caliber weighs about 11.5 lbs.

I've not owned a Chapuis, but do own the entry level Merkel in .500NE.

I strongly agree this gent should handle them "hands on" and make a decision. He can't make a valid choice from what he reads here.

He should skip down to Las Vegas January 14-17 for the Antique Arms Show. There he can handle DR's and get a better idea of what suits his taste.

Travel four hours? That's nothing in this game! If that little bit of misery and inconvenience will deter you, then you are exploring the wrong hobby.

Curl

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RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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The Merkel 141 is the model that's built on a 28ga frame, so it should be pretty trim. Caliber would be 30-06 or 9.3x74R.

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The 141 Merkel and the Chapuis Ugx chambered for 9.3X74R are about the same weight! The Chapuis and the Merkel are both very accurate, and both are light for the chambering. The plus on the side of the Merkel is it is more along the lines of the old Britt doubles, and has the regulation adjustment system. The 141 also has a more splinter forend wood, While the Chapuis has a full beavertail forend wood, a feature I totally dislike on a shotgun, and will not have one on a double rifle of any make.

These two rifles are both on a proper size action for the rounds chambered in them in this case. Both being lighter that I like, both are quality items on the outside, but I prefer the more classic lines of the Merkel, and I find nowhere near the requiring of maker adjustment under warranty with the Merkel than with the Chapuis. Of all the folks I know who have very good Chapuis doubles, the rifles were bought ten years ago or more. It seems in recent times the Chapuis have been experiencing some problems, while the Merkels seem to be trouble free.

Personally I would be a Merkel buyer over the Chapuis, but that is a personal choice, and I have the benefit of having handled both, and shot both, which is something the poster here needs to do for himself. Good luck with what ever you pick!

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