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Guys, this is a ton of great information. I have tried to talk to as many dealers as possible about the qualities that make a good double rifle. Here are some things I have gathered. Based on the input here on the board, I have added Merkel to my list to consider.

1) Is the rifle built on a sturdy double rifle frame?

From what I have heard both the Heym and Chapuis are built on a very sturdy frame while I have been told that the Merkel is built on their 20 ga frame.

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2) Is the rifle properly weighted and balanced?

I have handled both the Heym and Merkel and I think the Heym seems to have a better balance with more weight between the hands (which I am told you want). I handled the Chapuis before I was aware of the weight/balance factor so I can't comment on its feel.

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3) Does the rifle have ejectors?

Heym and Chapuis have it, Merkel doesn't.

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4) Articulated front trigger?

Heym has it, Chapuis and Merkel do not.

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5) Interceptor sear?

Heym has it, Chapuis and Merkel do not.

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6) Which is the better looking rifle?

Heym (at my price range) is the big loser here - its a very plain looking rifle.
Both the Chapuis and Merkel look nice to me. I like the details of the Chapuis, it looks more expensive. I really like the forend of the Merkel.

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7) Affordability

The very best price I could find on a Heym was $12,600 new but it is a low end gun (low end wood, no scrooling).

The Chapuis I can find new at about $9,500 and used at about $8,500

The Merkel I can find new for about $9,000 and used for about $8,000

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Net/net still don't know what I want to do. I was leaning to the Merkel but the 20 ga frame issues worries me. The lack of ejectors doesn't feel like a deal killer but seems like a nice option.

I welcome any comments on this because I clearly still have no idea what I am doing. I am simply replaying things that I have been told.

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Are some of these factors being over played by the experts?
Thanks again!

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I don't know what the EXPERTS say, but I have an idea they know what they are talking about at least most of the time! Certainly some things people tell you are personal choices, but anything they tell you, you can find out for yourself, by simply disregarding what they tell you.

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..........Mac >>>===(x)===>
DUGABOY1, and MacD37 founding member of DRSS www.doublerifleshooterssociety.com
"If I die today, I have had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"

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