It appears the Merkel had no recoil pad? Possibly the reason it was tough to shoot? I replaced the pad on mine with a thicker, softer pad than the original which works well. I've seen them without the pad as well, like yours appears to be.
No doubt that WR is a keeper!
I sent in for the history on it..it was built in 1910 and picked up at the factory in 1911.. had it sent to a gunsmith in Tennessee for some work and check it out after I got it..the smith called me and said it was one of the best regulated doubles he had ever shot..incredibly accurate..hopefully plan to take it to Zim one day for a tuskless or two or ..if things treat me well..a nice big fat heavily tusked bull..
Yes..agree---the Merkel would have been better with the pad no doublt..what pad did you put on yours???
Thx
Ripp
-------------------- ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..