FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

General

Hand-made or industrial production? What differentiates the guns?

First of all, the basic production of the components does not differentiate that much in the Merkel manufacture, be it a hand-made masterpiece or a modern Helix. Modern CNC production centres produce the components; the legendary Suhl barrels come from a cold forging machine. Then the differentiation starts. The difference for the customer: In a masterpiece like a 303 O/U shotgun the steel and wooden components are fitted together by hand – and finished or custom adjusted to the customers wishes. A helix is constructed in a way that allows all the rifle’s parts to be interchangeable. While hunter needs a gunsmith to adjust his masterpiece, he can adjust most parts of his Helix himself – all the way to changing the barrel and calibre.

Does Merkel employ own engravers?

Merkel does employ own engravers, who pay tribute to the century old artistic manufacture of hunting rifles in Thuringia. These engravers offer, next to individual engravings, also a number of standardised engraving models for masterpieces. Those experienced engravers at Merkel can apply even the most unusual customers wishes, either after a template or after an agreed sketch, to the metal.

Who can repair Merkel hunting rifles?

Every gunsmith with a workshop can repair Merkel rifles. Furthermore for example Frankonia offers a special repair and spare part service in Germany for Merkel.

Gun purchase

Where can I buy a Merkel rifle?

Merkel rifles are exclusively sold by licenced retailers and gunsmiths. The sale of rifles is limited to people with the necessary permits.

Is there a factory sale?

Merkel exclusively sells their products via licensed retailers.

How does the Custom Shop work?

There are hardly any limits for the individualization of a Merkel rifle, because although we manufacture on an industrial scale, we also have many possibilities for individualization by hand; whether it is individual engraving, surface mounting or stock shape. Contact us; we will be happy to advise you. In advance, you will always receive a binding offer from us for your custom service. It is also possible for you to visit us at the factory and discuss the custom solution with a Merkel specialist.

Merkel Helix

What is the difference between the two trigger options on the Helix?

As a driven hunt specialist, the Helix always has a direct trigger (shotgun trigger), which is very suitable for moving shooting. As standard, it is adjustable between 900 and 1,900 grams. In the optional variant TAR-GT with gold-plated trigger blade, the trigger weight is lowered by 400 grams and adjustable between approx. 500 and 1,500 grams.

What kind of stock is the Helix build with?

As a standard the Helix has a finely sanded, oiled stock with a straight comb, check piece, rubber butt plate and pistol grip with cap. For the quick take-down, detachable sling swivels are used. The synthetic stock of the Explorer variant comes without a cheek piece and a straight comb. The synthetic stock of the Helix Speedster with adjustable cheek piece and Omega Grip is suitable for fast driven hunting. The lightest Helix is available in the carbon stock variant.

Which types of barrels are possible for the Helix?

The standard barrel has a muzzle diameter of 17mm. Semi-weight barrels have a 19mm muzzle diameter. Important advantage. When changing between different barrel types, the fore-end does not have to be exchanged.

Is a “seating shot” necessary after changing the barrel?

The precision of every helix, also after changing the barrel is tested during test firing and only after satisfying every quality criteria it is deemed fit to be sold. A “seating shot”, which ensures, that the barrel properly “seats” itself into the system is, in our experience, not necessary if the clamping lever under the fore-end is moved 2-3 times while the barrel is fully pushed into the system. Generally speaking, a prove shot should be done after taking the gun apart for transport, to ensure precision of rifle and scope.

What has to be taken into account when taking down the Helix?

The take-down of a Helix is very easy and only requires a couple of steps. Still these steps should be done very carefully to ensure the functioning of the product and to satisfy the safety responsibilities of a hunter. Some steps for the tool-less take-down and putting together of the Helix include:

1. The operating of the clamping lever 2-3 times.

2. The correct positioning of the fore-end in the receptor until the pressure button locks into position. The proper fix of the fore-end has to be checked before mounting the sling swivels. Especially with wooden fore-ends, which can contort under humidity, this fix control has to be done carefully.