I have both double trigger (203E) and single trigger (303E) Merkels. The single trigger has NEVER malfunctioned once. What I will add is that (in the UK anyway), they come set to very heavy trigger pulls and both have been adjusted to a more reasonable pull. I was told by the person who did the work that they are quite hard to get just right, but once right stay there and don't misbehave.
Merkels are not a popular gun, but are respected by the trade for good build standard and materials
There are a number of AyA 'clones' that have been available in the UK, none of which have been all that popular. I have not heard of any particular problem ..... but here the Beretta/Browning models have a much better resale value.
