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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,238 Likes: 170
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,238 Likes: 170 |
Hi all, I've owned both. I had a SKB 200E and presently a Merkel 147E.
IMO, the Merkel is a much better gun. Handling is better, the SKB was blocky to me. The fit and finish are better with the Merkel. The SKB just had that cheap feel to it. The Merkel just has that quality feel to them.
Don't get me wrong, the SKB's are good guns, no doubt about it. The only issue I had with my 200 was a crack that developed behind the frame. Something they are known for.
Best,
Greg
Gregory J. Westberg MSG, USA Ret
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,578 Likes: 32
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,578 Likes: 32 |
At one point I owned 5 Merkel's. Then I got bit by the small bore Fox disease and all the Merkel's got moved. Mine were a mix of 47E, 147E, 1620 and even a 28 gauge Merkel. They are hell for stoudt and the older ones IMO are better made then the newer ones. My buddy has a 28 gauge Merkel 147E and a 47E in 16 gauge. He has hunted with them for 20 years and they are still tight as a drum. They are indeed overbuilt. I have owned quite a few SKB sxs. Still have a model 100 20 gauge 28" with chokes opened to .004 and .014. It's my cold weather wearing heavy gloves sxs. I shoot it well and it goes bang evertime.
foxes rule
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 319 Likes: 76
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 319 Likes: 76 |
I know that is out of the OP's question but I really prefer Beretta's in the basic class as the other two choices. The older BL and the 680 series are well made and handle nicely.
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 41
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 41 |
Aren't the berretas heavier? Seems to me when I was looking at 12 ga guns I couldn't find one under 7 lbs. Maybe the 20's are different??
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 216
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 216 |
For todays production guns, how do they rate as compared to their guns from the past?
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,440 Likes: 36
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,440 Likes: 36 |
My Berettas are heavy, but I like them. GR3 and 425 in 12ga, and 426E in 20ga. I’d put the 426E up against the 47E.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,055 Likes: 10
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,055 Likes: 10 |
I can't comment on the SKB as I've never shot or handled one. I have a 20 ga 147E with straight hand stock and splinter forend. With 27" barrels, it weighs 5 lb 14 oz. It's too tight to comfortably open and since it kicks the heck out of me with 7/8 oz loads, I haven't shot it enough to loosen it up. I'm gonna try some light loads and/or have it loosened up by a good gunsmith.
Merkels have a reputation for being stout guns and based on my experience I agree.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,204 Likes: 61
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,204 Likes: 61 |
If I were ever to buy an O/U, it would be a Merkel without question. One of the best looking O/Us I've ever seen. I don't think I'd go that far. Not what I would call svelte by any means.
Dodging lions and wasting time.....
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,988 Likes: 491
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,988 Likes: 491 |
If I were ever to buy an O/U, it would be a Merkel without question. One of the best looking O/Us I've ever seen. I don't think I'd go that far. Not what I would call svelte by any means. I disagree, but that's okay. I'm still not going to buy an o/u.
_________ BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan) =>/
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,204 Likes: 61
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,204 Likes: 61 |
If I were ever to buy an O/U, it would be a Merkel without question. One of the best looking O/Us I've ever seen. I don't think I'd go that far. Not what I would call svelte by any means. I disagree, but that's okay. I'm still not going to buy an o/u. And neither am I....at least a Merkel OU that is....although I was slightly tempted by a long barrel 303e one time.
Dodging lions and wasting time.....
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