doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Also.....some advice

Been thinking about replacing a 200E, 20 gauge, that is about due for retirement. Have been shooting an LC 16 field grade that has too high of a stock for my cheekbones to shoot comfortably for long. Ran across a Merkel with enough drop in the stock to make for a nice and comfortable feel. Are there other off the shelf doubles that would have a similar feel? Wouldn't mind picking up a Merkel but options around here are rather limited and am having difficulty finding what I would like.....

I assume the 200E is an SKB? Why don't you have stock of the Merkel measured? Then you will a better idea of what to look for. Or, simply have an existing gun restocked.

Pete

If you were happy with the 200E, why not just simply buy another one. There are some out there, I'm sure. Or have the old one rebuilt, as needed. JL

Just re-do the Smith stock so it fits you correctly and use the 200E as a backup.

You must have shot that 200E a lot if you are to retire it. I hve had one for years. It is my favorite "daily driver" 12 ga. Skeet, trap, whatever it just keeps on working with a minimal amount of maintianing. About as close an indestructable gun as I have seen. Just get it restocked and enjoy it forever.

Just struck me the same as dubbletrubble, you must shoot one heck of a lot to wearout a SKB. If so, you'll likely be better off with a modern gun like the Merkel or a BSS or another SKB. Wearout a SKB????? You aren't a barrel slammer are you?

The SKB was passed down the line by my father who ran quite a few rounds through it on a daily basis. I have enjoyed it myself quite a bit over the years. Poor thing is just getting a little tired of the steady diet of high brass lead, bit unreliable, would serve as a wonderful backup.....

Pete, another thought, since you seem drifting toward Merkel, is to do a little looking for a ~ 50's vintage J.P. Sauer & Sohn built in Suhl, before they moved. There are ejector models without cocking indicators, that are very difficult to tell from Merkel, in looks, quality, and function, at VERY attractive prices. Some were imported and sold by Abochombe & Fitch, and there are some spectular examples out there.
Since, however, you've mentioned 20ga, put your name on the list for an RBL, and get yourself a shooter to use in the meantime.

Another bit..... Had a BSS 12 ga for a while that the drop was too slight. Wonderful for trap but couldn't shoot high brass comfortably and gave to my brother. The Elsie will probably follow suit. Will try to take a peek at more before I take something home. I do like the 20s. The Merkel is the only modern gun I have picked up that has fit well thus far. Would hate to restock most of what I have.

RBL??:?