doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Merkel 1620 or 1622

Well, I am about to take the plunge and acquire my first Merkel (very excited). I want it in 16 (finest upland gauge IMO). I have done a lot of reading and researching and thought I would come straight to where "the rubber meets the road" and ask you fine folks on this forum. Other than side plate and CC, what are the differneces between the two and does the additional cost justify the purchase of the 1622? Is the 1622 built on the 20ga frame also? Any and all info is greatly appreciated as I am going to "pull the trigger" soon. Thank you

Hi Gary, I'm no expert on Merkels, but did do some looking also. The 1622 is the same as the 1620, except for a coin finished engraved receiver and upgraded wood. Wonderful looking gun. The problem I have (and this is my opinion only) is the engraving has game scenes. Not scroll engraving. Birds and dogs are fine, but most of the engraving has hares and to be honest the birds don't really look like game birds, chickens maybe. This is the German style and if you like it, go for it. I have seen a couple of 1622's with scroll engraving - now those look great. I myself like coin finished frames, so if I had the $$$ and could find one with scroll engraving I'd go with the 1622. Just remember, most Merkels are hard openers and take a while to loosen up.

You may want to look over at Shotgun World and look under the "I love my Merkel" sub forum - good info there from real owners.

All the best in your quest!!!

Greg

Thank you Greg. Just wanted some clarification...

Both models are on the 20ga frame the difference is the 1622 is a side plated gun that gives more area for engraving. Merkel reference for up grades when your looking at the model numbers is. 1620 Case color, plain wood. 1620E engraved, coin finish, plain wood. 1620EL engraved,coin finish,luxus wood up-grade. As far as being worth the money for the 1622 the internals are the same boxlock action as the 1620 with side plates added. You decide what that is worth to you.

I personally would go with the 1620 and I sure wish I never sold the 1620EL two barrel/gauge set I had. Hindsight is 20-20

I've handled a couple of the 1622's at two different Cabela's stores. Much of it is a matter of taste, but I feel that the case colored sideplates with minimal engraving, but with "Merkel 1622" and "X out of 25" (apparently it's a 25-gun run) in gold on the bottom of the receiver really dresses it up. Wood looked quite nice on the ones I handled too. I'd consider one of those very seriously (also a 1620, but I prefer the looks of the 1622) if I were looking for a new 16ga sxs. I'd also opt for double triggers rather than the SST. You can go either way on the Merkels, but I always feel cheated if a gun I buy has only one trigger.

I like double triggers also...