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#577603 08/12/20 01:57 PM
Joined: Nov 2012
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Sidelock
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Sidelock

Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 41
I have 2 SkB's, a 100 and a 280 both in 20 gauge. I've been shooting the 280 fairly well at skeet at least for me...lol
I've always been intrigued by Merkel shotguns and I don't know why.
Other than just wanting one is there a good reason to buy a Merkel 47E 20 gauge to use for upland instead of my skb280?

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Sidelock
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If you're shooting your 280 pretty well and are satisfied with it, then I'd say you have a decent 20ga for about half the money you'd be likely to put into a nice used Merkel 47E. If you're a fan of double triggers and a splinter forend, that's what most Merkels have. You're stuck with a single trigger (but it's a pretty good one) and a beavertail on an SKB. If you prefer the features you can get on a Merkel in a double for bird hunting, that might be reason enough to consider one.

And you'd likely do OK selling your SKB (or both of them) right here. I think they're pretty much at the top of the heap when it comes to well-made side by sides at a modest price.

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Sidelock
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I have 2 skb 100s in 20b and one Merkel 8 in 12b.

The Merkel is a far nicer gun, and probably stronger and more durable. Not really any comparison in my mind.

Last edited by BrentD; 08/12/20 07:06 PM.

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Sidelock
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I have a Merkel 47E straight grip stock, 28" barrels in 20 gauge. A fantastic handling gun and well made.

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Merkels are finely made guns, no doubt. They are strong and should last several lifetimes ......... but they leave me cold. I could have bought one in really nice condition for a song once. I was allowed to take it home and shoot it. I did, and I did. I returned it with a sincere "Thank you" for the opportunity but, "No thanks".

OTOH, I had a SKB 200E 20 ga. that was a very easy little gun to shoot well. I used it to take my first two Gambels quail in AZ, and my grandson used it very effectively on doves here. Not the overall quality of a Merkel, but easy to like. I sold it when I acquired a really nice AH Fox 20.

Foxes, even the basic Sterlingworths, have something special that Merkels and SKBs don't, IMO.


May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Sidelock
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Merkels are certainly Teutonic. But also certainly not so cold as a low grade American gun. Nor is it as cold as an SKB, which is not one bit easier to shoot than a Merkel, and certainly colder than a grinch's heart. No, if you really want to see someone dis a Merk, you need to call for The Fuse. I'm sure he will be here shortly.

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. But it's still built wrong.

Dollar for dollar, the Merk holds up with any SKB, and lots of other guns as well.

BTW, isn't that a Merk at the top of the forum homepage? Sure looks like one to me.


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Sidelock
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Correct....Merkel images on the top.


Dave Weber
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Sidelock
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A friend had a Merkel 47E 20ga, and it seemed rather heavy for the gauge. Nice gun, though.

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I have Merkels in 12,20, and 28 gauge and love them. Here is my 20 ga. which weighs 5 lb. 12 oz. and is a delight to hunt with.

I will be the first to admit that Merkel's are an acquired taste!
Karl

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Sidelock
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My first SxS was a Merkel 47E. I ordered it as a pistol grip single trigger before I knew any better.

I wouldn't do that today.

They are superbly fitted hand made guns. There is really no comparison with an SKB anything.

Two very different experiences.


"The price of good shotgunnery is constant practice" - Fred Kimble
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