So there’s this guy. He’s a double gun fanatic and one of leading authorities on them. He KNOWS what nice is.
His go-to gun is a true British best. Not because he wants to impress people, but because this gun is so nice it impresses the hell out of him.
So I was talking to him and he confessed something: He had bought a German OU, one of those sidelocks made after WW2. He couldn’t believe how nice it was. So much quality, so little money, he said.
Here are two good examples of what he was talking about. These Merkels are in superb condition. When built, the 200e was the company’s lowest-grade OU. But don’t be mislead. Built on Blitz action with double Kersten locks, these are solid doubles and comparable in quality to modern OUs costing many three of four times more.
Take your pick. With double triggers, straight stocks and open chokes, either one would be a killer (pun intended) grouse gun.
Merkel 200E 20 ga Over Under Double Barrel Shotgun. Price: $2899.99
SN#: 174879
Caliber: 20 Gauge
Chambers: 2 3/4″
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: Bright And Shiny
Barrels: 26″
Triggers: Double
Stock: Straight Checkered
Stock Dimensions:
13 1/4″ and 14 1/4″ LOP
Fore End: Checkered
Butt Pad: Plastic
Weight: 5 lbs. 14 ozs.
Sights: Front Bead
Chokes: MOD, IMP CYL
Merkel 200E 20 ga Over Under Double Barrel Shotgun: Price: $2859.99
SN#: 178540
Caliber: 20 Gauge
Chambers: 2 3/4″
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: Bright And Shiny
Barrels: 26″
Triggers: Double
Stock: Straight Checkered
Stock Dimensions:
13 3/4″ and 14 3/4″ LOP
Fore End: Checkered
Butt Pad: Rubber
Weight: 6 lbs
Sights: Front Bead
Chokes: CYL / IMP CYL
Extras: with Box
I have the same gun in 16 gauge.
The barrel length, on these, was actually 26 3/4 inches.
They are great guns.
As you state, one would be hard pressed to fine nicer guns
for the money.
I would love to have one of these in 16g. Lucky man.
Thanks for the comment.
Gregg