Around the world among hunters and just lovers of weapons known carbine "Merkel". Which is not surprising - German weapons were famous at all times. And this carbine is a product of almost one and a half centuries of activity of one of the largest companies in Germany. Therefore, to learn more about it will be very useful.
history of the company
To begin with, let's move to the end of the nineteenth century. It was then that the Merkel brothers, seriously keen on weapons, decided to create their own manufactory in the small town of Zul, which later became the capital of German gunsmiths. Initially, they relied specifically on luxury hand-made weapons. However, they also did not forget about the middle price segment - many smooth-bore guns, carbines and rifles were also produced in this category.
Quite quickly, the weapons created at this plant began to be appreciated throughout the world. First of all, for the great design, grace, ease of shooting. In order not to be unfounded, it is worth noting that it was Merkel carbines that were ordered as gifts for diplomats, ambassadors, presidents, and crowned persons. For example, the world boxing champion Max Schmelling, who loved weapons, bought exactly the products of famous brothers from Germany.
The company did not get under the post-war reparations, so it quickly got on its feet and started working already in late 1945, becoming one of the symbols of the GDR. In 1953, the country's leadership presented exclusive guns created on the machines of this company as a gift to Eisenhower and Khrushchev. The same gift in 1963 received Yuri Gagarin.
Short review
It is worth saying that the Merkel carbines today have not lost the advantages for which they were valued a century ago. They are still distinguished by excellent technical characteristics, which makes it possible to effectively fire at a moving target located at a fairly large distance - 200-300 meters.
First of all, such efficiency is ensured by excellent ergonomics and a carefully thought-out form. Leaving reviews on the Merkel carbines, many shooters first of all note that they perfectly fit in the hand, as if becoming an extension of the human body. Moreover, the weapon is perfect for both strong men and thin teenagers or miniature women. So there is nothing surprising in the fact that at high cost these weapons are in great demand.
Main advantages
To begin with, it should be noted that the Merkel Helix rifle boasts special ease of use. This is ensured by the perfectly calibrated form of the main structural parts. As mentioned above, according to the hunters, the carbine seems to be attached to the shoulder.
It is worth noting the high reliability. The creators, knowing full well that the weapon can be used in a variety of conditions, tried to ensure its effectiveness in all available ways. First of all, this is the maximum possible simplicity of the device - a minimum of parts provide maximum reliability. Specially selected processed materials are also used. The metal has a high resistance to corrosion. The stock and forend are made of walnut wood. They differ not only in their external attractiveness, but also in high strength and resistance to high humidity.
There is an open sight, which allows accurate fire without additional sighting accessories - a collimator or optical pickup.
In addition, the developers preferred a single-row store. Although this reduces the number of cartridges in the carbine, it significantly increases reliability, almost completely eliminating the possibility of breakage.
The weapon is disassembled for cleaning and inspection very quickly and easily - just relax a few joints.
The main disadvantages
Alas, the main disadvantage that these carbines have is the high cost. However, the scatter here is quite large. If the carbine "Merkel RX Helix" costs more than 120 thousand rubles, then SR1 can be purchased at half the price - in the region of 60-65 thousand.
Another important drawback is the complexity of repairs in our country. Of course, these carbines rarely fail. But if this does happen (due to improper handling, accident, or the use of low-quality ammunition), then it will be almost impossible to repair it, you will have to go to the factory, which will take a lot of time and cost a lot of money.
Appointment
Of course, the main purpose of these carbines is hunting. Moreover, they have proven themselves both when shooting at small and medium beast. Suitable for lovers of hunting for rabbits, roe deer and even deer.
High precision makes this weapon an excellent choice for use during professional shooting competitions.
Models produced in small calibers (we will talk about them below) will be a good choice for acquiring initial skills in shooting from firearms. They are especially suitable for teenagers and just low people. Compactness and small size allow you to comfortably fire regardless of body shooter.
What calibres are produced
Here it is impossible to give a definite answer. The fact is that the Merkel company produces a fairly extensive assortment of various hunting carbines. Each of them has certain advantages, as well as purposes. Therefore, the approach to choosing the appropriate option should be very serious, having weighed all the pros and cons.
For example, the Merkel Helix carbine typically uses .222 Rem. But, besides this, the varieties intended for firing with .223 Rem ammunition, 6.5x55SE, 243 Win, .270 Win and 7 × 64 are quite common.
The developers did not forget about the reinforced cartridges: carbines for shooting .300 WinMag and 7 mm RemMag are produced. So, if you plan to hunt small prey, get the shooting skill or instill it in a teenager, a woman, then these small calibers will be the best choice - poor returns combined with high accuracy and range are highly appreciated by professionals.
But if we talk about the carbine "Merkel SR1", then here the most common cartridge is .308 Win. There are also carbines that use the cartridge 9.3x62, .30-06 and .300 Win Mag when firing. Of course, the recoil when shooting will be much greater, but the persistence when firing at a great distance is much less, and the damaging effect is higher. Such weapons are usually chosen by experienced hunters who are about to fire at a distance of 200-300 meters for medium prey, such as deer.
Other characteristics
Despite the difference in caliber, the rest of the characteristics of the Merkel carbines practically do not differ. This is very convenient and important for both the manufacturer and shooters. On the one hand, there is no need to rebuild and perform the most accurate calibration for weapons machines, which means that time and effort are saved. On the other hand, having got used, for example, to the Merkel SR1 carbine, switching to Helix will be quite easy - you will not have to get used to other dimensions and weight again.
The length of the case is only 1000 millimeters - a very small indicator for a reliable long-range weapon. At the same time, 524 millimeters fall on the barrel, which provides a good confident battle distance.
The carabiner weighs only 2690 grams, which allows for many hours to walk with him in the forest for both a man and a teenager, without feeling excessive fatigue. Experienced hunters are well aware that every hundred grams rather quickly brings the moment when it will be difficult to raise a leg for the next step.
It is also worth noting that the barrel is made by cold forging. Thanks to a special oxide coating, the metal is reliably protected against corrosion both during use or storage in high humidity conditions, and in case of accidental contact with water.
Conclusion
Now you know enough about the carbine "Merkel. 308" and other modifications. So, you can easily choose and purchase exactly the weapon that will serve you for many years and will not make you regret about wasted money.