MERKEL MODEL 8 SXS 12 GAUGE SHOT GUN
SERIAL NUMBER: 585076. BARREL: 28". GAUGE: 12 GA. CHOKE: FULL (LEFT), ICYL (RIGHT). CHAMBER: 2 3/4". LOP: 14 1/2". DAC: 1 1/2". DAH: 2 1/2". MANUFACTURED: 1975. This premium 12-gauge side-by-side shotgun was manufactured by Gebr?der Merkel in Suhl, Germany, in September 1975 (date code "975"). Built during the East German era, the absence of factory sling mounts identifies it as an "English-spec" export model tailored for the Anglo-American market. It features a standard 12-gauge configuration with 70mm (2 ?-inch) chambers, tight 18.4mm bores, and premium "Spezial-Gewehrlaufstahl" (Special Gun-Barrel Steel) tubes. Its structural integrity for modern smokeless ammunition is certified by British "CIP N" markings, having passed rigorous United Kingdom testing at the London Proof House in 2023 ("LP/23"). Mechanically, the combination of a scalloped boxlock receiver and manual extractors classifies this firearm as a Merkel Model 8. The robust action locks tightly using a double under-lug system paired with a heavy-duty, horizontal top Greener crossbolt. Rather than utilizing automatic ejectors, the manual extractors elevate spent or unspent shells just enough for clean finger-removal. The aesthetics favor traditional, clean elegance. The frame is hand-decorated in the classic "Suhl Border and Scroll" style, showcasing deep-cut floral scrolls and geometric borders around the screw heads and receiver edges with no animal scenes. Sighting is managed via a solid, non-ventilated rib meticulously cut with fine, engine-turned cross-grooves to eliminate sun glare and heat distortion when tracking moving game birds. The handling profile is optimized for fast, reactive upland bird hunting. Its straight English-style stock allows the shooter's hand to seamlessly slide rearward between the double triggers without breaking alignment or altering the master grip. When firing this vintage Merkel today, stick strictly to 2 ?-inch lead, bismuth, or tungsten-matrix cartridges; avoid modern hard steel shot, as it can bulge or damage the rigid, tight 1975 German muzzles. CONDITION: Very Good. 90%. The bores are smooth and shiny. The receiver has a very fine vintage patina working. The wood stock has a few handling / storage marks. Operates normally. C&R 25-939
[ translate ]SERIAL NUMBER: 585076. BARREL: 28". GAUGE: 12 GA. CHOKE: FULL (LEFT), ICYL (RIGHT). CHAMBER: 2 3/4". LOP: 14 1/2". DAC: 1 1/2". DAH: 2 1/2". MANUFACTURED: 1975. This premium 12-gauge side-by-side shotgun was manufactured by Gebr?der Merkel in Suhl, Germany, in September 1975 (date code "975"). Built during the East German era, the absence of factory sling mounts identifies it as an "English-spec" export model tailored for the Anglo-American market. It features a standard 12-gauge configuration with 70mm (2 ?-inch) chambers, tight 18.4mm bores, and premium "Spezial-Gewehrlaufstahl" (Special Gun-Barrel Steel) tubes. Its structural integrity for modern smokeless ammunition is certified by British "CIP N" markings, having passed rigorous United Kingdom testing at the London Proof House in 2023 ("LP/23"). Mechanically, the combination of a scalloped boxlock receiver and manual extractors classifies this firearm as a Merkel Model 8. The robust action locks tightly using a double under-lug system paired with a heavy-duty, horizontal top Greener crossbolt. Rather than utilizing automatic ejectors, the manual extractors elevate spent or unspent shells just enough for clean finger-removal. The aesthetics favor traditional, clean elegance. The frame is hand-decorated in the classic "Suhl Border and Scroll" style, showcasing deep-cut floral scrolls and geometric borders around the screw heads and receiver edges with no animal scenes. Sighting is managed via a solid, non-ventilated rib meticulously cut with fine, engine-turned cross-grooves to eliminate sun glare and heat distortion when tracking moving game birds. The handling profile is optimized for fast, reactive upland bird hunting. Its straight English-style stock allows the shooter's hand to seamlessly slide rearward between the double triggers without breaking alignment or altering the master grip. When firing this vintage Merkel today, stick strictly to 2 ?-inch lead, bismuth, or tungsten-matrix cartridges; avoid modern hard steel shot, as it can bulge or damage the rigid, tight 1975 German muzzles. CONDITION: Very Good. 90%. The bores are smooth and shiny. The receiver has a very fine vintage patina working. The wood stock has a few handling / storage marks. Operates normally. C&R 25-939
[ translate ]
