Merkel 140ae

[TTundra]

https://wildundhund.de/glueck-im-unglueck/

I woul love to see pictures of a Heym action split in two...do you have them?

Heym suspected defect in the steel. Just goes back to manufacturing, every company no matter what the expected quality level is, can have issues.

 

[IvW]

"Chamber sizes headspacing"

Consistently out of spec, rough or what?

Like that

 

[degoins]

You've actually examined some personally? How about the other internals from both makers?

 

[machinistbutler]

@IvW https://wildundhund.de/glueck-im-unglueck/

This is no slight against Heym, I would love to have bought one, but at 20k it would have been out of comfortable reach for me. The Merkel was within reach. I would have loved the Land cruiser or the Lexus RX570, but the RX 350 was much more comfortable financially for my wife, so we happily have the RX 350.

 

[IvW]

1997

 

[IvW]

Springbucks are palying now....so chat later

 

[IvW]

@IvW first you said buy VC , then you say only Heym in another post. What don't you like about the VC now compared to a couple years ago?

I know some really like the way VC built their rifles, but I have heard of some issues with them as well from members here.

Yip that was two years ago....a lot has changed, I think for the money nothing beats the 89B it has everything needed for a accurate reliable double rifle

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Yip that was two years ago....a lot has changed, I think for the money nothing beats the 89B it has everything needed for a accurate reliable double rifle

There are quite a few 89b's out there now, even owned by members here. I have heard nothing but praise so far. Having examined four quite closely with @IvW so far the wood to metal finish is excellent, checkering is good, metal to metal tolerances are excellent especially breach lockup, bore exits faultless. Balance good. Wood finish is a pleasant matt, enough polish to bring out the grain character. I havent seen a London Best oil finished example in the flesh, but the pictures look good.
So far no reports of a poorly regulated example, so all in all it looks like Heym have this model nailed.

 

[ActionBob]

I've been reading as much as possible about the subject and still can't justify why a non-professional hunter would pay almost double for a VC or Heym vs a Merkel.

If anyone could shine more light on the subject, it would be greatly appreciated.

Well, because they want to! And if they, or we can, why not?

 

[Daniel Cary]

There are quite a few 89b's out there now, even owned by members here. I have heard nothing but praise so far. Having examined four quite closely with @IvW so far the wood to metal finish is excellent, checkering is good, metal to metal tolerances are excellent especially breach lockup, bore exits faultless. Balance good. Wood finish is a pleasant matt, enough polish to bring out the grain character. I havent seen a London Best oil finished example in the flesh, but the pictures look good.
So far no reports of a poorly regulated example, so all in all it looks like Heym have this model nailed.

Greetings Kevin .. if you care to explain? "London's Best Oil Finish".
Standard on all builds, or ..?
Thank You.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Greetings Kevin .. if you care to explain? "London's Best Oil Finish".
Standard on all builds, or ..?
Thank You.

Hi Daniel, no not standard. Standard is a rubbed oul finish that looks matte. London Best is an option you can pay for, it is a smooth high gloss specialised oil finish. The one on the left courtesy of NJC is London finish. The one on the right courtesy of Wiltznucks is a high grade piece of wood matte finish oil rubbed.

 

[Daniel Cary]

Hi Daniel, no not standard. Standard is a rubbed oul finish that looks matte. London Best is an option you can pay for, it is a smooth high gloss specialised oil finish. The one on the left courtesy of NJC is London finish. The one on the right courtesy of Wiltznucks is a high grade piece of wood matte finish oil rubbed.

View attachment 410440View attachment 410441

Very Well, Thank You Kevin!

 

[Lukas Viljoen]

Hi all, Has anyone purchased a new Merkel recently? How are they finding the build quality, regulation and lastly, do they still have a doubling issue? I'm looking at a new Merkel in 500NE but unsure. Alternatively, it's a VC in 450/400....

 

[SFRanger7GP]

Having owned both, (still have the Merkel), I would go with the Merkel or do like others have suggested and make the big jump to a Heym. Get whatever one makes you happy. Because at the end of the day, all double rifles are like women. We will never truly understand them and no matter how wonderful they are, you will be frustrated as hell at times. By the way, my lovely bride/best hunting buddy is reading this over my shoulder and giving me "the look".

Safe shooting

 

[Daniel Cary]

Has anyone seen the 88B for Sale on "GA" .500, nice .. !

 

[Quaticman]

I own a Merkel 140 African Express chambered in .500 Nitro Express. In my opinion it's an excellent firearm. The wood is nice, the fit and finish is excellent and it works as it should.
I have no regrets with this particular firearm.