I'm going to indulge myself and get a Merkel K3 drop action single shot with a half stock. As I won't keep it forever, I'd like to get a caliber that will be easier to sell. The calibers I find interesting are 7X57R, .30/06 7 Mag and possibly 30R Blaser. Of those, the 7X57R is sufficiently mild to be pleasant to shoot in this 5-1/4 pound gun. But am I setting myself up for a difficult time selling it when the times comes? Would the other calibers be more easily marketed?

Many buyers of these things will be attracted the more traditional calibres, such 7x57R and perhaps the newer 30R Blaser.

The usual concern is availability of brass and dies, so get yourself a supply of brass and some dies and the worries of 99% of potential buyers will be dealt with.

I have a lifetime supply of Norma brass in 7X57R, so that shouldn't be a problem!

I think that's your decision made

Go 7x57R !!!

You could also consider 7x65R, which is gaining on 7x57R in Europe, but 7x57R isn't going to be dead any time soon, if ever !! Definitely a classic calibre well suited to the little Merkel

quote:

the 7X57R is sufficiently mild to be pleasant to shoot in this 5-1/4 pound gun

Yup .... that's where I'd go. Did the same for a K95 Luxus Stutzen and IMO this is super cartridge for similar weight rifle; simply get's the job done without alot of recoil.

I love the Merkel K1/K3 rifles. My wife has a K1 in 7x57R and I have a K3 in 30-06. They both shoot MOA or less when we do our part.

A couple of K1's



9.3 x 74 half stock

7mm-08 Jagd Stutzen

I'm much more a fan of the Recknagel mounts featured on the K1's than the Blazer saddle mounts on the K3.

IIRC Euro Optics has Merkel k3' for sale........

http://www.gunbroker.com/All/B...x?Keywords=merkel+k3

Check to see whether the price includes rings and bases as the mount can be rather pricey.


Best,

GWB

I have a K1 in 7mm RMag and recoil is definitely snappy. It doesn't take too many shots for me to start looking else where. Having said that it is one of my most accurate rifles and is fully capable of 1.25" groups at 200 (yes, 200) yards with my hand loads.

My wife has a K3 stutzen in 7x57r and it is a real sweet shooter. Not quite as accurate as my K1 but not far off either at roughly 2.5" at 200 yards.

In either case, carrying a 6.5# scoped rifle is such an amazing joy that I'm happy to deal with the added recoil.

My best advice is to make sure that the rifles come with the scope mounts. Those mounts Are almost unobtainable.

7 Rem Mag is about as high as I'd ever go in a K1, K3, or K-95....much more suitable to 308, 6.5x57, 7 Mauser, etc. If you need more horsepower, look at a different rifle.

Not certified scales........




but you get the point.


Had one in 300 Win Mag. Notice the tense, had. I'm not particularly recoil sensitive, but that seemed to be too much of a good thing.

Best,


GWB

The K1 works...







Merkel does a great job on the K1/3 and the triggers are just fantastic.

quote:

Originally posted by rnovi:
The K1 works...

Merkel does a great job on the K1/3 and the triggers are just fantastic.

+1 on that!!!!







and a two-fer.....




9.3 x 74 loaded with 286 gr. Partitions



DRT (dirt-nap right there)


Best,

GWB

I ordered a 30R Blaser and it does come with scope mounts. I have 3 Zeiss scopes to choose from. I have brass and dies already. I had a Ruger No 1 that had been rechambered from .30/06. I liked the performance but didn't like the Ruger's weight. The weight should be a lot less in this rifle. I wanted something different and this will be that.

I have one in 308 Win and like it very much. No problem shooting 50 rounds at the range. One of the most popular calipers here.

7x57R for me they look like great little rifles.