Anyone own this rifle? I just handled a KR1 for the first time a couple of weeks ago and I kinda liked the features and feel. Since I have a Savage in .270, and a few .30 cals, the 9.3 seems to be a good fit for my "big rifle" I have also thought of the 35 whelen and the 375 H&H, while the .375 Ruger is just too much for my tastes. No plans for Africa, but a moose, elk, or even a brown bear in the states is a posibility a few years out. Main question is whether a 9.3x62 is too much for a 6.5lb rifle (my guess is that it is)? And is a Merkel even worth the money if and when I can afford it. I am left handed BTW so current (new rifle) bolt choices are limited in all calibers listed above. I have no interest in the 338 WM although I know that would be the easiest to get off of the shelf. Any opinions/suggestions on the subject?

J-PO, I have a Merkel KR1 "Antique Stutzen"; a fancier version with a Mannlicher stock, fishscale checkering, and color case-hardening. I like the little rifles!...of course I'm a sucker for just about any Germanic rifle. Handles well, shoots well, and a "looker" to boot. Prices have come down at many dealers since they were introduced, so there are deals to be had.....Biebs

In a bolt rifle, It would have to be the Ruger 375. Load it down, shoot it full house whatever. I just like the idea of a shorter bolt throw than the H&H. If the rifle was a single shot or double it wouldn't matter.

...on your recoil question...a 6.5lb kr1 + 1.2-1.4lb bridge mount and scope will dampen 9.3x62 felt recoil for all but the most recoil sensitive of persons...

...and, if the 9.3x62 proves too much for state-side hunting, you can always purchase another barrel in, say, 7x57, to complete your fully "take-down-able" big/medium game battery (using the same scope, if you prefer, on the excellent bridge mount system)...

J-PO, I have one with two barrels in 9.3 x 62/.270 Win and I am left handed but shoot right handed bolts. The stock design on the Merkel helps absorb a great deal of felt recoil. I would call the recoil moderate and easy to manage. So, no it is not too excessive. I had a .375 Ruger and the recoil from that was heavier, but not hostile like my .378 Weatherby is. You should give the 9.3 a try, it would make a great timber gun for our larger creatures. Enjoy, Wade

Thanks for the replies fellas. The 9.3x62 as well as the Merkel both interest me and it seems like it is a possibility that the recoil not be too severe with a heavy scope and mount. The easier route of going with the .375 Ruger and loading it down is also a possibility. Though I have to say the portability, changable barrels and quality features on the Merkel are attractive, but of course come at a price. Thank you all for the imput.