Cowboy it seems the Merkels do not have a following in the states

Where do you see the Mekel SXS compared to the Beretta ??

I am in the hunt for a new shotgun. Went pheasant hunting last week with a Mossberg pump gun. It just did not feel right as a pheasant or quail gun.I have decided I need a decent quality SxS. Any suggestions? Has anyone seen one of the new Rugers?

What is your defination of a decent SXS? Some very nice guns come from Spain, AYA, Arrieta, Grulla ect. On the used gun side the Parker Reproduction is a nice gun and can be found for between $2500 & $3000 depending on guage and condition. The SKB line of SXS are nice also. What do you want to spend on this type of gun?

I wqs hoping to keep it in the $1500 to $2,000 range.

Check out the Brownings SXS, they are called BSS...they stopped making them in 1987, definitely first class to what you find today for twice the money. they come 12 or 20, 26, 28 or 30 " im cyl/mod or m/f chokes. on the internet sites they are going around $1000,...I have 4 of them, only down side can't shoot stell in Full choked barrel here are a couple they do not come with recoil pads

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=14442101

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=14607311

Look through this company's invetory of used guns. They have some real beauties for fair prices. Just don't buy the AyA #2 , I'm saving for that one!
Thad Scott

Taos,
I would look at a Merkel SxS, they can be had used for that price. They are a high quality gun and will last a lifetime. They are more known for their O/U's but their side by each's are in the same class. I have always wanted a Darne but can't find one in my price range. There are some great buys to be had on used doubles. Just check around.

Merkel site

Shotguns for Sale


Cherry's

Hallowell

Hi PC. The Merkel is out of my price range so I did not look at it too closely. My criteria was, "shoot steel shot" since I have stock tanks on the ranch and want to jump shoot ducks. I would not take a good double on a duck hunt where there was certainty of getting it seriosly wet. When I was in Germany years ago Merkels were very sought after. Somebody here is bound to know more. I think most Americans will buy Browning, Beretta, and then everything else where the price is < 2500. Merkels are not popular in College Station, Texas. Brownings and Berettas sell like hotcakes. This is anticdotal evidence only.