Is this a decent buy on this gun? I cant bring myself to spend this amount without laying my hands on it first. Dont think ill be in Colorado anytime soon. But Im trying to get an idea on how much I can get into the double game for. Doesnt have to be a great DG gun as my DG hunt next month will be the last for awhile. (kids start school) Thanks
Dean
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976371855.htm
Duhh thanks

[ 07-31-2003, 22:22: Message edited by: tonto ]

got a link or info?

tonto,

I am assuming (and you know what that does ) that this is actually a 9.3x74R caliber. If so, when you take into account the accessories, this is a reasonable price for the rifle. I have considered just such a rifle as a low cost (relative to large calibers or vintage rifles) "shooter" double for fun at the range since components are affordable and readily available. The Merkel has a reputation for good accuracy in this caliber. I have seen the engraved models going for $5,000 to $5,500 new recently, but I have not seen prices on the case colored ones for a while (the last CC'ed ones that I saw were at Cape Outfitters a year or two back and I believe they were $4,200 to $4,600)

Some will say that the caliber is a bit light for dangerous game, but much has been killed with it. I won't comment on this since I have not used it on DG.

Hope this helps,
Jim

Mbogo375
Yes I saw the calb. I wasnt looking for a double for DG. Only a double I could shoot and hunt other game with. With a kid headed for school $5000 + rifles will be out for awhile. Thanks
Dean

Yes, it's a very good price. Go for it!

The rifle is well worth the $3900 asking price without the acessories, but they are cream on top of the drink!

I have one of the Merkel 140E, 9.3X74R, and I bought it new from Cape outfitters for $4710 shipped to me. It came with the luggage case. I then had a Pachmayer recoil pad installed, for $80, the 100 pieces of Norma brass will cost $100, and the dies/shell holder are another $40.I was lucky enough to have the dies given to me, free of charge, by a poster, on AR that had no need for his dies.

My rifle shoots very well, and with the proper loads it will take care of anything in North America, quite nicely. If you want to take it to Africa, it is legal in most countries for the cats, and Ray will tell you that many Cape Buffalo have been take in his outfitters camps with these lettle doubles. It is not what I would reccomend to "just anyone" for Buffalo, but I would have absolutely no problem shooting Buffalo with mine. The round is very versatile, and makes a very nice deer, bear, both kinds, and moose caliber. You can carry this rifle all day, and not be worn out at the end of the day.

If I didn't already have one, I'd be looking at this one pritty hard! This little Merkel has fastly become my favorite rifle, and It ain't for sale!

Thanks for the info. I am tempted. Wish it was where I could see it. Then I know I would bring her home. But who knows
Dean

Just for reference, here's the link for Merkel's U.S. distributor:

http://www.gsifirearms.com/


Merkel Model 140-1
Current (2003) manufacturer's suggested retail price is $7,195.00

[ 08-01-2003, 02:53: Message edited by: BFaucett ]

Dean - And to think, I was having a hard time deciding weither or not to spend $400 on a Marlin 45-70.

I always consider if I can resell or trade it at my investment or at a small loss. Better quality weapons do hold value even fied grade models.

tonto
I have been hunting with a 9,3x74R double rifle for 4+ years. [Chapuis] I have been very happy with the calibre. MacD37 is right on about its performance. It is the perfect North American double. Also great for Africa. It is on the light side for buff, but with good bullets and good shot placement it will do the job.

Boss (frank)
Yeah I dont think this one will happen. Ive kinda over spent my hunting and gun budget for the next few years. I am trying to put togather a plan to own a double in the next year or so. But first I got to get prices togather and decide wich route I want to go. Not much for double rifle experts up here in the mountains!
Now if was at a dealer here where I had it in hand I just might start putting togather a good story why I must buy it for the old lady.
Dean
PS I did email the guy one must be prepared for a moment of weakness
anyone want to buy an early high grade ithaca 16g sxs shotgun?
lets see $3900 thats 200 hours of OT after uncle sams share , hell thats only 4hrs a week for a year!

[ 08-01-2003, 16:06: Message edited by: tonto ]

Dean - Is there anything sitting in your gun safe that you don't need as much as you NEED that double?

That logic system is how I ended up with my Freedom Arms casull.

BTW - How many days left?

Boss,
No offense, but I'd save my money for a double instead of a 45/70 Marlin. In fact when Ann gets back from Africa and if she doens't keep the Marlin I sent her as part of winning the raffle, I'll loan it to ya. That way you can get the Marlin out of your system and get a real DG rifle!
either bolt or double!

Best regards,

Rusty
We band of brothers!

Rusty,

I have a 45-70 Guide Gun and really love it. It's a great big bore rifle....small, handy and lots of 'THUMP'!

BUT!!!.....I don't consider it a DG Rifle!!!

Although.....I sure wish I had that GG when I went into the thick-n-nasty after a big-ass wounded black bear this spring!

Sorry....I just felt like I had to defend the Marlin

TXPO,
np, that Marlin should be good close up on bear!

Just for the money there are a lot better bolt guns and rounds to get the job done.

Until I sent mine to Ann, it was taking a nap in the back of the gun safe.

Rusty
We band of brothers!

Boss
You could save for a double in 45/70! I do have a few guns I might thin out, one of the 458s will most likely go when I return. If I dont shoot jumbo I told the wife the throphy fee will go towards a double to make me feel better.
I have 5 weeks to go havent started with counting days yet still have too many things to do.
Dean

Rusty - That's a fine & generous offer, you Sir are a true gentleman. Thank you, but I did buy that Marlin. It's a LTD III with the octagon barrel & the upgrade walnut stock. I'm primarily a bowhunter. I do however, have a strange ability to stumble into deals on quaility used weapons.

TXPO - Once I get this Marlin figured out, I'd like to run some thoughts by you.

Tonto - Looks like I'll Elk hunting while your're in Zim. I'm looking forward to your hunting report as much as my hunt.

Boss Kongoni,

I love the GG...it's my 'Truck Rifle' that I keep handy for anything that may need sorting out. I'd be glad to hear from you.

Luckily the guy selling the Merkel is not a dealer, a dealer who takes credit cards!

Otherwise my CC balance would be a bit higher.

George
I know what you mean! He also wouldnt move at all on the price. I hate to buy anything 2nd hand without getting them to come down something.
Dean