Can somebody who bought one or the other compare them and tell me what they like in one or the other?

I prefer these two more traditional-looking rifles to Krieghoff and Blaser. Heym is neat, but expensive.

I like the action of the Merkel, and I like the German look to it. I wish it had ejectors, a recoil pad, and an articulated front trigger. It does come in .500NE from Cabelas.

The Chapuis looks good, offers the ejectors, pad, and trigger (and three express sights) for a little less money (though prices are going up with the new year to where this may be priced with the Heym).

I was told that the Merkels were laser regulated rather than shot regulated, though the GSI guy claimed the opposite.

Any input?

I've also considered re-chambering a Kodiak Mk IV to 450 NE #2. Any feedback? Thanks, Steve

I have not owned chapuis or merkel, but of the several that I have handled, I thought the Chapuis metal work was finished to a higher level of quality. I saw one new Merkel at SCI that was jammed because its cross bolt got stuck in the out position, and other Merkels were very stiff but the chapuis opened and closed quite nicely. Some Chapuis stocks fit me nicely, and some fit me quite lousy.

The Merkels are tight and do have a Greener crossbolt third fastener. So 500grains saw one Merkel that someone had damaged at a gunshow?

I am 71" tall barefoot and have a 73" reach.
The merkel has a 14.5" LOP with the plastic butt plate, which I cover with a Galco or Action brand leather slip on pad, and it suits me to a "T," in 470 NE. But one may have the LOP and pad done to one's likings if needed.

My gun matches the factory target showing a 1.6" 4-shot group at 50 meters, right on target.

Laser regulation cannot possibly be used to regulate a gun. Maybe a laser guided preliminary alignment before the final regulation. Just like the CNC machining before final hand fitting.

Everybody has a favorite, especially the salesman of a certain brand of double rifle, and they will be the first to bad mouth another make.

I can only say good things about the Merkel, except for the game scene engraving on the 140-2.1, which is cartoonish, and any chamberings of any non-rimmed cartridges, which are to be avoided in any big bore double rifle.

Stick with the 140-2, in 470 NE or 500 NE, with only light scroll on the coin finished receiver, and the straight combed stock, which also has just the right amount of drop and cast-off for me and most others of normal anatomy who are not snobs. It is an honest, strong, accurate, good-value double rifle.

RIP and 500 grainer thanks for the replies. I've seen (and liked) the Merkel. I'd like to see a live Chapuis.



RIP, did you consider any other rifles when you got the Merkel? What made you pick it?



I got to handle a couple of doubles at Cabelas a few weeks ago, and I liked the feel (and look) of the Merkel the best. The cross bolt on that gun was tight, too, but I think that's probably good. Owner's manual online at GSI says that new guns may require pushlevel pressure to close. I also liked the sights better if I remember (they're the ones that are rectangular, right?). With the cast-off, the sight came to my eye lined-up.



Haven't seen a Chapuis live, but they look nice. I do like the ejectors and the articulated trigger. The beavertail might make it easier to point. As you mentioned, recoil pads are pretty easy. I appreciate anybody weighing in on any of the above or adding any new comments.



Steve