I finally got to handle a Merkel and a Heym, both in 450/400.

Both of them had the same length of pull and, as near as I can tell, the same stock dimensions. Both were spot on when I raised them to my shoulder.

But...the Heym looked cooler and more classy, more like a quality rifle. Better wood. The Heym was "fuller." The Merkel, for instance, had a narrow forearm such that my fingers would touch the barrels.

The Heym had barrels about 2" longer. It also weighed more. Just the thing to absorb recoil and steady your offhand aim. But...the Merkel would be lighter to carry on long tracking days.

The Heym cost about $3,000 more. And for $5,000 more than that, they had a higher-grade Heym, with neat engraving, etc. Drool! But...what if I ding it up while hunting?

Which should I get? Is the Heym worth $3K (or $8K) more?

How easy would it be to resell these?

Do they hold their value or even go up after ten years or so?

Or...why should I buy a double at all? My .458 did perfectly well against elephant and buff last year.

Or...why not just get a neat little light Merkel in 9.3x74 for a lot less money. OK for buff. Will I ever hunt elephant again?

Or...why not just get a high-grade .375 bolt rifle and chuck them all?

This post is incoherent.

I'm confused.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I recommend the Heym 450/400.

If you can afford thr money for the up grade, do it.

Also think about a scope in claw mounts.

Indy,
welcome to the Double Dilemma's.
there really is no easy solution ,I had a Merkel 470NE,I was happy with it,I have a Heym 470NE now & I am happy with it,I also have a non-traditional CZ O/U 458win mag,& guess what,I am happy with that one as well,I am also in the process of placing an order for another DR,I had started out with a little Chapuis in 9.3x74,DR's are fun guns,they are my favorite rifles to shoot hands down,I would suggest buying any gun that you like to get in the game,just try your best & make a good buy,it's probably not going to be your only DR,cheers.

I believe the extra 3,000 is worth it, I've owned both and the Heym is an upgrade in quality and fit. IMO the Heym will hold it's value better than the Merkel. I also think the extra two inches of barrel length is semi-critical with the 450/400 for extra velocity and balance.

Indy, the traditional British style for the foreend is much smaller (splinter) than the style that Americans have been sold (beavertail).If it really bothers you than follow your feelings! All your other questions are very valid and are things we all go through. If you hunt in the States then a 9.3x74R would be used more useful. However, a 450/400 could still be used. Ultimately it is a question of discretionary income and artistic appreciation rather than utility.
Peter.

If you can upgrade to the Heym for $3000 then do it….IMO you would be foolish not to. I thought the Merkel prices were much lower than the Heym. I would caution the use of 24” barrels on the 450-400. As I understand it, you will be very close to 2000 FPS with the shorter barrel and Hornady factory ammo. I believe this caliber needs 26” tubes!

As for your question of a double or a nice bolt gun…..that is one for you to decide. There are distinct advantages to both types of rifles. I have always had both on Safari and under some conditions the Scoped rifle will find its way into the hunt. Having said this, I find more enjoyment carrying a iron sighted double in the bush.

There is no doubt that the Heym is worth the difference in price. The Merkel is a bargain at the price it goes for however, and the utility is the same.

The re-sale value of the Heym will be closer to the buying price in the short term,than the Merkel, but will increase more over time than the Merkel.

In regard to the fore-end wood, IMO a beaver tail fore-end on a double rifle is not only ugly, but your fingers "NEED" to touch the barrels on a double rifle. The Beaver tail fore-ends are an American obamanation that is simply out of place on a classic double rifle, or shotgun!

If you intend keeping the rifle for life, then either will serve, but there is no discounting the extra value of the Heym. I have owned both brands, and still own two Merkels. I would have the Heym 450/400 3" if it had been available when I bought my 470NE Merkel, for two reasons, the first of which is the 450/400 3" chambering, and second because of the little better finish, but I'm not sure I would pay $5K more for the PH model, or $8K more for the upgrade Heym. If I bought the Heym I would buy the PH model, and spend the extra $2K on having a claw mount, & a good scope mounted on the rifle, and order it with the slinter fore-end!

I looked at them before I bought and even got to shoot a Mekel. I ended up with a Krieghoff. The combo safety/cocking feature gives me and anyone walking ahead of me a safe feeling when I carry it over my shoulder with the barrels pointing forward. If you have short fingers the Krieghoff will work better for you than the Merkel. I do wish it had ejectors like my Chapuis. Just my .02 cents worth.

quote:

Originally posted by larrys01:
I looked at them before I bought and even got to shoot a Mekel. I ended up with a Krieghoff. The combo safety/cocking feature gives me and anyone walking ahead of me a safe feeling when I carry it over my shoulder with the barrels pointing forward. If you have short fingers the Krieghoff will work better for you than the Merkel. I do wish it had ejectors like my Chapuis. Just my .02 cents worth.

+1 for the Krieghoff

Between the Merkel and the Heym, I would buy the one that is lighter and points the best for you.

Dave

Indy, Heym is better in my opinion... But dont worry about the recoil compared to your 458 it will be a pussycat... I have shot all of the big bores from 4bore down to a 375flanged.. You will have a geat double and will be smiling after every shot...
As for the grip and holding on to the barrels dont worry that is what a leather glove is for... Takes the heat instead of fingertips...

Mike

Buy the Heym, IMO much better balanced than the Merkel ( in 470 / 500) have not handled the small calibers. As for the forearm, what feels best in your hands.
With regard to shotguns (doubles) I prefer a splinter for upland shooting. For doves in September in Texas, give me a very slim beavertail that barely covers the barrels. You get into allot of action and the barrels get to hot to hold. Who wears a glove in Texas in Sept??? I shoot a Pioti 28 SXS at doves so it is a very slim gun to begin with even with the slim BT.
Those ugly leather sleeves that go over the barrels on a double just wear off the blueing if you dont forget to bring it in the first place or loose it.

Get the Heym with 26" barrels and go forth and enjoy life with a very good double rifle!

Just do it!