There is a lightly used Merkel 140A listed that appears to have had an original clear coating of some sort on the receiver. Close up photos seem to show that a good part of it has worn off. Does this sound like the norm?

Probably a clearcoat to keep the metal from oxidizing.

quote:

Originally posted by scutulatus:
There is a lightly used Merkel 140A listed that appears to have had an original clear coating of some sort on the receiver. Close up photos seem to show that a good part of it has worn off. Does this sound like the norm?

Does the rifle have a coin finish, or is it case colored? The reason I ask this is if the rifle action is case colored, there is always a clear lacquer applied to the surface to protect the case coloring. I have Merkel coin finished actioned double rifles but as far as I can tell there is no clear coat on them, and are overt ten years old with no sign of any pealing. I also have a Merkel that is case colored that is about 12 yrs old that is lacquered but is completely intact after 12 years of hunting with this rifle.

.......................................................................................

coin