The rifles are very similar in weight & features
but what about quality and fit?Would you buy the kreighoff classic for $500 more all things being equal.The caliber is 9.3x74R.
If you have experience that says one is much better than the other please speak up as I don't
have much 1st hand experience with either model.
But I love DR'S.

My experience with the K-gun is in 7X65R, .375 Flanged Magnum, and .500/.416, but they are all built on the same frame, as is the 9.3.

Both are decent quality rifles. I like the Merkel 140 better in all respects, although neither rifle comes with sights that I could use. I don't care for the handling of the K-gun, have a strong aversion to the cocking/safety system, and dislike it's adjustable wedge.
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"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

Like 400 Nitro Express, my pick of the two would be, and has been the Merkel! The merkel is far more in the treditional Britt styling with the A&D action, and splinter fore end wood.

The sights of the old type like the 140E, can be easily re-shaped to the wide "V", and the front re-shaped to a bead from the partridge shape. The new sights with fiberoptics, are another matter, and would be replaced by me! The hog-back stock is a turn off to some, but is quite well suited to use. It can, however, be made more Britt in style, by simply taking off about 1/4" of the top, and re-contureing. A recoil pad needs to be installed anyway, for the 9.3X74R and up, so a little more stock work is no problem!

Fast

I recommend you handle and if possible shoot both, then choose the one you like the best.

I would also take a look at the Chapuis. I really like my Chauis and have been very successful hunting with it.

Get the one YOU like the best, they are all great hunting guns.

A 9,3x74R double, ESPECIALLY scoped, is one of the best hunting rifles on the Planet.

Merkel is my choice although I had to have the self regulating block worked on (I'm not a fan of any self reg systems). Merkel is more traditional and the former GSI company (now HK & Merkel people) in Alabama are great to work with A+ in customer service.

BOTH ARE EXCELLENT RIFLES

but the weight of the krieghoff and its safety cocking system go against it for me.

the merkel is a bit faster in handling for me and i like the traditional safety system.... and the single set trigger for the right barrel on mine.

i can't remember - are the krieghoffs ejector rifles ? the merkels are.

go for the merkel