MERKEL 140E or KREIGHOFF CLASSIC

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24 November 2007, 19:59

FAST996

MERKEL 140E or KREIGHOFF CLASSIC

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.

"A long life, and the good sense to live it." ...Quintis Arrius

375H&H,404J,416DAK,458AFR,416RIG,450RIG,505GIB

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NRA member

24 November 2007, 21:28

400 Nitro Express

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.
----------------------------------------------
"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

24 November 2007, 22:01

MacD37

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!

....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1
DRSS Charter member
"If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982

Hands of Old Elmer Keith

26 November 2007, 09:41

N E 450 No2

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.

26 November 2007, 19:04

dirklawyer

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.

03 December 2007, 02:56

tomo577

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.