I picked up my first Merkel double yesterday. Its a 8x57JRS. The regulation target was fired with Norma ammo, has anyone seen any ?

Second, is there a place I can get an English translation of the manuel ?

It seems to be a sweet little rifle, it has the 3 dot rear and bright red front ramp sights. They work very well in low light. I was going to have claw mounts put on but now I am not so sure. I might be ok with the open sights.

It will be the perfect deer/black bear rifle in the tight cover on my farm. I can't wait until fall ! ....................JJ

nice rifle and in my favorite cartridge!!! congrats! as for the norma ammo, try www.midwayusa.com or sportmansguide. they should have some. be sure to post some pics when you get a chance, would love to see your new rifle

quote:

Originally posted by JJ_Miller:
I picked up my first Merkel double yesterday. Its a 8x57JRS. The regulation target was fired with Norma ammo, has anyone seen any ?

Second, is there a place I can get an English translation of the manuel ?

It seems to be a sweet little rifle, it has the 3 dot rear and bright red front ramp sights. They work very well in low light. I was going to have claw mounts put on but now I am not so sure. I might be ok with the open sights.

It will be the perfect deer/black bear rifle in the tight cover on my farm. I can't wait until fall ! ....................JJ

Midway has it in stock, and in two bullet weights, but your rifle was likely regulated with 196 gr bullets. That bullet weight is the only thing I use in my 8X57 JR cape gun, or the 8X57JRS double rifle I used to own. This is a great cartridge, and the little Merkel double rifle can certainly benefit from the use of a good verible scope. This rifle is capable of fine accuracy out to 300 yds on deer, and elk, with proper loads, and sighting equiptment!

Good hunting, and congratulations on you new double rifle! You will be happy with the little Merkel double! I have two merkel doubles, and both shoot very well, and have become my favorite double pair for a traveling hunt!

JJ
You might want to experiment with Sellier and Bellot ammo also.

http://www.sellier-bellot.cz/

I think Cabelas carries it among others. My 8x57JS shoots it a lot better than the Norma.

Its a fantastic deer and plains game caliber.

Guy thanks.......right after I posted I thought of Midway. My Merkel was regulated with the 196gn Alaskan Norma load. Midway has it on sale, over half off !!!!! Needless to say I stocked up. Thanks again ................JJ

I have a report and pics somewhere on here of my Merkel in 8x57R. I mounted a Leupold VariX-III 1.5x5 in MAK swing mounts (simple 30 minute jobe on mine)and it shoots too well to describe. I have only shot handloads as mine came with no target,no manual in any language.It is one fine shooting rifle. With absolutely NO vices.

Palmer, I shot some S & B ammo yesterday, 196gn. At 70 yrds with open sights it printed perfect elevation wise 3 1/2 inches apart. I'll take that with unregulated ammo and open sights. The front blade substends more of the target than that at 70 yrds.

I think I am going to like the little rifle.......................JJ

quote:

Originally posted by JJ_Miller:

Second, is there a place I can get an English translation of the manuel ?

JJ - here is a link to PDF downloadable manual in ENG - it is common for Side-by-Side Shotguns, Double Rifles and 96k Drillings:

http://www.merkel-usa.com/media/Links/Side-By-Side_Manual.pdf

I believe Hendershot's Sporting Goods in Hancock, MD has the Norma ammo. Check their web site.