Description:
Merkel 303 EL Over & Under 20 Gauge Shotgun
HAND DETACHABLE SIDELOCK, CIRCA 1951
General Specs: Merkel Gerbruder, Year 1951, 20 Gauge, 6lbs 7oz, Over Under
Serial Number: 34295
Most here in America consider the German made guns overbuilt with a somewhat clunky feel in hand. There is little doubt that the Suhl made guns were also the most precisely fit and finished. The gun in my hand does not fit the "clunky" description, weighing a svelte 6lbs. 7oz. and balanced dynamically between the hands, this is a bird hunter's dream gun. A top of the line German made Gebruder Merkel 303EL, with true hand detachable side lock action, highly polished internal parts, side plates perfectly inletted to the wood and frame, with a most desirable 3 piece forearm that is slender and perfect in hand, rebated frame to house the head of the butt stock, the best of the single selective triggers by Miller, perfect 28lpi checkering, double underbite locking bolts AND the Kirsten cross bolt, cocking indicators, all in a mechanically perfect package. There are few Merkel 303EL guns available, and this is the only one in 20 gauge we see presently for sale. Built in 1951 and still in great shape, this is a bargain in the way of a fine over/under and a solid investment that you can enjoy while it grows in value.
Barrels
Barrel Length: 26"*****
Chokes: IC/IM .008/.032*****
Bores: excellent*****
Bore Diameter: .631/.633*****
Wall Thickness: .024 both*****
% Blue: 99%*****
Chambers: 3"*****
Ribs: solid top tight*****
Sights: double silver*****
Action
Action: tight, centered*****
Ejectors or Extractors: ejectors, strong timed perfect*****
Case Color: traces*****
Screws: excellent*****
Engraving: oak leaf and game scene full coverage*****
Trigger Type: Miller single selective trigger, crisp*****
Trigger Guard Color: 97%*****
Stock
Type: capped pistol grip/ slender forend*****
LOP: 14 3/8"*****
LOP To End Of Wood: 13 11/16"*****
DAH: 2 3/4"*****
DAC: 1 9/16"*****
Cast: 0*****
Checkering Condition: excellent 28 lines per inch*****
Butt Treatment: leather covered *****
Other
There are more photos upon request. We offer a 30 day mechanical warranty on this fine shotgun. PLEASE SEE MY OTHER FINE VINTAGE FIREARMS. Just open one of my ads and click on the line that says “see all items from this seller” and a very nice list of fine sporting and collectible arms will appear. I have many more fine sxs shotguns not yet listed. Thanks for looking!
JOIN US for The Orvis Game Fair and Country Sporting Weekend at the Sandanona Shooting Grounds in Millbrook, NY on September 20 & 21, 2014! Following that, JOIN US for The 18th Annual Vintage Cup World Side-by-Side Gun & Rifle Championships & Fine Gun Exhibition at the Dover Furnace Shooting Grounds in Dover Plains, NY on September 25-28, 2014!
We employ a full time gunsmith on premises and can perform alterations to suit your needs within a few weeks of purchase.
If you have any questions about this item or payment, please email or call us directly. Thanks! Vintage Firearms, Inc
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Caliber:
20 Gauge
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted:
Shipping Notes: Payment Methods: Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer *****
Inspection Period / Return Policy: Three Days from the date the item was received. *****
Sales Tax: 6% Michigan Only *****
Shipping & Insurance: Ground $140.00 We ship internationally! *****
Item Condition: Used *****
Requires FFL?: Yes*****
LET ME SELL YOUR GUNS!!! As you can see, I do a thorough job, am nationally known, and have hundreds of existing customers looking for your gun! Federally licensed dealer of Classic American Doubles, i.e. Fox, Parker, Ithaca, L.C. Smith, Lefever. Guns must be shipped to licensed dealer. Layaways accepted. No returns on layaways. I BUY SHOTGUNS, COLLECTIONS OR ONE AT A TIME.
