Description:
Merkel, Year 1987, .410 Gauge, 6lbs 13oz, SN#96516
Merkel over/under shotguns have been dominating the European market since 1924. Of the various grades offered by this famed manufacturer, the 303EL is the top grade offered in features and the amount of engraving, with hidden hand-detachable sidelock action, 6 locking points including Kirsten cross-bolts, double underlug bites and bolts, double barrel lugs protruding through the action bottom to eliminate movement of the barrels laterally and fore and aft, and double extensions integrating with the action for incredible strength and durability. The EL is distinguished with beautifully figured European walnut stocks finely checkered 32 lines per inch. This fine Merkel has a graceful Prince of Wales pistol grip, butt plate, three-piece slender forend wood, and the extra-cost option of a superior single selective trigger. This gun, sn96516 built in 1987, was apparently one of a pair (or maybe a trio) as it is prominently marked as gun number 1 on top of the barrels and action. BUILT AS A .410 BORE, THIS IS AN INCREDIBLY RARE MERKEL 303, AS FEW WERE MADE IN THE DIMINUTIVE .410 BORE. The gun is in NEW CONDITION, POSSIBLY UNFIRED, WITH 100% METAL AND WOOD FINISHES and only a few tiny handling marks on the gun. It is in perfect mechanical condition with super-strong ejectors, the trigger is crisp and operates to perfection, the barrels are tight on the hinge pin and breech face. This gun shows no signs of wear anywhere. The deeply chiseled engraving is profuse and fully covers the action, showing fine foliate and scroll engraving surrounding encapsulating game scenes. The barrels at the breech are adorned with very finely cut open scroll engraving, as is the trigger guard. The hand-detachable locks are easily removed by lifting the hidden fastener and once removed, the fully jeweled surfaces of the locks glimmer like precious stones. The inletting in the beautifully figured wood is done to perfection without a flaw or split anywhere. The wood-to-metal fit is superb and masterfully done. This is the very BEST GUN that you will find in the way of beauty and workmanship. The modern steel barrels are of the highest quality and able to handle any of the modern factory loads. The 27” barrels are choked M/F…the perfect upland chokes for hunting behind dogs. The stock dimensions are modern with a longer length of pull to the rear position single selective trigger. We can install a fine leather covered pad for those who may need a longer LOP. Keep in mind the 14 1/4” LOP is measured from the rear trigger position. This gun weighs 6 3/4lbs. and balances dynamically between the hands. She is amazing in looks and dynamics. The gun is cased in a fine Italian leather trunk case. If you wish we can add a Merkel trade label and fit the case to the gun. Just let us know. We have priced this gun to sell!
Barrel Length: 27"****
Chokes: .021/.027 M/F****
Bores: perfect****
Bore Diameter: .414 both****
% Blue: 100% factory****
Chambers: 3"****
Ribs: vent rib-tight****
Sights: single-bronze****
Action: tight, right of center****
Ejectors or Extractors: ejectors, timed, strong****
Case Color: action French Grey 100%****
Screws: perfect****
Engraving: 100% coverage scroll/game scene; very deep relief****
Trigger Type: single selective crisp****
Trigger Guard Color: 100% blue 95% engraved****
Type: prince of wales grip/3 piece slender forend; full figure English stock****
LOP: 14 9/16" rear trigger****
LOP To End Of Wood: 14 1/4"****
DAH: 2 5/8"****
DAC: 1 7/16"****
Cast: Heel 5/16" off, Toe 1/4" off****
Checkering Condition: perfect 32 lines per inch****
Butt Treatment: hard plate****
There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on this gun. Call us for full details, or to purchase
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Brand:
Merkel
Model:
96516
Caliber:
410 Gauge
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted: Yes.
Shipping Notes: Credit Card, Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer (Advertised price reflects 3% cash discount. Actual price if paid by credit card is 3% higher.) **Inspection Period / Return Policy: Three Days from the date the item was received.** Sales tax based on Ship To address
Ship/Insure: Ground $350.00 within the continental U.S. Additional fees for HI & AK. We ship internationally, additional fees! (**most all of this is INSURANCE.If you have your own we could arrange yours.)
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.
