Merkel 140 Double Rifle
Merkel Jagd- und Sportwaffen · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: Merkel 140-2, Merkel 140-2.1, Merkel Safari 140AE, Gebruder Merkel Model 140
Overview
The Merkel 140 is a side-by-side double rifle built for dangerous-game hunting, chambered primarily in .470 Nitro Express and also offered in .500 Nitro Express, .416 Rigby and .375 H&H Magnum. Produced in Suhl, Germany, it uses a robust boxlock (modified Anson & Deeley) action with a Greener crossbolt and double underlug locking, double triggers with an articulated front trigger, automatic ejectors and express sights. Its two hammer-fired barrels deliver a near-instant second shot, the traditional configuration favored on African safari for stopping heavy game at close range.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4600 g (162.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1020 mm (40.16") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 640 m/s (2100 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6636 J (4894 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .470 Nitro Express · primary — also known as .470 NE
- .500 Nitro Express — also known as .500 NE 3"
- .416 Rigby
- .375 H&H Magnum — also known as .375 Holland & Holland Magnum
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Single Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Cocking Indicators
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Boxlock Action, Greener Crossbolt, Double Underlug Locking, Ejectors, Express Sights, Cocking Indicators, Engraved Receiver
Variants
- Merkel 140-2 - Boxlock Double Rifle
- Merkel 140-2.1 - Safari Grade
- Merkel Safari 140AE - Current Production
Production
Built to order in varying grades and engraving patterns at the Merkel works in Suhl
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
The 140 line includes the 140-2 and 140-2.1 boxlock models and the current Safari 140AE. Barrels are regulated as a pair so both fire to the same point of aim at typical dangerous-game distances. Quoted weight starts around 4.6 kg and varies with caliber, barrel option and stock wood.
Background
Side-by-side double rifles like the Merkel 140 carry on the classic British and Continental safari tradition, where a fast, reliable second barrel chambered in a big Nitro Express cartridge is prized as insurance against a charging buffalo or elephant.