Merkel 141 Small Frame
Merkel Jagd- und Sportwaffen · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: Merkel Model 141, Merkel Petite Frame 141, Merkel 141 SxS Rifle, Merkel DB 141
Overview
The Merkel 141 Small Frame is a German side-by-side double rifle built on a compact, particularly narrow receiver that makes it one of the lightest side-by-side rifles in the world. Chambered primarily in 7x65R and also offered in medium rimmed cartridges such as 9.3x74R, 8x57IRS and .30R Blaser, it uses a modified Anson & Deeley boxlock action with double underlug locking and a Greener crossbolt. It has hammer-fired locks, double triggers with a front set trigger, automatic ejectors, driven-hunt express sights and muzzle screws for vertical and horizontal barrel regulation. The two regulated barrels give a fast second shot, making the light 141 a favored driven-boar and mountain-hunting rifle in Europe.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 970 mm (38.19") |
| Barrel Length | 550 mm (21.65") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 810 m/s (2657 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3295 J (2430 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7x65mm R · primary — also known as 7x65R
- 9.3x74mm R — also known as 9.3x74R
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, Set Trigger, Ejectors, Adjustable Barrel Regulation, Engraved Receiver
Production
Built to order in varying wood grades and engraving patterns at the Merkel works in Suhl, Germany
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
Marketed as a small- or petite-frame counterpart to Merkel's larger 140 dangerous-game double. Standard barrel length is about 55 cm (21.65 in) with an overall length near 97 cm; weight is roughly 3 kg depending on caliber and wood. Barrels are regulated so both fire to the same point of aim, and the muzzle regulation screws let a shooter tune convergence when changing loads.
Background
The small-frame Merkel 141 keeps alive the Continental tradition of the light, elegant double rifle: a two-shot break-open gun sized for medium rimmed cartridges rather than heavy Nitro Express, prized by European hunters for quick handling on driven boar and fast follow-up shots in mountain and forest.