Merkel 160AE
Merkel Jagd- und Sportwaffen · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: Merkel Safari 160AE, Merkel 160-2, Merkel 160-2.2, Merkel 160A-EY LUX, Gebruder Merkel Model 160
Overview
The Merkel 160AE is a side-by-side sidelock double rifle built for dangerous-game hunting, chambered primarily in .500 Nitro Express and also offered in .470 NE, .450/400 NE, .416 Rigby and .375 H&H Magnum. It is the sidelock counterpart to the boxlock Merkel 140AE, using hand-detachable sidelocks with a crank mechanism for easy servicing, a Greener locking system with double underlug locking, hard-soldered barrels with automatic ejectors, double triggers with an articulated front trigger to protect the finger under heavy recoil, and folding express sights. Its two hammer-fired barrels give a near-instant second shot, the classic safari configuration for stopping charging 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 | 7600 J (5605 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .500 Nitro Express · primary — also known as .500 NE, .500 3" Nitro Express
- .470 Nitro Express — also known as .470 NE
- .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, Sidelock Action, Hand Detachable Sidelocks, Greener Crossbolt, Double Underlug Locking, Ejectors, Double Trigger, Articulated Front Trigger, Express Sights, Engraved Receiver
Variants
- Merkel 160-2 - Sidelock Double Rifle
- Merkel 160-2.2 - Sidelock Double Rifle
- Merkel 160A-EY LUX - Luxury Grade
Production
Built to order in varying grades and engraving patterns at the Merkel works in Suhl, Germany
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
The 160 series is Merkel's premium sidelock double rifle, distinguished from the boxlock 140 by its hand-detachable sidelocks. Variants include the 160-2, 160-2.2 and the deluxe 160A-EY LUX. An optional octagonal barrel and take-down case are offered. Quoted weight starts around 4.6 kg and rises to roughly 4.9-5.5 kg depending on caliber, barrel option and stock wood; a .500 NE example typically weighs about 4.8-5.5 kg. Barrels are regulated as a pair to shoot to the same point of aim at typical dangerous-game distances.
Background
Sidelock double rifles like the Merkel 160AE represent the top tier of the safari-rifle tradition, where the detachable sidelock plates carry finely finished internal work and a fast, reliable second barrel chambered in a big Nitro Express cartridge is prized as insurance against a charging buffalo or elephant.