Merkel Helix Arabesque
Merkel Jagd- und Sportwaffen · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: Merkel RX Helix Arabesque, Helix Arabesque
Overview
The Merkel Helix Arabesque is a decorative, high-grade version of Merkel's Helix straight-pull bolt-action hunting rifle. It shares the Helix's signature 1:2 geared straight-pull action, which halves bolt-handle travel for very fast follow-up shots, together with the six-lug rotary bolt head that cycles inside a fully enclosed receiver box. The Arabesque grade is distinguished by classical arabesque scroll engraving on the receiver and a grade 4 (or higher) walnut stock with a Monte Carlo cheekpiece. Like all Helix rifles, it offers tool-free interchangeable barrels spanning calibers from .223 Remington to .300 Winchester Magnum.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1070 mm (42.13") |
| Barrel Length | 560 mm (22.05") |
| Action Type | Straight Pull |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 13 N (2.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4200 J (3098 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as 30-06, .30-06 Sprg, 7.62x63mm
- .308 Winchester — also known as 7.62x51mm
- .300 Winchester Magnum — also known as .300 Win Mag
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Cocking Decocker
- Features: Straight Pull Action, Short Bolt Throw, Arabesque Engraved Receiver, Grade 4 Wood Stock, Interchangeable Barrels, Enclosed Action Housing, Adjustable Trigger, Monte Carlo Cheekpiece, Picatinny Rail
Base model
Production
Production years: 2010s-present
Civilian hunting rifle; engraved presentation grade of the Merkel Helix line
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Merkel (Helix concept attributed to Sheikh Hamed of the Abu Dhabi royal family)
Notes
Chambered across the Helix caliber range including .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, 7x64, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, 8x57 IS, 9.3x62, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag and .338 Win Mag. Standard barrel length is 560mm; magnum chamberings use a longer barrel. Adjustable trigger of roughly 900-1,900 grams; optional 5-round magazine. Also offered in a matching Wild Boar engraving motif on the same platform.
Background
The Arabesque grade dresses the fast-cycling Helix straight-pull in classical Middle Eastern scrollwork - a fitting nod to the action's origin, which is attributed to a concept from Sheikh Hamed of the Abu Dhabi royal family before Merkel's Suhl engineers turned it into a production rifle.