Merkel RX Helix Explorer
Merkel Jagd- und Sportwaffen · Rifle · In Production · 2010
Also known as: Merkel Helix Explorer, RX.Helix Explorer
Overview
The Merkel RX Helix Explorer is the all-weather synthetic-stocked version of Merkel's German straight-pull bolt-action hunting rifle. Like the wood-stocked RX Helix, it uses a 1:2 transmission gearing that halves the linear bolt-handle travel for exceptionally fast follow-up shots, with a six-lug rotary bolt head cycling inside a fully enclosed action housing. The Explorer swaps walnut for a fibreglass-reinforced composite stock in dark anthracite with a soft-grip surface, and retains the tool-free takedown and interchangeable barrels that let one receiver be rechambered across calibers from .223 Remington up to .300 and .338 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 | Carbon Fiber |
| Finish | Anthracite Soft Grip |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as 30-06, .30-06 Sprg, 7.62x63mm
- .308 Winchester · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as 7.62x51mm, .308 Win
- 6.5 Creedmoor — also known as 6.5 CM, 6.5mm Creedmoor
- .300 Winchester Magnum — also known as .300 Win Mag, 7.62x67mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Cocking Lever, Hand Cocking System
- Features: Straight Pull Action, 1-To-2 Transmission Gearing, Short Bolt Throw, Interchangeable Barrels, Tool Free Takedown, Six Lug Rotary Bolt Head, Enclosed Action Housing, Soft Grip Synthetic Stock, Picatinny Rail Base, I-Sight Open Sights, Adjustable Trigger
Variants
- Merkel RX Helix Speedster - Lightweight
- Merkel RX Helix Black - Tactical
Base model
Production
Production years: 2010-present
Civilian hunting rifle; Explorer is the synthetic-stock trim level of the RX Helix line
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Merkel (Helix concept attributed to Sheikh Hamed of the Abu Dhabi royal family)
Notes
Explorer-specific feature is the fibreglass-reinforced composite stock (dark anthracite, soft-grip surface) purpose-built for adverse weather; the stock can be swapped for walnut. Calibers are grouped into Mini (.223 Rem), Standard (.243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, 7x64, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, 8x57 IS, 9.3x62), and Magnum (7mm Rem Mag, .300/.338 Win Mag). Standard barrel is 560mm (107cm overall); magazine holds 3+1 with an optional 5+1. Direct trigger adjustable 900-1900g; optional TAR-GT trigger adjustable 500-1500g. i-Sight configurable open sights and a Picatinny rail base are standard.
Background
The Helix straight-pull mechanism originated not with Merkel but with Sheikh Hamed of the Abu Dhabi royal family, whose concept for a short-throw geared bolt was engineered into a production rifle by the Suhl-based maker; the Explorer trim dresses that action in a soft-grip composite stock for foul-weather stalking.