Merkel Helix Noblesse
Merkel Jagd- und Sportwaffen · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: Merkel RX Helix Noblesse, Helix Noblesse
Overview
The Merkel Helix Noblesse is a top-grade presentation version of Merkel's Helix straight-pull bolt-action hunting rifle. It retains the Helix's signature 1:2 geared straight-pull action, which halves bolt-handle travel for very fast follow-up shots, driving a six-lug rotary bolt head that locks inside a fully enclosed receiver. The Noblesse grade is distinguished by a gold-plated trigger and bolt head, a fluted barrel, and a stock of class-8 precious walnut with ebony fore-end and grip-cap inlays under a high-gloss finish. Like all Helix rifles it uses a tool-free take-down system with 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, Gold Plated Trigger, Gold Plated Bolt Head, Precious Walnut Stock, Ebony Forend Cap, Wood Class 8 Grade, Fluted Barrel, I Sight Open Sights, Interchangeable Barrels, Enclosed Action Housing, Picatinny Rail
Base model
Production
Production years: 2010s-present
Civilian hunting rifle; premium 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. Fitted with the i-Sight open-sight system and a Picatinny rail; optional 5-round magazine. Wood class rating of 8 with ebony applications distinguishes the Noblesse from lower Helix grades.
Background
The Noblesse dresses the fast-cycling Helix straight-pull in class-8 precious walnut with ebony inlays and gold-plated trigger and bolt head - a jewel-grade take on an action whose concept is attributed to Sheikh Hamed of the Abu Dhabi royal family before Merkel's Suhl engineers turned it into a production rifle.