Merkel Helix Tracker
Merkel Jagd- und Sportwaffen · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: Merkel RX Helix Tracker, Helix Tracker
Overview
The Merkel Helix Tracker is a German straight-pull bolt-action hunting rifle purpose-built for driven hunts and tracking wounded game. Based on the RX Helix action with its 1:2 geared bolt that halves handle travel for rapid follow-up shots, the Tracker pairs a short 470mm semi-weight barrel with an anthracite synthetic stock, i-Sight driven-hunt sights and a Picatinny rail, feeding from a 5-round detachable magazine. Chambered in .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 8x57 IS and 9.3x62, it emphasises maneuverability and fast cycling over long-range precision.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2900 g (102.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 980 mm (38.58") |
| Barrel Length | 470 mm (18.50") |
| Action Type | Straight Pull |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 14 N (3.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 820 m/s (2690 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3267 J (2410 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 250 m (273 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm NATO
- .30-06 Springfield — also known as 30-06, .30-06 Sprg, 7.62x63mm
- 9.3x62mm — also known as 9.3x62, 9.3x62 Mauser
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Cocking, Cocking Decocker
- Features: Straight Pull Action, Short Bolt Throw, Interchangeable Barrels, Takedown, Enclosed Action Housing, Adjustable Trigger, Picatinny Rail, Driven Hunt Sights, Semi Weight Barrel
Base model
Production
Civilian hunting rifle; not military issue
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
Standard direct trigger is adjustable from approximately 900 to 1,900 grams; an optional TAR-GT trigger adjusts from 500 to 1,500 grams. Ships with a 5-round magazine (plus one in chamber); an optional 3-round magazine is available. The 470mm barrel is a 19mm-diameter semi-weight profile. Retains the RX Helix tool-free takedown and interchangeable-barrel system.
Background
The Tracker distils Merkel's Helix straight-pull concept into a short-barrelled driven-hunt tool: its 1:2 transmission means a full unlock-and-rechamber cycle needs only half the linear pull of a conventional straight-pull, letting a hunter keep the sights on a bolting boar between shots.