Merkel Rifle Drilling 961LS
Merkel Jagd- und Sportwaffen · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: Merkel K-DR 961L, Merkel Kugeldrilling 961LS
Overview
The Merkel Rifle Drilling 961LS is a German three-barrel hunting drilling (Kugeldrilling) built with three rifled barrels on a steel bascule Blitz action, arranged as two barrels over one. Offered in large hunting calibers including 9.3x74mm R, .30-06 Springfield and 8x57mm JRS, it uses a Greener crossbolt and double-underlug locking system with manual rifle-barrel cocking and a double-trigger set-up (the rear trigger firing the bottom barrel). Fitted with a walnut pistol-grip stock with cheek piece and rubber butt pad, hand-cut hunting engraving, and preparation for Suhl swing mounts, it is a bespoke driven-game and mountain hunting arm made in Suhl.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3200 g (112.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 980 mm (38.58") |
| Barrel Length | 550 mm (21.65") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 700 m/s (2297 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4540 J (3349 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9.3x74mm R · primary — also known as 9.3x74R
- .30-06 Springfield — also known as 30-06, .30-06 Sprg, 7.62x63mm
- 8x57mm JRS — also known as 8x57 JRS, 8x57IRS, 7.92x57mm Mauser rimmed
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Single Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Manual Rifle Barrel Cocking
- Features: Three Rifled Barrels, Blitz Action, Steel Bascule, Greener Crossbolt Locking, Double Underlug Locking, Double Trigger, Pistol Grip Stock, Cheek Piece, Rubber Recoil Pad, Hand Engraved Receiver, Prepared For Suhl Swing Mounts
Variants
- Merkel Drilling 96K - Classic Drilling
- Merkel Double Rifle Drilling 961L - Double Rifle Drilling
Production
Built to order in varying wood grades and engraving patterns at the Merkel works in Suhl, Germany
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
Part of Merkel's 96-series drilling family alongside the classic Drilling 96K (two shotgun barrels over one rifle barrel) and the Double Rifle Drilling 961L. The 961LS carries three rifled barrels. Weight is quoted at approximately 3.2 kg with a 55 cm barrel set; exact figures vary with caliber combination and stock wood.
Background
A Kugeldrilling like the 961LS packs three rifled barrels into one break-action gun, letting a hunter carry multiple calibers for different game on a single stalk without swapping rifles - a distinctly German answer to the mixed-bag hunt.