Merkel Model 161
Merkel Jagd- und Sportwaffen · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: Merkel 161, Merkel Modell 161, Gebruder Merkel Model 161
Overview
The Merkel Model 161 is a German side-by-side double rifle built on a petite, lightweight sidelock action for driven and mountain hunting. It is the sidelock counterpart to the boxlock Model 141 and a smaller-caliber sibling of the dangerous-game Model 160, chambered in standard European rifle cartridges such as 9.3x74mm R, 7x65mm R, .30-06 Springfield, .30R Blaser and 8x57IRS. The rifle uses hand-detachable sidelocks, double under-lugs with a Greener cross-bolt for a strong lock-up, a front set trigger, and a quarter-rib express sight, with automatic ejectors offered as an option. At roughly 3 kg it is a fast-handling two-shot rifle prized for quick follow-up shots on moving game at short range.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 550 mm (21.65") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Set Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 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 | Engraved Blued |
Calibers
- 9.3x74mm R · primary — also known as 9.3x74R
- 7x65mm R — also known as 7x65R
- .30-06 Springfield — also known as 7.62x63mm, .30-06, 7.62mm Springfield
- .30R Blaser — also known as 7.62x65R Blaser
- 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, Cocking Indicators
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Sidelock Action, Hand Detachable Sidelocks, Greener Crossbolt, Double Underlug Locking, Petite Frame, Front Set Trigger, Quarter Rib Express Sights, Optional Ejectors, Engraved Receiver
Production
Built to order in varying grades and engraving patterns at the Merkel works in Suhl, Germany
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
Built on Merkel's smaller 28-gauge-size double gun frame, making it noticeably lighter than the 160-series dangerous-game rifles. Barrels are regulated as a pair to converge at typical driven-hunt distances; additional chamberings are available on request. Overall length depends on the ordered barrel length and stock dimensions.
Background
Merkel's Suhl gunmakers have offered petite-frame sidelock double rifles like the 161 for hunters who want the instant second shot of a double in a light, standard-caliber package suited to European driven hunts rather than African plains game.