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Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 603 Location: Victoria BC Canada

http://www.gundigest.com/guns/shotgun-reviews-articles/merkel-40e?utm_source=wir&utm_campaign=gd-cgb-wir-160215&utm_content=820675_GDR160215&utm_medium=email

Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Posts: 1358 Location: Twin Cities, MN

As I understand it the 40E is not really a "new" gun, but a simpler version of the 47E. Same action and barrels, but they got rid of the side clips, replaced the hand engraved border with laser scroll, no case color, lowered the wood grade and now it only comes with 28" barrels. Merkel-USA says it's not as nicely finished as well. So, a less expensive to produce gun with all the mechanical reliability. However, Merkel-USA lists them as on sale for $4k while brand new 47Es are $3,900. Hmmmmm. Europtic has a bunch of 47s with 30" barrels that look tasty.
Used German shotguns are, from a quality standpoint, the best bargains in the US. Here's a 16 gauge that should make someone happy.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=541738813

Regards,
Jeff

That 47e is a fantastic deal. 3hrs left guys! Snap it up!

The new 40e, in my opinion, is a sad reminder of today's version of qaulity. It looks like a complete piece of crap. The stock fit is embarrassing to say the least. And 5k....ridiculous.

I agree 100% about used German guns. My 1936 jp sauer is a perfect example of teutonic precision. And it was a STEAL!

Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 603 Location: Victoria BC Canada

My S x S Merkell is in 16 gauge! Model 8, I believe. Made in 1970, 6 lb, 9 oz. Plain Jane, but marked as being of outstanding quality

Less than $1000! I got really lucky, as I saw similar guns online for about USD$1800 just after I closed the deal.

That Model 8 is nothing to sneeze at. Those are very finely made guns indeed! Nice find!

Member Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 401 Location: Tennessee

At one time, Merkel produced three basic lines of sxs guns aimed at the hunting market in Europe and elsewhere. The three models were the 40 (40E if ejector), 50/50E and 60/60E. The 40 was a regular boxlock, the 50 was a sideplated boxlock, and the 60 was a true sidelock. Sling swivels and cheekpieces. I have a 50E in 20ga, POW grip and double triggers. That gun fits me better than any gun I have ever owned, even with the cheekpiece - or, maybe, because of the cheekpiece! I've grown to love it. I'd dearly love to have it's twin in 16ga!!
From the pictures of that 'new' 40E, if that is the new standard, then Merkel has taken a giant step backwards. Wood-to-metal fit is atrocious in that picture, as is that awful laser 'engraving'. Some folks don't care for the somewhat heavy-handed 'Teutonic' style of engraving, but I'm betting those folks would agree that it is superior to that laser-done crap.
Sad example from a once-great gun maker.

Joined: 22 Apr 2016 Posts: 18 Location: Saint Clair Shores

I have a Merkel 147E I'd part with. Paid 4k and only used it a few times at the clays course. Wound up getting an Over Under. Anyone want to make a reasonable offer?

Joined: 30 Dec 2015 Posts: 31 Location: Arizona

As an avid upland bird hunter, I wouldn't be caught afield with a 28ga or 16ga that had a single trigger or pistol grip stock.

According to the press release from Merkel, it doesn't sound like they are producing this "NEW" Merkel in any configuration that would fit into my gun room.

Anyone have one of the older model Merkel's with DT & straight stock in 16ga that they'd like to part with?

Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 962 Location: Minnesota

To each his own.
I just bought a 16 ga Merkel 147E, PG and ST. Wouldn't have it any other way.
Friend has a Merkel 1620 with DT and SS. I tried it, and it wasn't for me.