Merkel O/U anyone?

[sharps4590]

Couldn't stand it any longer. I needed a project and I'd never worked with an O/U double and, had always wanted to. I suspect sometime next week I'll be playing,....uhhh...working with it.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/gu...n_id=101522496

[algmule]

Hello

Let's get Rudolf Gronau out of the way first. In 1928 and 1929 he was co-owner, together with Karl Schniewind, of Gebr?der Schniewind, B?chsenmacherei und Waffenhandlung, Fallersleberstra?e 50, Braunschweig. Before 1928 Rudolf Gronau, Kaufmann, together with Karl Honemann, peddled sausages and ham for Carl Reineke, Fabrik f?r W?rst und Fleischwaren. In 1930 Rudolf opened his own business (see image below)

Tj?ta1930.JPG
Rudolf Gronau still ran a Waffenhandlung in Braunschweig in 1952.

The double rifle is a pure Gebr?der Merkel, or to be precise, Suhler Waffenwerk Gebr?der Merkel. Name change from Gebr?der Merkel to the longer denomination came about on February 17, 1916. It's my firm belief Rudolf Gronau only performed two things - he ordered it and he sold it.

The thing looks to be in good condition part from one thing I'm curious about

Tj?ta2.JPG

Pressure having been too high? Is it off face? I'd been interested in reports (and info) on the calibre. I hope it works out fine for you.

Kind regards
Peter

[ohiochuck]

Very nice!
Keep us posted
I wish Ohio would allow the use of bottle neck cartridges for deer .
Jim

[fuhrmann]

Congratulations, this is a prewar Merkel, appears to be in nice condition!
It will be interesting to see proof marks, dating, caliber designation.
My brother loads both the 8x60 RS (.323) and 8x60 R (.318).
In German prewar 8 mm hunting rifles the .323 S bore is rather the exception than the rule, it will make sense to check this.

I will send some additional info by e-mail, hope its still the same address.
fuhrmann

[mike ford]

Vic,
Regarding Peter's concern, above, there were both Magnum and Magnum" Bombe" loadings. It would be good to determine what loading the rifle was proofed for. The rims on the heaviest loads were knurled to ID the higher pressure, like Proof Loads were IDed. If you didn't get enough cases, you can make it from 7x65R. Let me know if you are short. BTW- Good show.
Mike

[sharps4590]

Well, I don't have it in hand so you guys all know the same things I do. I want to see all the proofs as well and regardless of the description the bore will be slugged and chamber cast. I've been down this road enough times. Unless there is something drastically wrong I suspect I will keep it and do as always, load it just enough to regulate the barrels.

Mike, thanks for the info and offer. I imagine those 60 or so rounds will be plenty. At least I hope so!!!

[mike ford]

Vic,
Have fun with the new project.
Mike

[sharps4590]

I'm wondering how much of a "project" it's actually going to be, Mike. Seems a lot of the fun stuff might be done already....which would be sorta nice for a change.

[chapmen]

Contact Merkel in Suhl and ask for the "Arbeitskarte"- this would answer a lot of "maybe" and so on.

[mike ford]

Vic,
Working up a load that puts two bullets touching each other at 100 meters should be fun.
Mike

[Leatherman]

I like the Classic look of a side by side double rifle but the O/U double rifle is easier to carry and handle and feels like a single barrel rifle. I have found them to also regulate tighter than my side by side rifles. Especially with thinner walled barrels. I would love to find a O/U rifle with hammers.

[Themauserkid]

Great rifle congrats, I love O/U doubles, should be a lot of fun and a neat caliber. I hope to find a Sauer one day!

[sharps4590]

Leatherman, I've always read that O/U's regulate a little better/easier/more accurate. My others ar SXS's and this will be my first experience with an O/U of any kind.

Mike....I suspect that could be a challenge!!

chapman, thank you sir!

[mike ford]

I too find the O/U easier to " regulate" than SXS. Both barrel centerlines are on the centerline of the rifle and the same distance from the centerline of the shooter's body. Small differences of recoil impulse do come in due to different distance of the height of the barrels relative to the pivot point.
Mike

[Diz]

Vic, can't wait to hear more about this new project. Nice that you got all the accessories with it. You are much further ahead already. It will make a dandy deer rifle and you will likely be the only one in the woods with one. Best of luck with it. Diz