Claw Mount type ?

[nhdblfan]

Hi all, just picked up this Merkel made (for L. Frauenstorfer of Mannheim,on the rib) combo,12 ga over 9.3x72R. Looks to be early/ mid 1920's (no date code)Has a claw mount-the scope and rings sadly are not with it,probably left on another pile at the end of the war and not rejoined with the gun.
From what I have read is this a Sempert & Krieghoff type slide on mount and if so any one making the rings again ( NECG does not show them)

Merkel Combo 1.jpg Combo Mount.jpg

[mike ford]

nhdblfan,
You might check either Recknagel (ERA) or Ernst Apel Wuerzburg (EAW) catalog for mounts. They both have websites. Before checking, you should measure the width of the dovetails in mm. If possible, measure the angle of the dovetail ( or make your best guess). Failing that, some members have modified American mounts to fit. BTY these are not claw mounts, which will really make your task easier, or at least cheaper.
Mike

[nhdblfan]

Thank you Mike,

I guess slide on mounts would be better.
Will check both of them.

David K

[Old No7]

As a stop-gap solution until you find something better, check on Pyramid Air for slotted width-adjustable clamp-on mounts which come in different widths to fit odd sized ribs, and allow Weaver-style rings to clamp on top-- thereby tightening the mount to the rib. I've used them with much success on a couple of Bock-Buchsflinte O/U combination guns I own, and even with heavy 12 gauge loads (3" #4 buckshot for coyotes), I've never had them slip.

No they're not German/Austrian or original, but they will allow you to scope it to get you started with load development and get you out shooting or hunting with it.

Old No7

Edit:
I've successfully added an image below -- UTG makes these, and this image is from Pyramid Air:
(Those are "Dovetail to Weaver Adapters")

[nhdblfan]

Thanks Old No 7 ! . I was not aware of those.

I checked the choke in the shotgun barrel-will recheck,looks to be super full at a bit more the .050 ,so no slugs for this one.

[Leatherman]

Those mounts are extremely hard to come by and may not fir your guns rail. To get a scope mounted I have used Ruger scope rings and Talley rings. The Talley rings are available in narrow millimeter widths. Both will need a little file work to make them fit but it isn?t hard. If you don?t want to do it a competent gunsmith can. Here is a picture of the Ruger rings.

[Leatherman]

On the matter of your tight choke. You should be able to use the 2 1/2? Brennekee (spelling ?) slugs . I spoke to the Great grandson at the Shot Show a few years ago about shooting these in the tight full choked German combination guns and he said the design was invented for shooting in extra tight choked guns. The rifled lands on the slug swage down easily and will not cause too much preasure to the barrel. I would not use any other type of commercial slug. I have shot these in all my drilling?s and cape guns except in those with Damascus twist barrels. Don?t expect the slug to be close to the same point of impact that the rifle barrel is. They were not regulated for slug use.