Description
MERKEL 12G SIDE BY SIDE MODEL 60E SHOTGUN.
Model 60E Wood Grade 6 (possibly higher?) Side by Side Sidelock Shotgun by Merkel of Suhl, Germany.
Brand new today these retail in excess of £14,000.00.
http://www.vikingshoot.com/products/shotguns/high-pheasant/
The last one I sold new was the 28G ‘English’ Spec. Lt Ed. version which retailed well over £20K.
THE GUN.
28” (710mm) Barrels, 2 ¾” Chambers with Fixed Chokes at Full and X Full. A Raised, Tapering Rib with Machined flat top finish and runs from 7/16” to 5/16” (12-8mm) width.
Hand Engraved Action and Side Lock Plates depicting a Dog on point and Wildfowl in flight to each face. The action also features a Double Hidden Bite with Cross Bolt Lock up. In effect as strong and safe as it is possible to make. The Locks also feature Cocking Indicators. These guns are that well made everything is hand fitted and individually numbered to each individual gun.
The HIGH QUALITY, GRADE 6 (or higher?) Pistol Grip Walnut Stock comes at a pull length of 14 5/8” (372mm). It has some Wonderful Deep Colour and Grain. The Extra Fine Hand Cut Chequering (26 lines per inch) just finish off the quality of this SUPERB gun.
Perhaps slightly surprising is just how well these guns mount considering the raised cheek piece to the left side. They always seem to fit exceptionally well to either shoulder. Everything is still extremely tight to open or close and the ONLY real blemish to detail can be seen just below the raised cheek piece. Other than that the gun is just about as new and also comes with the additional option of Polished Triggers.
Total O/A length finishes at 44 3/8” (1127mm) and a weight of 6Lbs 10oz. It is also an assisted opener.
This offers a chance for a ‘once in a lifetime’ (to most) TOP END, TOP QUALITY gun at a huge discount.
This gun / model is actually shown on the makers web site:
SxS Shotgun 60E / 65E / 61E
£8499.99
THE STEEL SHOT DEBACLE?
FIRST THING: Given lead is SO dangerous, can we ask about getting every lead water main replaced? After all, ANYONE with one of those still supplying water has zero choice. LETS PUT THAT QUESTION TO HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE AS WELL AS THE GOVERNMENT.
That is every child’s grazed knee washed out with lead infested water (direct into their blood stream. Every glass of juice. Every cup of tea or coffee, Vegetables washed and cooked in the stuff. ALL that DELICIOUS Gravy. Cloths washed in it. Then we bath in the sodding lead infested stuff!
HOW DO THEY DEFEND THIS FACT?
THEN THERE ARE more and more Non-Toxic Shot alternatives being produced. WITH near matching performances to traditional lead and close to, if not matching pressures. Take a look at Horton Gunmakers for their own entry into this debacle of modern-day shooting. APPARENTLY so lethally deadly to shooters and game eaters? How is it every old lead water main supply pipe is not getting ripped out and replaced? To my mind it’s a DISGRACE that the shooting industry did not simply ask that one simple question. NO, they saw an excuse to charge a fortune and that mainly to the detriment of the quarry. Just my opinion …..for what its worth?
Anyway, take a look for yourself:
NOW, TRY and help speed up availability. I WILL suggest that YOU pass on details to everyone you know who shoots. Then ask whoever we buy from WHY they are not DEMANDING cartridges made in this material? Basically VOTE with your WALLET.
YES, it will take a little time for everything to filter through, but patience IS a virtue. It also allows everyone who wants to keep hold of their ‘old favourite’ for the rest of their lives. Even pass it on to the next generation and hopefully beyond!
On that note I AM looking into the possibility of stocking some direct from Steve at Hortons. RING for an update and keep checking the web site.
