Guns International #: 102834782

Category - Merkel Shotguns - Shotguns - German Double

Category
Merkel Shotguns
Shotguns - German Double

Merkel 203E 12 Ga. - 6LBS. 15OZ., 28”, 99%, GAME GUN, vintage firearms inc

Description:
General Specs: Merkel, Year 1978, 12 Gauge, 6lbs. 15oz., Chokes M/F, LOP 14 1/2″, DAH 2 7/16″, DAC 1 1/2″
Serial Number:  91183

Merkel over/under shotguns have been dominating the European market since 1924.  Of the various grades offered by this famed manufacturer, the 203E was the first grade in the lineup with full sidelock action, hand-detachable locks, cocking indicators, intercepting safety sears, Kirsten cross-bolts, double barrel lugs mated to the frame, double rib extensions mated to the frame, beautifully figured European walnut stocks finely checkered, and slender three-piece forend wood.  Most all the Merkel 203 guns are well over 7lbs. making for a gun that may be heavy in hand by the end of the day.  The gun we present here, sn91183 built in 1978, is a purpose-built upland gun weighing just 6lbs. 15oz. with its 28” barrels, fine combed English stock, slim 3-piece forend, double triggers (front trigger articulated), and superb balance.  This is not a “clunker”, but a fast handling, nimble and dynamic gun that will be comfortable to carry all day over hill and dale.  Just in time for the fall hunting season, this Merkel is in “as new” factory original condition retaining 99% metal and wood finishes.  Gunners love nice wood, and the richly figured buttstock has beautiful dark streaked figure contrasted against a rich honey colored background, with perfect grain layout through the wrist.  There are only a few light handling marks in the wood, the checkering and wood-to-metal fit are excellent all around, and there are no cracks, splits, or repairs.  The action has full coverage hand-engraved elegant scroll, deeply cut with dark background shadowing making for a striking work of the gunmaker’s art.  The mechanics function to perfection and the hand-detachable sidelocks are easily removed for cleaning and lubrication.  All the screws are perfect and clocked.  This is a stunning gun with that well-known German precision and attention to strength and beauty.  A fine sporting over/under shotgun with sidelock action, full coverage hand engraved action, fully figured wood in today’s new gun market would exceed $25,000 and take years to order and receive.  This Merkel 203E has been fully inspected by our master gunsmiths, has barely been used and shows near new, is ready for another century and more of use, and is priced affordably.  Lighter than any other Model 203 you will find and configured in classic upland style, this is your new shotgun for your upland season and trips to the club.  Thanks for looking!


Barrels
Barrel Length:   28″
Chokes:   .022/.037 M/F
Bores:   mirror
Bore Diameter:   .722/.723
Wall Thickness:   .027/.033
% Blue:   99% factory blue
Chambers:   2 3/4″ with Brownells gauge
Ribs:   tight
Sights:  Front ivory

Action
Action:  tight, Slightly right of center
Ejectors:  timed
Receiver Condition:   99% French Grey
Screws:   perfect
Engraving:   full coverage, deep cut, large open scroll
Trigger Type:   double-crisp; articulated front
Trigger Guard Color:   99% factory

Stock
Type:   English/3 piece slim forend; dark streaked walnut; perfect layout
LOP:   14 1/2″
LOP To End Of Wood:   14 5/16″
DAH:   2 7/16″
DAC:   1 1/2″
Cast:   1/4″ off
Checkering Condition:   superb
Butt Treatment:   factory plate


INQUIRIES
There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on long guns. If it is a “VFI Certified” gun there is a 90 day mechanical warranty. Call or email us for more details or questions. Thanks! Vintage Firearms Inc

Payment and Shipping
Payment Methods: Credit Card, Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer (Advertised price reflects 3% cash discount. Actual price if paid by credit card is 3% higher.)
Inspection Period / Return Policy: Three Days from the date the item was received.
Sales Tax: Collected in CO, FL, MI, WI
Shipping & Insurance: Ground $145.00 within the continental U.S. Additional fees for HI & AK.
Item Condition: Used
Requires FFL?: Yes. We accept C&R licenses for shipping on C&R eligible guns.

Other
Terms of Purchase: Check your local and state laws before purchasing. It is the buyer’s responsibility to confirm his/her right to own the firearm or any item before purchasing.
PLEASE SEE OUR OTHER FINE VINTAGE FIREARMS. View all listings and our full inventory of fine sporting and collectible arms will appear. Thanks for looking! We employ full time gunsmiths on premises and can perform alterations to suit your needs within a few weeks of purchase. Common requests are: -stock bending to suit your particular requirements -addition of any specified butt pad to increase length of pull -alteration of chokes to suit your shooting preferences -lengthening of chambers and forcing cones -darkening stock color with penetrating stains -restoring any part of the gun including rust blue, charcoal blue, bone and charcoal case color, wood restoration and checkering recuts. If you like one our guns but it needs “tweaked”, let us know and we can quote you a time and price. Some enthusiasts like the guns “as found” and others want them “just so”. We often list guns as found and let the particular buyer choose how they want their gun to fit or look.

Price: $6,950.00

Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge