In recent years, several models of hunting rifles with a straight action have appeared, and one of them is the Merkel RX Helix. The rifle has attracted quite a few enthusiasts due to its short bolt stroke, which literally halves the required bolt handle movement compared to other straight-action rifles. To achieve this goal, Merkel engineers used a gear drive to open the bolt, which provides a 2:1 advantage. The bolt is equipped with a rotating cylinder with six lugs located at an angle of 120 degrees in two rows and engaging with grooves on the barrel coupling. The innovation is that with a bolt stroke of 130 mm, necessary to chamber a .30-06 caliber cartridge, the reloading handle stroke is only 65 mm, that is, exactly half as much. Thanks to this, very smooth and fast reloading is achieved, almost like a self-loading weapon. However, at the same time, the accuracy, durability and undemanding quality of the cartridge, characteristic of repeating carbines, are preserved. This design allows you to put the weapon in a convenient case measuring 480x680 mm, which can accommodate two barrels and two optical sights.
Merkel RX Helix is available in three groups of calibers: Mini, Standard and Magnum. The caliber can be replaced with any of the calibers in the same group by changing the barrel and, if necessary, the magazine. The rifle can also be used with calibers of other groups by changing the rotating bolt head and magazine. The rifle is not produced in high-power game calibers for dangerous hunting and is at best used as a general purpose hunting rifle that provides the speed needed for wild boar hunting and the accuracy needed for open-country deer hunting or alpine hunting.
The RX Helix is designed for easy disassembly and cleaning in the field, as well as changing the barrel if necessary. To remove the barrel, the bolt is moved to the rearmost position and the magazine is removed. The handguard is removed by rotating the button located at the bottom counterclockwise, followed by pressing it. The forend can then be removed by pulling it forward and to the side: almost as easily as a double-barreled shotgun. If it is necessary to remove the bolt head, then this procedure is performed with the bolt in the forward (locked) position so that when the barrel is removed, the bolt head comes out of the receiver with it. This can then be rotated and removed and another inserted and rotated to lock in place. Once the handguard is removed, the barrel can be removed by rotating the barrel lock lever located under the handguard on the left side of the receiver 90° counterclockwise and sliding it out of the rifle body.
The RX Helix rifle uses the cock/de-cock safety system that is now common on many European rifles. To cock the striker, the slider on the buttstock shank is fully extended forward; to lower the striker, the button on the top of the slider is pressed, the slider itself is moved forward and released to a safe position. When the rifle is cocked, a red warning dot is visible behind the slide, and when it is uncocked, the red warning dot is no longer visible.
The 17mm diameter barrels are equipped with a universal iSight system with an M15x1 muzzle thread, closed with a plug. A single hex screw can be used to detach the front and rear sights and move the front sight rearward, depending on whether you are shooting with a suppressor, without a sight, or with a muzzle compensator. The three M3 mounting holes in the barrel can be closed using polymer plugs. If necessary, the sights can be quickly reinstalled. The hex key can then be stored in the buttstock.
The Picatinny rail is used as a base for mounting the optical sight. The lugs and grooves are milled directly into the receiver to ensure a secure, recoil-resistant connection.
HELIX Alpinist
Designed for long-distance shooting in open areas and in the mountains. The synthetic stock is available in green or black and has an adjustable cheekpiece to aid in obtaining a consistent shooting position. The optional bipod (adapter as standard) acts as a stable support on any terrain. The smooth, adjustable cheek piece provides a fast, safe and always repeatable shooting position - a functional addition for accurate shots and fast hunting.
Operating experience
© Sergey
I was one of the first in Russia to purchase an RX HELIX in caliber 30-06. The carbine captivated with its ergonomics, lightness and ease of reloading. After a year and a half of operation, we can summarize small results that may be useful to fellow hunters when choosing a weapon. 183 shots were fired from the carbine with cartridges from various manufacturers and with different bullet weights. The best accuracy was achieved with bullets weighing 11.7 and 14.3 grams. Bullets weighing 8 and 9.7 grams are less stable when fired from a carbine, although they can also be used, for example, for driven hunts. From Helix we obtained 13 wild boars of various sexes, ages and weights, from 30 to 150 kg, two roe deer and an elk. The maximum distance for successful shooting was 180 meters (driven hunt, wild boar). No breakdowns, failures, misfires or other troubles were identified. It was necessary to hunt in various temperature and weather conditions, including rain. The only unpleasant thing I encountered was that after hunting in the rain, the forend swelled and I was able to remove it only with the help of a friend. After this incident, I additionally treated the wood with moisture-repellent compounds, and in case of bad weather, I wipe the forend as soon as possible, for example, in the car on the way back from hunting. This trouble can be avoided by purchasing a carbine made of plastic, but personally I am a supporter of weapons with wooden stocks. And this cannot be called a disadvantage, it is a normal physical phenomenon. I am satisfied with the carbine, I know that it is reliable, and the result of the hunt depends only on the presence of the animal and on my shooting. Best regards, SK.
HELIX Explorer
Rifle model with a plastic stock - for use in difficult everyday hunting conditions. The glass fiber reinforced composite material has a dark anthracite hue and a soft overlay surface. The soft, low-noise material provides reliable grip even at low temperatures. At the same time, it also has a system-compatible design: wooden and synthetic stocks are interchangeable. Whether it's a standard barrel or semi-heavy barrels, the HELIX Explorer handguard always fits, leaving the barrel hanging freely.
"Helix"
© Vadim Zakharov Hunting experience: more than 20 years, with rifled weapons - more than 15 years
I have a Helix in caliber 9.3 x 62. The overall impression of the carbine is very pleasant: lightweight, quite mobile. True, I made a small modification - I put a muzzle brake on it, that is, I practically eliminated the recoil, and after that it became completely comfortable. The shooting quality is wonderful! I had the opportunity to shoot from one more Helix besides my own. At 100 m both gave a lot, everything was in the 10. That is, the trunks are very decent! Shot with Brenneke TUG cartridges weighing 11.5g. I hunted with them. The scope is Swarovski Z6 1-6x24. The first trip with Helix was to Hungary for two days. And, in general, I shot very successfully. The hunt took place near Budapest, in two different territories. There were 10 of us, mostly from the Safari Club. Accordingly, we also shot very well: in two days more than 260 wild boars. I shot 33 with the Helix. I have a large arsenal of weapons, including 2 semi-automatic weapons. And I can say with confidence based on the reload speed of the Helix: the rate of fire is not lost compared to semi-automatic weapons. That is, when transferring the sight from target to target, you reload faster than you can aim. The shooting quality is no lower than with semi-automatic weapons. This is absolutely accurate.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber | 222 Rem, 223 Rem, 243 Win, 270 Win, 7×64 | 308 Win, 30-06 Spring, 8x57IS, 9.3×62 | 300 Win. Mag, 338 Win. Mag, 7mm Rem. Mag |
| Total length, mm | 1070 | 1020, 1070 | 1120 |
| Barrel length, mm | 560 | 510, 560 | 610 |
| Magazine capacity | 3+1 (5+1) | 3+1 (5+1) | 3+1 (5+1) |
| Receiver material | Aluminium alloy | Aluminium alloy | Aluminium alloy |
| Weight, kg | 3,0 | 3,0 | 3,0 |
Safety
One of the most important issues for modern hunting weapons is their safety, and Merkel understands this very well. Therefore, the Helix Speedster carbines use one of the safest systems of protection against accidental shooting - the expansion guard, also known as an external mainspring cocker. Unlike mechanical fuses that block the sear or firing pin and are hypothetically still capable of allowing a shot as a result of mechanical failure, here the most important element of ensuring a shot—the tension of the mainspring—depends on the position of the cocker. If the engraving slider is lowered, then there will be little spring energy to strike the capsule.
The main element of safety: the cocker, also known as the shpanshiber; When the expansion gun is not cocked, a shot is impossible
And you can cock it with one movement of your thumb—immediately before firing. The Helix single-stage trigger is set from the factory to a 1kg trigger pull. This is a fairly comfortable value, which, on the one hand, protects against uncontrolled shots, and on the other hand, is not so excessive as to move the weapon off the target while the shooter is squeezing the trigger. As an option, Merkel also offers a target version of the trigger called TAR-GT with a force adjustable from 500 g. But this is already the domain of sports shooters; most hunters will be quite satisfied with the standard trigger mechanism.
HELIX Tracker
The Tracker is a professional model for walking hunting as well as tracking wounded game, with its lightweight barrel, 5-round magazine, guided hunting sights and non-slip bolt handle for quick reloading. The magazine slot includes a safety mechanism to prevent it from accidentally falling out in the bush. The synthetic stock has several special hinged sling mounts in the middle of the stock and on the barrel - this allows you to comfortably carry the rifle on your back. The Tracker is available in anthracite or camouflage orange.
Sights
There are two points to note here. First: the Merkel Helix Speedster receiver has molded Picatinny/Weaver type rail elements for mounting optics, which is extremely convenient - no additional rails are needed! And the company’s assortment includes quick-release mounts for optical sights, specially made in such a way that the optics can be unfastened with one hand while holding the carbine in the other. This gives greater freedom in choosing sights according to the situation.
Second point: the iron sights installed on the Merkel Helix Speedster are great in themselves! They have a short sighting line length, since the rear sight is placed on the barrel - but this is perhaps the only drawback. The rest is full of advantages: a red light-gathering front sight with height adjustment, a rear sight with three green light guides and horizontal adjustment. Both shooting and zeroing are a pleasure!
The mechanical sights of the iSight system are excellently made
Interestingly, the creators have provided a flexible system for attaching mechanical sight elements to the barrel. It's called iSight and allows you to take advantage of the muzzle thread by moving the front sight a short distance back from the muzzle. If the sound moderator has a semi-integrated design and partially extends onto the barrel, then both the front sight and rear sight can be removed very quickly and easily using the included hex key. The sockets for their fastening in the barrel are insulated with special polymer plugs.
Unique convenience and reliability of the Merkel RX Helix carbine
The models of modern carbines presented on the market, presented by popular manufacturing companies, can pleasantly surprise everyone: the well-thought-out shape of the barrel and butt, ensuring maximum convenience during operation, reliability and safety guaranteed by the manufacturer, as well as excellent shooting performance - all this allows you to make a good purchase proven models with confidence in its ideal characteristics.
Among the Helix brand hunting carbines on sale, we should specifically mention the Merkel RX Helix model, which has become a real hit among analogues of other firearms manufacturing companies.
A lot of positive reviews from both owners and buyers, a high level of demand for the model and its attractive appearance have made the Merkel RX Helix carbine one of the most popular among both professional hunters and novice amateurs.
Design
Due to the relative simplicity of the structure, the carbine we are considering is very easy to use.
- The sliding bolt locks the barrel with 6 lugs; this is done by simply turning the barrel and guarantees the reliability and safety of the weapon.
- The structural part of this type of weapon is the barrel in combination with the butt. Their ergonomics ensure a comfortable fit of the butt to the shoulder, and low recoil does not cause discomfort when making a shot.
- The shortened stroke of the bolt handle allows you to fire shots in a particularly short time with minimal effort. Note that the barrel is lightweight due to the use of a lightweight alloy.
Merkel RX Helix 30-06 Carbon Fiber Rifle
Options and packaging
Sealed in a polymer film, the carabiner perfectly retains its appearance even under mechanical stress that is inevitable during its transportation.
- It is located in a cardboard box, which contains the necessary information about the name of the model and the manufacturing company.
- The model of the weapon is accompanied by a passport and a quality certificate.
Operating principle
- The cartridge from the magazine is sent into the barrel of the carbine using the bolt mechanism.
- Pressing the trigger disengages the lock inside the barrel and fires.
- When the bolt is pulled back, the cartridge is sent into the barrel, and after the mainspring is cocked, a sharp blow occurs on the firing pin.
This video will tell you how the Merkel RX Helix carbine behaves during hunting:
Disassembly
As mentioned above, ease of disassembly is one of the most important advantages of this model over analogues. To change the barrel, it is enough to disengage the combat cylinder from the bolt.
Disassembly is carried out by moving the bolt back, and after the forend is removed, press the barrel lock and remove it. This is especially important for cleaning weapons in the field. The ability to quickly remove the barrel can also be considered an advantage when replacing the barrel, which allows you to change the effectiveness and range of fire.
Tuning
- Implementing model improvements is an excellent advantage of the Merkel RX Helix model carbine, which allows you to increase aiming and firing range. An optical sight can be installed on the surface of the barrel, which has an extremely positive effect on shooting performance, and it is also possible to replace the front sight and forearm.
- The procedure for replacing the barrel was described above, which is noted by many owners as an important advantage of the model in question.
Reviews and prices for Merkel RX Helix 308win, camo and others are given below.
Product price
The cost of the Merkel RX Helix model is considered quite high, but understanding its advantages and positive parameters, as well as the capabilities provided by the technical characteristics laid down by the manufacturer, allows us to understand the reason for such a cost of the weapon.
The buyer will be able to find Merkel RX Helix models on sale at prices ranging from 120,250 to 125,300 rubles. But, we note that even such a very decent cost does not stop those who value the high-quality workmanship and wide capabilities of this carbine from purchasing.
Merkel RX Helix Explorer
Owner reviews
According to the majority of buyers and owners, the carbine of the model in question copes well with all the tasks assigned to it due to its technical parameters, which distinguish the carbine from its analogues. Modern and attractive design, the absence of unnecessary and distracting details are the positive qualities of the Merkel RX Helix model.
Its light weight and compact size allow it to be used for accuracy training, as well as for participation in competitions.
The presence of such additional devices as a cheek piece and a butt pad made of high-quality rubber provides the greatest convenience when using the carbine.
Analogs
Among the models from other manufacturers, the following should be highlighted, which have similar external data and technical characteristics:
- Tikka T3 Sporter;
- carbine Sako 85 Bavaria;
- domestic model MP-161K.
However, this is where the selection of good carbines ends. Thus, among semi-automatic products one can also highlight the M82 Barrett Firearms, Browning Bar .30-06 Light Long Trac Executive, Vepr Super, Merkel SR1, etc.
Boar hunting with Merkel RX Helix is shown in this video:
Source: https://podpricelom.com/ognestrelnoe-oruzhie/nareznoe/merkel-rx-helix.html
