Instructions for using the Merkel SR1 hunting rifle

Merkel SR1 carbine

Self-loading carbines have traditionally enjoyed success among Russian hunters. It is imported self-loading carbines that are in demand, despite the higher price of these weapons. What makes a Russian hunter choose imported weapons of this class? Firstly, there is a variety of cartridges in calibers and bullet designs that can be used in imported self-loading weapons. Secondly, imported self-loading weapons are structurally adapted to a wide range of different sighting devices. Thirdly, among imported self-loading weapons there are already models with a modular design, which gives additional opportunities to the hunter. The same weapon can be used on different hunts. Fourthly, the weight and weight distribution of individual samples of imported models are better suited for hunting, where it is necessary to move around a lot or conduct fast aimed shooting. However, it should be noted that not all imported models of self-loading weapons have a successful design.

The famous Browning Bar II is distinguished by a rather complex gas assembly, which without certain skills it is better not to disassemble again. In general, the design of this carbine is poorly suited for cleaning weapons. Sleek, light and maneuverable, the BENELLIARGO does not please hunters with its combat performance. Moreover, these indicators, namely the accuracy of hits, can sometimes change according to a completely incomprehensible law. The reason, apparently, is the design flaws of this weapon. The first modular self-loading carbine HECKLER&KOCH mod. SLB 2000 contains a large number of parts made of special plastic. The trigger of this carbine has a very complex design. The designers of the MERKEL company carefully took into account all the design features of the above samples and managed to create their own model of a self-loading carbine - mod. MERKEL SR1. Carbine mod.

MERKEL SR1 is distinguished by modern design, ergonomics and reliability. This carbine was created for use on various types of hunting.

The amazing reliability of the gas exhaust system was proven by a special test conducted by employees of the German weapons testing station. 1500 shots were fired at temperatures from -25 to +35 °C. The caliber used was 9.3x62 with eleven different types of ammunition with bullet weights ranging from 11 to 19 grams. All shots were fired without any failure of the loading mechanism and case extraction system.

In addition, it should be noted that the gas release mechanism of the carbine mod. MERKEL SR1 is very simple in design and can be easily disassembled for cleaning. Design and layout diagram of the carbine mod. MERKEL SR1 allows cleaning the barrel from the chamber side. This model has a low weight (3.2 kg) and good balance, which allows it to be used effectively on many hunts. The SR1 is available in the most popular calibers such as 7x64; .30-06; .308 Win; .300 Win Mag.; 8x57IS; 9.3×62. It seems that the designers of the MERKEL company thoroughly thought through the design of the carbine and took into account all the positive and negative aspects of their competitors. The MERKEL SR1 carbine leaves a pleasant impression in all respects; it is a well-designed weapon with which you can hunt successfully and achieve excellent results.

Victor Streltsov Hunting and fishing No. 10-2006

Merkel SR1 hunting rifle

Merkel weapons have been on the global market of automatic and semi-automatic weapons for many years. Of course, the product has its fans, many of whom must be said, because... many shooters prefer self-loading shotguns. In addition, all models of weapons are simple, with a classic design, and at the same time, the guns are of extremely high quality and reliable. The manufacturer, developers and designers take into account all the mistakes and shortcomings of competitive models and avoid them. Thus, the SR1 carbine model contains all the best in terms of technical, shooting and external indicators; the manufacturer managed to achieve the highest possible accuracy rates. Fans of semi-automatic machines understand that this is not so simple.

Probably, for starters, we should pay tribute to the appearance and performance of the SR1. Oddly enough, the craftsmen who created the appearance of the Audi TT car had a hand in the design of the gun. The design of the carbine really turned out to be enviable; it is a stylish, convenient and practical weapon, in addition, this model incorporates the latest developments and parts designs. For example, the gas release mechanism is installed in an unusual place, under the barrel, and is completely covered by the fore-end. If you delve into the details of the gun, you can see how carefully and accurately they are adjusted to each other, in addition, the parts are both in size and weight as reduced as possible. The carbine can be disassembled into two main parts, and so easily and quickly that it seems to break in half. The first half includes: the bolt, the first part of the bolt box, the barrel and the gas release mechanism. In the second half, accordingly, everything else: the trigger and impact mechanisms, the second part of the bolt box and the stock.

Such extremely simple and quick disassembly definitely simplifies the care and cleaning of the rifle.

The SR1 carbine is a gas-operated weapon; it is locked on 2 lugs using a rotating bolt head. The basic version of the gun has a barrel length of 508 mm, the original gas outlet allows the barrel to expand freely when pressure increases.

The buttstock is also worthy of attention; it is made with a straight comb, the inset does not stand out much, but the wood is of very high quality. There are swivels both in front and behind the gun, and the pistol grip is smooth and has no frills. Also in the butt there are a number of modern useful and convenient innovations, for example, a bend with a dead end can be easily changed in appearance using a set of gaskets, which, by the way, come with the carbine. To do this, unscrew the butt plate with a simple Phillips screwdriver, and then unscrew the stock with an internal 5 mm hexagonal 10 inch key.

The documentation for the carbine provides as many as nine options for installing the outlet and the end, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

The magazine is made in the form of a box, capacity is 2 rounds, it is extremely easy to separate from the gun. To remove the magazine, an original device is used, thanks to which the lever located next to the trigger box pushes the latch holding the magazine forward in one motion. At first it does not seem very convenient, but over time it is appreciated.

A little behind the trigger guard there is a push-button safety, and in front of the receiver there is a button to release the bolt latch. The cartridge can be inserted manually into the bolt slot, which is easily retracted by the bolt mechanism and held with the finger of one hand.

At the top of the receiver there is a Picatinny rail; it is made in such a way that almost any optical sight can be mounted on it, thanks to 14 slots on the rail. Also on the box there is a standard battue rail, which significantly expands the aiming capabilities of the carbine, and there is also a fiber optic front sight.

Even if you don’t use additional optics, the fiber-optic front sight in tandem with the battu rail gives you excellent sighting capabilities; it’s a fast and high-quality sight.

A German testing company conducted reliability tests on the carbine, as a result of which it received the highest score. The tests were carried out in several stages, people of different builds and weight categories took part in them; in this case, three people weighing 65-83-110 kg took part. Moreover, the shooting was carried out at different temperatures from -25°C to +35°C, more than 1500 shots were fired. 9×62 caliber cartridges were used, with charges varying between 11-19 grams.

During the tests, the carbine did not make a single misfire, there was not a single malfunction, the mechanisms worked perfectly, not a single cartridge case got stuck at the exit.

We can safely say that the weapon is made with maximum convenience, all working and important mechanisms are quickly accessible and effective in any conditions, even while wearing gloves, you can easily operate any buttons and parts.

As already written at the beginning, the parts and mechanisms are matched to each other, so any clogging is excluded, the shape of the gun makes it easy to move with it through dense vegetation and not get caught.

The unique thing about the carbine system is that you can use an incredible amount of ammunition without the need for additional time-consuming installation of tabs or adjustments. A rotating bolt is used, it has 6 lugs, and an automatic safety is installed, which 100% prevents crossbows. The carbine can only fire if its bolt is closed. The floating high-precision and free-flowing barrel is capable of expanding under strong pressure. The buttstock has an adjustable bevel and release, as well as a straight comb. Convenient fiber optic sight for driven hunting. The butt has a rubber butt pad that significantly softens recoil.

The gun is adapted to shoot completely different calibers and charges. Here is the caliber range: .308 Win, .223 Rem, 300 Win, 7x64, 8x57IS, .30-06, 9.3x62. The magazine comes in two types of capacity, depending on what caliber cartridges are loaded. So, for standard cartridges the magazine holds five rounds, and for magnum cartridges it holds 2 rounds. The gun weighs 3.2 kg.

The SR1 carbine is available in four versions: Hunter, Premium, Standard and Golden Boar. This is an ideal gun for certain types of hunting, such as deer and wild boar hunting at short ranges. If you take a large caliber, you can safely go out on an elk.

In general, the rifle has a lot of advantages that will definitely attract a lot of fans of such weapons, the quality and price of the rifle are at appropriate levels.

Merkel RX.Helix carbine

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Hunting carbine Merkel RX.Helix (Germany)

Merkel RX.Helix carbine in Explorer version

RX.Helix carbines from Merkel Jagd und Sport Waffen GmbH are primarily weapons for driven hunts, having the shortest stroke of the bolt reloading handle and high-speed disassembly and assembly without tools.

RX.Helix carbines operate according to a sliding bolt design with a combat cylinder that locks the barrel bore by rotating six lugs. The main advantage and main distinguishing feature of the system is the short stroke of the reloading handle, which moves only back and forth. A patented lever and gear system has reduced the handle stroke to half the length of the bolt stroke. As a result, Merkel RX.Helix carbines are currently the fastest reloading carbines available for manual action.

That is, the system allows you to fire a second shot in the shortest possible time in comparison with both traditional rotary bolts and a number of new designs for hunting carbines. The bolt itself moves inside the receiver, unlike its direct competitor Blaser R8. When reloading, the aiming line does not go astray. The receiver is made of a light alloy, which is strong enough for use in weapons. As a result, the overall weight of the Merkel RX.Helix carbine is significantly reduced, which is a significant advantage for hunting. A plastic insert in the bolt box window under the bolt handle ensures smooth and silent movement of the handle. The trigger pull is set to a comfortable 1.1 kg.

The algorithm for loading the Merkel RX.Helix carbine and firing is as follows: the bolt is pulled back with the reloading handle, a magazine loaded with cartridges is attached, by moving the handle forward, the cartridge is sent into the chamber by the bolt, the mainspring is cocked by the cocking lever located behind the bolt, which is an ordinary thumb slider. Now you can shoot. When reloading, the button remains in the forward position, and the mainspring is cocked by the bolt.

The RX.Helix barrel is quick-detachable, which is very convenient for transportation and storage. Each barrel has its own combat cylinder, which, during assembly, is inserted into the barrel chamber in only one position and only in this position does it engage the bolt. Errors during assembly and reloading are excluded by the design feature. When assembling a weapon, the barrel with the combat cylinder is inserted into the bolt box, manually rotated until it locks, and then clamped with a lever under the forend. The bolt is then moved forward and retracted to the rear using the charging handle. The barrel change procedure takes less than 6 seconds.

The detachable magazine of the Merkel RX.Helix carbine can be easily unfastened “blindly”, but with two buttons, which minimizes the risk of unintentional unfastening. If necessary, you can load the weapon from above, through the window for ejecting spent cartridges. The carbine is equipped with a replaceable magazine for three rounds. Additional magazines for three and five rounds are available for sale. The exposed, adjustable sights feature red fiber optic inserts to aid aiming in low-light conditions. For installation of optical or collimator sights, carbines have weaver bars on the receiver. Most variants of the Merkel RX.Helix carbine are equipped with forends and stocks made of precious wood, and only one model, the Merkel RX.Helix Explorer, has polymer fittings.

The Merkel Helex carbine has successfully passed factory tests of 5,000 rounds, 10,000 bolt cycle tests, freezing at -35°C and bolt testing at 8,000 bar pressure in accordance with CIP standards. In general, this weapon in all versions is distinguished by a very elegant appearance, excellent ergonomics, high shooting accuracy and ease of use.

Caliber groups: 1. mini - .222 Rem and .223 Rem; 2. standard - .243 Win, 6.5x55SE, .270 Win, 7x64, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, 8x57JS and 9.3x62; 3. magnum - 7mm RemMag and .300 WinMag

Barrel length: 510, 560, 610 mm Overall length: 1020, 1070, 1120 mm Weight: 2,900 kg.

At the moment, the following versions of the Merkel RX.Helix carbine are supplied to Russia: - The standard version comes with a light-alloy receiver with a hard anodized coating. Walnut class starting from the second. — Arabesque option. With classic arabesque engraving. It is possible to use higher grades of walnut. — Variant Wild Boar. With artistic design in hunting style. Engraving on the bolt body: boar framed by arabesques. It is possible to use high classes of walnut varieties. — Varinat Spirit. You can choose between two animals framed by foliage or hand-engraved arabesques. Walnut classes from fifth to tenth. — Varinat De Luxe. It is possible to choose a motif with the image of three animals framed by foliage or arabesques, which are engraved by hand. The butt of the carbine in this most original and expensive design is made of noble Turkish walnut of class six and above. — Explorer option. The model is adapted for harsh operating conditions. The stock and forend are made of durable plastic, resistant to external influences.

The exclusive distributor of Merkel RX.Helix in Russia is the group.

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