This unique and desirable feature gives the user or service technician instant access to the firearm s working mechanism for cleaning or service maintenance. Since this feature cannot be incorporated into mass production, these side clips are ornamental, adding elegance and distinguishing the Merkel as a handcrafted firearm. A receiver ledge is an enlarged ridge, forged as part of the receiver just underneath the barrel breech. The receiver ledge adds strength to the receiver and is characteristic of a fine traditionally handcrafted firearm. Traditionally, all classic European game guns have double triggers.
Double triggers offer the simplest, quickest, and most reliable method for instant barrel selection.
Straight-grain wood is stronger than highly figured wood. Figured wood, while more attractive, is much more prone to damage or breakage if dropped or abused. All Merkel firearms are hand-engraved and can be custom ordered . Time of delivery varies according to the level of difficulty but normally takes 120-150 days from order to delivery. The bores are much easier to clean since they are smoother than those found on conventional barrels and are more resistance to fouling and corrosion.