Merkel Sidebyside Shotgun Instructions Manual

							obstruction occurs, keep the firearm pointing in a safe direction and pro-
ceed as follows:
¥  Any ammunition should be removed.
¥  Insert a proper size cleaning rod (without a tip or brush) into the bore
from the muzzle and remove the obstruction. If the obstruction does not
readily dislodge, it may be necessary to lightly tap the handle end of the
cleaning rod. Do not attempt to remove an obstruction using blank
ammunition, or ammunition from which the projectile (or shot) has been
removed, or by any other means other than the use of a cleaning rod.
Be certain all loose powder has been removed from the bore before
inserting the rod. If you are unable to remove the obstruction, take the
firearm to the nearest repair facility, or call GSI Inc., 108 Morrow
Avenue, P.O. Box 129, Trussville, Alabama 35173, Tel. (205) 655-8299.
¥  After removing the obstruction, reinspect the bore to be certain it is
free of powder particles or other debris. Clean the mechanism of
unburned powder grains.
REMEMBER!  ALWAYS CHECK THE BORE FOR AN OBSTRUC-
TION IF YOU EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY IN CHAMBERING
AMMUNITION, EXPERIENCE A FAILURE TO EXTRACT, HAVE
A MISFIRE, OR THE FIREARM DOES NOT MAKE A NORMAL
LOUD REPORT ON FIRING.  A MISFIRE OR UNUSUAL
REPORT IS ALWAYS A SIGNAL TO CEASE FIRING.  FOLLOW-
ING A MISFIRE OR AN UNUSUAL REPORT, KEEP THE
FIREARM POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND WAIT TWO
MINUTES BEFORE UNLOADING THE CHAMBER AND EXAM-
INING THE BORE OF THE FIREARM.
WARNING!  IF LOADED AMMUNITION IS LODGED IN THE
CHAMBER, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE AMMUNI-
TION BY USING A CLEANING ROD.  TAKE THE FIREARM TO
THE NEAREST REPAIR FACILITY, OR CALL GSI, Inc., 108
Morrow Avenue, P.O. Box 129, Trussville, Alabama 35173, Tel.
(205) 655-8299.
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							11
Forearm Bracket
Forearm Latch  Barrel
Muzzle
Forearm Lug
Trigger(s)
Buttstock Hinge Pin Recess
Safety Top Lever
Figure 1-Parts IdentificationForearm Receiver Barrel Lugs
Hinge PinChamber 
						

							MERKEL
Side-by-Side Shotguns, Double Rifles and Drillings
SPECIAL NOTE:
Unlike most firearms, your Merkel firearm is individually handcrafted by
skilled gun makers who have inherited and acquired their skills from genera-
tions of the master gun makers in Suhl, Germany. Upon assembly you will
notice that the working parts of your firearm will have distinctive tight fit-
ting characteristics and may, therefore, be somewhat difficult to open, close,
and lock the action.
These characteristics are typical of quality hand-fitted firearms that are built
to the highest standards of precision machining. After initial firing of 100-
200 rounds the action will begin to work more smoothly and will be easier to
operate.
SERIAL NUMBER 
The serial number of your Merkel Firearm is engraved on the receiver and
the barrel. It is a good practice to record the serial number in a separate
ledger for future reference.
SIDE-BY-SIDESHOTGUNS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Merkel side-by-side shotguns are two barreled firearms with the barrels
aligned along side each other with the sighting rib positioned between the
barrels.  Traditional models are typically equipped with two triggers each of
which correspond to its respective barrel. A single selective trigger model is
also available.
OPERATION OF SHOTGUN SAFETY MECHANISM
The firearm safety mechanism is located on the tang of the receiver assembly
just in front of the buttstock on the top side (See figure 2). Merkel Side-by-
Side Shotguns are equipped with Automatic Safeties, that is the safety is
engaged each time the breech is opened.  The firearm is in the Safe position
when the safety is moved fully rearward and the letter S appears on the 
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							receiver tang directly in front of the safety. In this position sear engagement
is blocked to prevent discharge under non-firing conditions.
Figure 2 Side-by-Side Safety Mechanism
WARNING! SAFETIES ARE MECHANICAL DEVICES THAT MAY FAIL
OR MALFUNCTION LIKE ANY OTHER MECHANICAL DEVICE!
ALWAYS HANDLE THE SHOTGUN CAREFULLY AND DO NOT PER-
MIT THE SHOTGUN TO POINT IN AN UNSAFE DIRECTION!
ALWAYS TREAT THE SHOTGUN AS IF IT WERE LOADED AND
READY TO FIRE! ALWAYS OBSERVE SAFETY RULES WHEN HAN-
DLING THE SHOTGUN!  THE SAFETY SHOULD ALWAYS BE IN THE
ÒSAFEÓ  POSITION  EXCEPT WHEN THE SHOOTER IS ACTUALLY
FIRING THE GUN. THE SAFETY SHOULD BE MOVED TO THE
ÒSAFEÓ  POSITION WHENEVER THE SHOOTER CEASES FIRING,
EVEN TEMPORARILY. KEEP THE MUZZLE OF THE FIREARM
POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AT ALL TIMES!
When the safety is indexed forward to its most forward position the firearm is
in its firing mode. In this condition the trigger(s) can be pulled to fire the
shotgun. The letter S inscribed on the tang of the receiver will be covered
and obscured from view in this condition.
When you are not using your shotgun, be sure your gun is pointed in a safe
direction, avoid contact with the trigger and make sure the safety is in its
ÒSafeÓ position to prevent accidental discharge. Maintain the firearm safety
in the Safe position at all times, unless you are actually firing the gun.
Safety
13 
						

							DOUBLE TRIGGER SHOTGUNS
On firearm models equipped with two triggers, each trigger operates its
own barrel. The front trigger will fire the right barrel and the rear trigger
will fire the left barrel. Do not pull both triggers at the same time in
order to avoid excessive recoil or kick from simultaneous discharge of
both barrels.
SINGLE SELECTIVE TRIGGER SHOTGUNS
Shotguns with single triggers are equipped with a cross-bolt barrel selec-
tor located on the upper portion of the trigger assembly (See figure 3).
The barrel selector can be indexed to the right or left with the firing fin-
ger. The position of the barrel selector controls the firing order of the
two barrels. When the selector is positioned to the right the left barrel
fires first and the right barrel will be subsequently discharged when the
trigger is pulled a second time. The right barrel is fired first when the
selector is positioned on the left side of the trigger. Ensure that the safety
is in the ÒSafeÓ or  ÒSÓ position, and be careful to avoid contact with the
trigger mechanism when the barrel selector is being moved.
Figure 3- Barrel Selector on Single Trigger Shotguns
TOP LEVER
The top lever operates the locking bolt, which securely aligns and clasps
the barrel assembly shut to the receiver for firing. The locking bolt and
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Barrel Selector 
						

							barrel lugs are designed for gradual wear of locking surfaces and may
therefore exhibit tight fitting characteristics during initial use. The close
tolerances of these locking surfaces ensure that the breech of the firearm
remains tight throughout use.
When closing the breech of the action let the top lever move freely to
its locked (in line with the safety) position (see figure 4). Do not restrain
its travel with your thumb.
It is recommended that the top lever be indexed to the left with slight
finger or thumb pressure to make sure that the bolt is fully closed. If the
bolt does not fully close it is possible dirt or debris have accumulated to a
level preventing full closure of the breech.   In this condition, open the
action and unload the firearm.  Carefully inspect the action and remove
any dirt or debris. Keep the breech surface clean and lightly lubricated.
EJECTORS
Most Merkel Side-by-Side Shotguns are equipped with automatic ejec-
tors. On these models, spent shells will be thrown out of the chamber
automatically when the action is fully opened after firing. Be careful to
position the breech away from your face when unloading the firearm to
avoid being hit by ejected spent rounds.
LOADING AND FIRING
Before loading the firearm, visually inspect your safety and make sure it
is in the ÒSafeÓ position. Never load the firearm with the safety in the
firing position. Avoid contact with the trigger mechanism while loading
ammunition and at all times prior to firing.
To insert rounds in the chamber, move the top lever to the right with
the thumb of your firing hand and open the breech. Inspect the cham-
bers and barrel bores to be sure they are free of any obstruction. Insert
proper ammunition in each chamber and close the action. Be sure the
round primer and rim is facing rearward when inserting shells in the
chamber. 
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							When you close the breech of the action, let the top lever move freely to
its locked position. Do not restrain its travel with your thumb. It is rec-
ommended that the top lever be indexed to the left with slight pressure
to make sure that the bolt is fully closed. (See figure 4).
Figure 4-Closing the Breech
DOUBLERIFLES
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Merkel Double Rifles are two barreled firearms with the barrels aligned along
side each other with the sighting rib positioned between the barrels, and are
typically equipped with two triggers each of which correspond to its respec-
tive barrel. 
OPERATION OF THE DOUBLE RIFLE SAFETY MECHANISM
The double rifle safety mechanism is located on the tang of the receiver
assembly just in front of the buttstock on the top side (See figure 5). Some
Merkel Double Rifles are equipped with Automatic Safeties, i.e.,  the safety is
automatically engaged each time the breech is opened.  Double rifles in
.375H&H, .416 Rigby or .470 Nitro Express are not equipped with
automatic safeties because they are designed for dangerous game when
the need for quick reloading and follow-up shots are critical.  
The
firearm is in the safe position when the safety is moved fully rearward and
the letter S appears on the receiver tang directly in front of the safety. In
this position sear engagement is blocked to prevent discharge under non-fir-
ing conditions.
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Locked (Fully Closed) Position 
						

							Figure 5 - Double Rifle Safety Mechanism
WARNING! SAFETIES ARE MECHANICAL DEVICES THAT MAY FAIL
OR MALFUNCTION LIKE ANY OTHER MECHANICAL DEVICE!
ALWAYS HANDLE THE RIFLE CAREFULLY AND DO NOT PERMIT
THE RIFLE TO POINT IN AN UNSAFE DIRECTION! ALWAYS TREAT
THE RIFLE AS IF IT WERE LOADED AND READY TO FIRE! ALWAYS
OBSERVE SAFETY RULES WHEN HANDLING THE RIFLE!
THE SAFETY SHOULD ALWAYS BE IN THE  ÒSAFEÓ  POSITION
EXCEPT WHEN THE SHOOTER IS ACTUALLY FIRING THE GUN.
THE SAFETY SHOULD BE MOVED TO THE  ÒSAFEÓ  POSITION ,
WHENEVER THE SHOOTER CEASES FIRING, EVEN TEMPORARILY.
KEEP THE MUZZLE OF THE FIREARM POINTED IN A SAFE DIREC-
TION AT ALL TIMES!
When the safety is indexed forward to its most forward position the rifle is in
its firing mode. In this condition the triggers can be pulled to fire the rifle.
The letter S inscribed on the tang of the receiver will be covered and
obscured from view in this condition.
When you are not using your firearm, be sure your gun is pointed in a safe
direction, avoid contact with the trigger and make sure the safety is in its
ÒSafeÓ position to prevent accidental discharge. Maintain the firearm safety
in the Safe position at all times, unless you are actually firing the rifle.
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Safety 
						

							DOUBLE TRIGGER OPERATIONS
Each trigger on the double rifle operates its own barrel. The front trigger
will fire the right barrel and the rear
trigger will fire the left barrel. Do not
pull both triggers at the same time in
order to avoid excessive recoil or kick
from simultaneous discharge of both
barrels.  The front trigger on some
models is a set trigger and can be set by
pushing the trigger forward.  NEVER
fire the rear trigger with the front trigger in the set position as both
barrels may fire simultaneously. Set triggers are not available on double
rifles in .375H&H, .416 Rigby or .470 Nitro Express.
TOP LEVER
The top lever operates the locking bolt, which securely aligns and clasps
the barrel assembly shut to the receiver for firing. The locking bolt and
barrel lugs are designed for gradual wear of locking surfaces and may
therefore exhibit tight fitting characteristics during initial use. The close
tolerances of these locking surfaces ensure that the breech of the firearm
remains tight throughout use.
When closing the breech of the action let the top lever move freely to
its locked (in line with the safety) position (see figure 6). Do not restrain
its travel with your thumb.
It is recommended that the top lever be indexed to the left with slight
finger or thumb pressure to make sure that the bolt is fully closed. If the
bolt does not fully close it is possible that dirt or debris has accumulated
to a level preventing full closure of the breech.   In this condition, open
the action and unload the firearm.  Carefully inspect the action and
remove any dirt or foreign matter. Keep the polished breech surface
clean and lightly lubricated.
EJECTORS
As an option Merkel double rifles are available with automatic ejectors.
On these models, spent shells will be thrown out of the chamber auto-
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Set
Trigger 
						

							matically, when the action is fully opened after firing. Be careful to posi-
tion the breech away from your face when unloading the firearm to
avoid being hit by ejected spent rounds.Ejectors are not available on
double rifles in .375H&H, .416 Rigby or .470 Nitro Express.
EXTRACTORS
Merkel Double Rifles not fitted with optional ejectors are fitted with extrac-
tors. When the action is opened on these models the fired cases are elevated
above the chamber for removal by hand.  All .375H&H, .416 Rigby or .470
Nitro Express, double rifles are equipped with extractors.
LOADING AND FIRING
Before loading the rifle, visually inspect your safety and make sure it is in
the ÒSafeÓ position. Never load the rifle with the safety in the firing posi-
tion. Avoid contact with the trigger mechanism while loading ammuni-
tion and at all times prior to firing.
To insert cartridges in the chamber, move the top lever to the right with
the thumb of your firing hand and open the breech. Inspect the cham-
bers and barrel bores to be sure they are free of any obstruction. Insert a
cartridge in each chamber and close the action. Be sure the round primer
and rim is facing rearward when inserting cartridges in the chamber.
When you close the breech of the action, let the top lever move freely to
its locked position. Do not restrain its travel with your thumb. It is rec-
ommended that the top lever be indexed to the left with slight pressure
to make sure that the bolt is fully closed. (See figure 6).
Figure 6-Closing the Breech
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Locked (Fully Closed) Position