Merkel 203E 12 Ga. – 28” GAME GUN, 99%, SIDELOCK O/U

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.  The gun we present here, sn92437  built in 1984, is a purpose-built upland gun with its 28” IC/IM barrels, fine combed pistol grip stock, slim 3-piece forend, double triggers (front trigger articulated), and superb balance dead on the hinge pin.  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.  Still 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 example 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 $45,000 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.  The Europeans used lightweight slings on their guns in the field, and if you have ever hunted west of the Mississippi, you know there are few trees to lean a gun against when you need both hands to work a dog, eat a sandwich, or answer nature’s call.  Having a light sling on a shotgun does make sense.  If the sling swivels are not something you want, our gunsmiths can remove them and make the mounting points nearly invisible.  You would never know they were there and this can be done within a few days of purchase.  We could also upgrade the pad to a fine leather covered pad to dress the gun up.  See this link to see what our Purdey style leather cover pads look like: https://vfiguns.com/product/westley-richards-20-ga-droplock-single-trigger-wow/ .  This is your new shotgun for your upland season and trips to the club. Call today… Thanks for looking!