Merkel 303E 12 Gauge – 1973, 99% FACTORY CONDITION, SST, STUNNING!, vintage firearms inc

General Specs: Merkel, Year 1973, 12 Gauge, 7lbs 9oz Serial Number: 78573 Merkel over/under shotguns have been dominating the European market since 1924. Of the various grades offered by this famed manufacturer, the 303E was second from the top in features and the amount of engraving, with full sidelock action, hand-detachable locks with the fastener hidden on the right sideplate, Kirsten cross-bolts, double underlug bites and bolts, double barrel lugs protruding through the action bottom to eliminate lateral movement of the barrels, beautifully figured European walnut stocks finely checkered, horn grip cap and butt plate, three piece slender forend wood, cheek piece on the buttstock, and this one has a superior single selective trigger. This gun, sn78573 built in 1973, is in perfect mechanical condition with super-strong ejectors, the trigger is crisp and operates to perfection, the barrels are tight on the hinge pin and breech face like a new gun. This gun has barely been fired and shows no signs of wear anywhere. The deeply chiseled engraving is profuse and fully covers the action, showing fine foliate and scroll engraving surrounding encapsulating game scenes. The barrels at the breech are adorned with very finely cut open scroll engraving, as is the trigger guard. The hand-detachable locks are easily removed by lifting the hidden fastener and once off the fully jeweled surfaces of the locks glimmer like precious stones. The inletting in the beautifully figured wood is done to perfection without a flaw or split anywhere. The wood-to-metal fit is superb and masterfully done. This is the very BEST GUN that you will find in the way of beauty and workmanship. The modern Bohler Steel barrels are of the highest quality and able to handle any of the modern factory loads, including premium steel or other hard non-toxic shot as the premium non-toxic loads have full shot cups to protect the barrels and the chokes are just under modified in constriction. The 26” barrels are choked Cylinder and just less than Modifed…the perfect upland chokes for hunting behind dogs. Put some RST spreader loads in the top barrel and you have an incredible grouse gun. The stock dimensions are modern and will fit most. We can install a fine leather covered pad for those who may need a longer LOP. Keep in mind the 14 1/8” LOP is measured from the rear trigger position. This gun weighs 7 1/2lbs. and balances dead on the hinge pin and handles like a much lighter gun. She is amazing in looks and dynamics. There are few of these guns to be found and one in this condition is usually priced at well over $10,000. We have priced this gun to sell, so please don’t hesitate to call and make this your best Christmas gift ever! Thanks for looking. Barrels Barrel Length: 26"***** Chokes: .000/.017 cyl/m***** Bores: perfect mirror***** Bore Diameter: .729/.729***** Wall Thickness: .032/.031***** % Blue: 99% factory***** Chambers: 2 3/4"***** Ribs: vent rib - tight***** Sights: Ivory front***** Action Action: tight center; full sidelock***** Ejectors or Extractors: ejectors - excellent***** Case Color: french grey 99%***** Screws: perfect***** Engraving: full coverage scroll and game scene***** Trigger Type: single select***** Trigger Guard Color: 75% blue***** Stock Type: Capped pistol grip/3 piece slender forend; cheek piece***** LOP: 14" rear trigger***** LOP To End Of Wood: 13 3/4"***** DAH: 2 5/8"***** DAC: 1 9/16"***** Cast: 1/4"off Heel/3/8" Off Toe***** Checkering Condition: excellent 28lpi***** Butt Treatment: horn butt plate and grip cap***** There are more photos upon request. We offer a 30 day mechanical warranty on this fine firearm. Call us for full details.