Merkel O/U choke ?

jski3 · **Joined:** Wed Nov 18, 2020 7:56 pm **Posts:** 6

I have inherited an old Merkel O/U. Trying to figure out the choke on the 2 barrels. I can’t decipher the hieroglyphics on the barrel. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0NFJDx4XafuzfjTp4IR6BwTmQ

oneounceload · **Joined:** Tue Jan 08, 2008 6:20 pm **Posts:** 22701

Welcome! That pic is of the proofmarks; the choke markings will be on the barrel.

KarlJ · **Joined:** Fri May 19, 2006 3:56 pm **Posts:** 454

The great majority of Merkel O/U come from the factory as F/F or M/F.

jski3 · **Joined:** Wed Nov 18, 2020 7:56 pm **Posts:** 6

oneounceload wrote:

Welcome! That pic is of the proofmarks; the choke markings will be on the barrel.

Looked all over the barrel but see nothing except a serial number and “BOHLER STAHL” and “Weichlot”.

There is a “KJ” in the corner?

jski3 · **Joined:** Wed Nov 18, 2020 7:56 pm **Posts:** 6

The 156 in the pic I sent apparently indicates that the gun was manufactured in January 1956.

jski3 · **Joined:** Wed Nov 18, 2020 7:56 pm **Posts:** 6

Oh yeah, the barrel is 26” almost exactly.

Grouse Gunner · **Posted:** Fri Nov 20, 2020 11:34 am

Good on you for having a family heirloom, with priceless sentimental value, if that's how you feel about it.

My two inherited guns from my dad would garner little to no interest from other shooters, but to me they are to be cherished. One I never use, (but I think of him each time I see or handle it), but I'm going to make it a point to shoot a rabbit or two per year with it the rest of my life.

The other, I use as a back up, and make sure I hunt at least dove, one time per year with it; often saying to my self "that one's for you Dad" when I drop a bird.

Merkel O/U are great works of craftsmanship. I'd love to own one. They are known for tight chokes I believe.

I'd have the chokes measured by someone who knows what their doing, have it reamed for what's appropriate for your needs if necessary, and then use the HECK out of it. Cherished memories included.

I'd get a kick out of using that gun, wondering where and under what circumstances it had been used since the 50's; and by whom. Crafted during the cold war; maybe (likely ) used in Europe, even behind the Iron Curtain perhaps, taking game we don't have here, observing customs we don't observe here? Or was it imported and spent it's previous life in the USA? If only that gun could talk!

Enjoy! You have an absolute classic there.

jski3 · **Joined:** Wed Nov 18, 2020 7:56 pm **Posts:** 6

Grouse Gunner wrote:

Good on you for having a family heirloom, with priceless sentimental value, if that's how you feel about it.

My two inherited guns from my dad would garner little to no interest from other shooters, but to me they are to be cherished. One I never use, (but I think of him each time I see or handle it), but I'm going to make it a point to shoot a rabbit or two per year with it the rest of my life.

The other, I use as a back up, and make sure I hunt at least dove, one time per year with it; often saying to my self "that one's for you Dad" when I drop a bird.

Merkel O/U are great works of craftsmanship. I'd love to own one. They are known for tight chokes I believe.

I'd have the chokes measured by someone who knows what their doing, have it reamed for what's appropriate for your needs if necessary, and then use the HECK out of it. Cherished memories included.

I'd get a kick out of using that gun, wondering where and under what circumstances it had been used since the 50's; and by whom. Crafted during the cold war; maybe (likely ) used in Europe, even behind the Iron Curtain perhaps, taking game we don't have here, observing customs we don't observe here? Or was it imported and spent it's previous life in the USA? If only that gun could talk!

Enjoy! You have an absolute classic there.

The name engraved on one side indicates it was being made for a gunshop in Zurich. I know my father-in-law bought it in Switzerland in the early 70s.

jski3 · **Joined:** Wed Nov 18, 2020 7:56 pm **Posts:** 6

Would anyone make a 20 gauge shotgun barrel that was 26” for anything but improved cylinder? Skeet?

Merkel O/U choke ?

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