Single-shot Merkel K3 Extreme rifle
Charles Smith-Jones looks at the single shot Merkel K3 Extreme rifle, popular on the Continent and gaining friends here
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Merkel has been manufacturing high-quality firearms almost continuously since 1905, despite production suffering as a result of both world wars and a state takeover of its facilities in Suhl, in what was formerly East Germany, following the second. The reunification of Germany in 1990 saw extensive modernisation and, today, Merkel manufactures high-end, bolt-action, single and double rifles, as well as drillings and shotguns, all for the hunting market.
You still don’t see many Merkel rifles in the UK shooting field, which is somewhat surprising given the high regard in which they are held on the Continent. Even rarer are single-barrelled stalking rifles, the average British shooter preferring something with a bolt action, although there is a growing band of enthusiasts who appreciate the pleasure of shooting with a kipplauf or drop-barrel gun. Such a firearm really has its origins in Alpine or driven hunting, where a lighter weight and shorter barrel can offer particular advantages, but they are starting to establish a small toehold in the UK stalking market.
Deceptive
The K3 Extreme is a break-action, single-shot rifle but don’t be deceived by the simple appearance. The standard stock has a typical
CHARLES SMITH-JONES SAYS:
“With no need to accommodate a bolt action, the overall rifle is relatively short and compact”
Bavarian ‘hog’s back’ cheekpiece, which is comfortable and allows for a natural scope fitting, and a full pistol grip that fills the hand naturally, while other stock options are available. Having no need to accommodate a bolt action, the overall rifle is relatively short and compact.
The standard scope mounts are for Suhl tilt-ups, although the option of a Weaver rail is also offered, and there are no iron sights. The safety catch has a high profile, perfect for positive operation with gloved hands, and the trigger is crisp with no creep whatsoever. A small lever set into the rear of the generously sized trigger-guard allows for three positions that give release weights of between 1½lb and 3½lb. Barrels leave the factory threaded to M15x1 for a moderator, and the break-barrel action allows for easy calibre changes if a second barrel is carried.
The K3 Extreme is without doubt what I might once have termed in the days before PC a ‘gentleman’s rifle’, the single shot making it less suitable for serious culling when rapid shooting may be necessary. For this reason it may not appeal to some stalkers who prefer the ready availability of a quick follow-up shot from a magazine reserve that can be bolt-cycled quickly while maintaining the sight picture through a scope. There can be, however, no dispute that this is an attractive and pleasing to handle gun that has that special ‘pointability’ factor. Dainty might seem an odd word to describe a rifle, especially one that is offered in magnum calibres as well as lighter fare, but it’s unusually fitting in this case.
Packable
The K3 will also be particularly attractive to the travelling hunter who wants to break down their rifle into smaller, more packable components. No tools are required: a release lever on the fore-end, similar to that found on many over-and-under shotguns, is pulled back to allow the fore-end to be detached. Then it only remains to open the top lever, again shotgun-style, to allow the barrel to tilt forward and be removed from the barrel hinge pin. By adding a good set of detachable scope mounts to the set-up, you end up with a compact package that will fit unobtrusively into any hand baggage and can be reassembled in no time at all.
Superb machining and a foolproof locking action ensures that the rifle is supremely strong and reliable in use. It also has a special reputation for being exceptionally accurate, despite its light overall weight.
This is very much a rifle for the occasional stalker, and in the larger calibres would certainly be attractive to the travelling hunter of, for instance, African plains game, though the lack of a quick second shot might not recommend it where potentially dangerous quarry is expected. It would also make an attractive addition to the gun cabinet as a second rifle for special occasions or when you might expect to be carrying it for long distances over arduous terrain, such as the Scottish hill. It may not be cheap, but it’s a genuine delight.