Merkel Model 304E Two Barrel Set 12 GA 28″ IC/C 32″ F/IM O/U Shotgun C&R

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Sold for $3454.00

Make: Merkel

Model: 304E Two Barrel Set

Serial Number: 57513

Year of Manufacture: November, 1962 (1162 Date Code)

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4? Chamber

Action Type: Sidelock Over Under Shotgun with Single Selective Mechanical Trigger, Removeable Sideplates, Cocking Indicators, and Ejectors

Markings: The bottom of the frame is marked “GEBRUDER MERKEL”. The top left wall of the receiver is marked with the serial number “57513” and the top of the right wall is marked with proofs. The interior of each lock plate is marked with the serial number “57513”. The forend is marked “57513”. The frame, lockplates, trigger guard, and base of the forend iron all have beautiful scroll engraving. The grip cap has scroll engraving and a dogs head.

28″ Barrel: The left side is marked “GEBRUDER MERKEL, SUHL” at the chambers and the right side is marked “GERMANY”. The left side of the lower barrel is marked “KJ”. The bottom of the lower barrel is serial matched and marked “57513 / 12 / BOHLER STAHL / Weichlot” and has proofs. The bottom of the chamber has proofs and the “1162” date code. The left side of the rear barrel lug is marked with the East German first quality mark. The bottom of the rear barrel lug is marked with a man standing above “SUHL”. The bottom of the forend lug is marked “2”.

32″ Barrel: The left side is marked “GEBRUDER MERKEL, SUHL” at the chambers and the right side is marked “GERMANY”. The left side of the lower barrel is marked “KJ”. The bottom of the lower barrel is serial matched and marked “57513 IMP MOD / 12 / BOHLER STAHL / Weichlot” and has proofs. The bottom of the chamber has proofs and the “1162” date code. The left side of the rear barrel lug is marked with the East German first quality mark. The bottom of the rear barrel lug is marked with a man standing above “SUHL”. The bottom of the forend lug is marked “1”.

Barrel Length: 28” & 32″

Choke: 28″: Improved Cylinder over Cylinder. 32″: Full over Improved Modified. All of the chokes are fixed.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white bead in a base fixed to the rib at the muzzle. There is also a white midbead. The top of the rib has serrations for glare reduction. Both barrel sets have the same sighting configuration.

Weight: 28″ Configuration: 8 Lb 4 Oz. 32″ Configuration: 8 Lb 8 Oz

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, adjustable comb, and adjustable buttpad. The stocks have been refinished. There was an initial plate in the belly but it has been removed and filled. There is a chip loss repair on the left side of the nose of the forend. There is a hairline crack on both the right and left side at the rear of the lockplate. There is wear on the edges of the forend and on the side panels of the forend. There are scattered scuffs, compressions, draglines, and areas of finsih loss and wear. The LOP measures 13 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the wood and 15 1/4″ to the wood. The pad has minor wear, we were unable to tighten the plate. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/8?, drop at heel 2 ?. The cast is slightly off. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Coin

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The 32″ barrel bores are bright with no erosion. The 28″ barrel bores are bright with a few patches of erosion in the bores at the midsection of each.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The rib of the 28″ barrel is separating at the joint at the rear. There are some scattered little nicks and scuffs on the barrel sets. There are pools of stock finish on the barrel sets. There are some scattered scuffs that have lightly thinned the finish on the barrel sets. There is thinning on the trigger guard and lower tang. There is finish wear on the edges. There are some scattered handling marks and operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good-Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The action locks up with no play to the receiver. The safety does not engage automatically when the action is opened but functions properly when manually engaged. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a custom fit Browning Naugahyde case and the barrel set that has been described throughout.

Our Assessment: The name Merkel has been around in Suhl for more than 200 years, with several different “Merkels” being known for making high quality sporting arms. Gebrüder Merkel, today known as Merkel Jagd und Sportwaffen, is the only one which has stood the test of time. Surviving two world wars, Soviet occupation and the East German state, it is still around to this day! This double barrel shotgun was made in 1962 and not only exudes quality but simultaneously screams beauty. From its sculpted action with relief engraved scroll work to its deep blue and bright coin finish to its solid lockup and excellent balance, this shotgun is a wonder to behold. It has Kersten double locks with double underbites and removeable lockplates. This one is chambered for 12 GA and coems with two barrel sets, the rib is separating from one but this can be remedied by your gunsmith but the other barrel set is good to go. This is a beautiful shotgun for someone who appreciates the finer things in life. Please see our photos and good luck!