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Joined: 31 Dec 2012 Posts: 29 Location: Tucson, AZ

I have purchased a Merkel 203 with owner removable side locks, never having removed them I am seeking guidance on the removal procedure. I would hate to cause damage due to ignorance, and I can't find anything on line to help me understand the do's and don't,

Thanks,

Gene

Joined: 13 Dec 2006 Posts: 694 Location: MN

I guess my first question would be why you want to remove them.

Joined: 31 Dec 2012 Posts: 29 Location: Tucson, AZ

To clean and lube. This gun was manufactured in 1957, and I would like to verify the internal condition and care.

Gene

Member Joined: 09 Sep 2014 Posts: 105 Location: Virginia

I have taken a bunch of locks off Muskets and Trapdoors. Big not all that closely fitted you can still go wrong and chip the wood . My SxS Hammer Guns avoid it if possible . However I have taken Parker locks off when i had to do some work inside. Never looked inside a side lock hammerless gun. And know nothing about Merkel's

Gun clamped tight in a proper gun vise . Screwdriver must be perfectly fitted to avoid messing up the lock screws . I back off on the screws about one turn then tap the screw head lightly using a brass rod and small hammer, which pushes the other side plate out of the inletting just a bit. Go slow and work from one screw to the other until you move it enough it releases on its own backing the screw out as you go. Removed you can get at the other side with a punch through the empty lock screw hole. Again easy and slow. Going back together make sure the triggers don't fowl the sears

Inside to do about anything including a good cleaning you have to remove the main spring. If it's a leaf spring you need a mainspring vise. I have several most US Arsenal tools for Springfield,locks. Work fiine on most shotguns. Coils more difficult I had to make tools for some coil spring lock work . S&W Revolver is a real puzzle inside and needs specials tools. I made mine copying internet photos of proper spring tools.

If your gun is expensive and finely stocked better to pay a good gunsmith then take a chance. If you can fimd a real gunsmith not a parts replacer. If going forward I recommend buying a beater hammer SxS wall hanger and practice on it first.

Boats

*Last edited by skeettx on Wed Oct 12, 2016 9:42 pm; edited 1 time in total*

For my levered side lock double
I unscrew the take down lever a bit, and push on the lever to start to lift out the opposite sidelock, Then more and more until the sidelock released, then gently drift out the non-threaded sidelock.
BUT that is me and not your Merkel Shocked

And when it come time to re-install the sidelocks, I lift the cocking levers as needed.

Mike

Joined: 31 Dec 2012 Posts: 29 Location: Tucson, AZ

Thanks for the reply's, Mike I used your method, and success. Side Locks came off, no damage to the wood and they were well maintained. Installation was no problem, never having done this, I was reluctant to try without some insight.

Thanks,

Gene

Gene
Well done!!
Enjoy the fine firearm
Mike