16ga.com ~ View topic - What should I expect to pay for a Merkel 1620?

Joined: 16 Mar 2013 Posts: 162 Location: York, PA

I was watching an auction on gunbroker.com for a Merkel 1620 with single trigger: http://www.gunbroker.com/item/602244186

It was relisted a few times with a lower minimum bid each time. It ended up selling for $3000 a little while ago. I was really on the fence about bidding on it. I kinda thought that I would have done a buy it now for $3000, but I figured that the other bidder would have bid it up a little. The blue book of gun values says that 100% is $4500 and 90% is $3060, and this gun looked to be in really good shape, although maybe an aftermarket recoil pad installed. I am generally trying to resist impulse buys, so I am glad that I had restraint here. That being said, was this a good price for the 1620? I'm thinking so, but I'm not an expert and my enthusiasm has resulting in me overpaying for auction guns in the past.

Also, how many 1620's are out there and potentially for sale? Are these like hens teeth and I should seriously consider buying the next one I come across if it is a good price? I don't need one today or tomorrow, but I can't find a single other 1620 currently listed in any online site.

Joined: 28 Oct 2015 Posts: 166 Location: SWMO

I'd watched that one as well, the single trigger kept me away though. Seems like the ones I've seen are in the 3s that sell and 4s get relisted. thought I saw a double trigger listed here??? Or shotgunworld for $2500 double triggers, but went back to look a few hours later and couldn't find the listing. Good thing though, I then met my $6800 insurance deductible. Wife wouldn't have appreciated it.

Some advice I was given that makes sense to me, if it's what you want and like, what's a few hundred dollars matter. You'll enjoy it far more than the small amount you "saved"

Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Posts: 1358 Location: Twin Cities, MN

Tough to find one under $3K. Possibly, but will take time. Here's another gun. Don't know a lot about them, but FAIR is a good company and it's new with a warranty.
http://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/shotguns-16-gauge/rizzini-fair-tartauga-gold-16-ga-28-quot-choke-tubes.cfm?gun_id=100782338
You could also watch for an RBL 16 to show up used. A bit spendy new and I'm not the biggest RBL fan. Others love them.
I think you should set a price and keep watching for another Merkel. Might take a few months. Otherwise putting a Miller trigger into a Fox is not a bad idea, but you'll be unlikely to recoup your investment. Keep looking and playing with guns.
Jeff

Joined: 16 Mar 2013 Posts: 162 Location: York, PA

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm not in a specific hurry, although I tend to be impatient. I would like to be under $3500, but that isn't a hard limit. I've been researching and salivating over the 1620 though (not 1620E or 1620EL), so I think I may wait for one to become available again. Of course, I could look at a 20gauge SxS in another maker/model.

I have a 1620E for sale at Fieldsport for $4500.00 Beautiful gun in new condition with Briley choke tubes. It is a short length of pull however (13.5).

Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 680 Location: MAINE

Merkel has stopped making them and probably won't make them anymore . I have an unmolested one and although it's not for sale , i wouldn't let it go for under $4000 . There are not a lot of them around .

Joined: 16 Mar 2013 Posts: 162 Location: York, PA

*Last edited by skeettx on Sun Dec 11, 2016 5:40 pm; edited 1 time in total*

If the lead ain't flying, the meat ain't dying Smile

What would you use the Merkel for? You still hunt? Sporting Clays?
Skeet? What is available in PA??

Tuesday and Thursday are my shotgun days

Monday is a rifle/pistol day, on slate for tomorrow is an 11 Mauser 71/84, a 444 Marlin in a Martini Actioned gun, and a Smith Model 66 with Holographic type sight. What fun, what fun.

Mike

WOW, Looks like y'all are BLESSED with shooting venues
http://www.claytargetsonline.com/pennsylvania/

Joined: 16 Mar 2013 Posts: 162 Location: York, PA

Thank you and IF you are ever in Amarillo, come shoot with me Smile

We can do rifle, pistol or shotgun,
Enjoy the evening
Mike

Joined: 16 Mar 2013 Posts: 162 Location: York, PA

Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Posts: 1358 Location: Twin Cities, MN

Apparently Merkel made a run of 1620 ELs recently. Merkel USA has a pile of them in various configurations, including single triggers with straight stocks. They think very highly of them.

https://www.merkel-usa.com/products/side-by-side-shotguns/merkel-375-ne-140-2-1-sxs-2008.html

Regards,
Jeff

Joined: 16 Mar 2013 Posts: 162 Location: York, PA