16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 184 Location: Grampian, PA

Anybody out there own one, hunt w/ one, or used to have one ??

Looking for thoughts / impressions.........

Single trigger issues ?

Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 1047 Location: Minnesota

I had a 147E, or if memory serves me, that’s what I had. Was 16 ga single trigger. Had zero issues with it, just never shot it enough, so sold it. I had/have other guns that I used more often.

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3298 Location: NCWa

I have a Merkel 201E, made in 1952 12 ga 30" F/F. It is double trigger and primarily a trap gun. It's a solid enough gun- I just don't use it much as I've gotten more accustomed to SxS,

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 1183

I handled a couple of 2016's back when they came out and actively started looking for a 1620 after they were discontinued but never found one that met my desires. When Upland Gun Company started having guns built by RFM as custom guns I figured out I could build my own 2016 as at that time they offered a 16 ga built on a 20 ga frame. $4300 and nearly 9 months later I took possession of my very own 2016. After a little tweaking, it has become my go-to bird gun. 6 pounds 3 1/2 ounces and a dream to hunt with, I've completely cured my lust for the Merkel.

Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 184 Location: Grampian, PA

I've got a 20 bore 147EL and a 1620EL, but both are double trigger guns. They haven't been bullet proof guns as they've both made repair trips to Alabama, the 147 several times.....

But I have a chance to pick up a lightly used 2016 w/ a single trigger for a reasonable price. At 6# 3oz. it should make for a decent Grouse gun.

But my main concern is the reliability of the single trigger set up.

Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Posts: 798 Location: Indiana

I have a Merkel 1620 purchased new at Scheel's in Iowa City back in 2003. It has a single trigger, 28" barrel and is choked IC/Mod. For the first 5 or 6 years I used it almost exclusively for ducks and pheasants, and skeet as well. It has a 13 7/8" LOP which fits me fine, as I am not tall and do not have long arms.
It weighs right around 6 lbs. and shoots where I look. In the past few years I started using the new Browning A5, so don't use the Merkel as much. The 1620 is very solidly engineered and well built; quality for sure. I don't see them advertised, or in the gun shops anymore---I suppose price may be a factor. I don't see how a guy could go wrong with one---if it fits.

Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 184 Location: Grampian, PA

Thanks