Germany · 1990–

Merkel Model 303 EL

Specifications

Maker: Merkel
Type: Shotgun
Action: Break action
Era: Modern (1946–1999)
Produced: 1990–
Magazine: None

Chambered in

12 gauge
20 gauge

Stock

Wood

What it is worth

Value unknown

No published price was found for this model. Rather than estimate one from a comparable gun, the compendium leaves it blank.

Chapter 01

Overview

The 303 has been Merkel’s classic over-and-under since 1924, and the 303E is its sidelock shotgun, a Meisterstück made with a large share of hand work. In 1932 it cost about 1,550 Reichsmark — more than an Opel P4 at 1,400.

Chapter 02

How it works

Removable sidelocks with V-springs and a concealed crank sit in a steel action, locked by a Kersten fastening with double underlugs, with ejectors as standard and a three-piece forend for a slim line. The gun takes down for transport and weighs about 3.2 kg, with 71 cm barrels in 12/76 or 68 cm in 20/76.

Chapter 03

Variants

The 12- and 20-bore actions of the 303 series also take combination-gun (313E) or double-rifle (323E) barrel sets, and those can be fitted later as spare barrels. Matched pairs are offered as an option.

Sources

Written from: Bockdoppelflinte 303E — Merkel, Merkel Portfolio (DE), Historie — Merkel — read 2026-10-29

Cross-reference