Difference in a Merkel 1620 vs 147 ?

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What is the difference between a Merkel 1620 and a Merkel 147 -- both in 16 gauge ?

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The 1620 has a Greener crossbolt with double underbarrel locking lugs and a case hardened receiver and costs a couple thousand more.

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Thank you.

Is the 147 safe and reliable for SAAMI factory load pressures and similar handloads ?

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1620 is built on a 20 ga frame.

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Is the Merkel 147 on a 16 gauge frame or a 12 gauge frame ?

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The 147 was a correct 16 gauge frame,when they changed to the 20 ga frame,because it is also used for their double rifles.More cost effective on the re-tooling...Strong guns either way!

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For upland hunting...

Would you hesitate on buying a Merkel 147 in 16 gauge ?

As compared to a Merkel 1620 ?

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Not at all....very well built,great barrels and balances in the hands nicely.I think they are as good as any Winchester 21!!

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One website list the Merkel 147E as weighing the same in either 12 or 16 gauge.

About a pound heavier than the 16 gauge in the Merkel 1620.

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Saw posted on another forum...

Dove shooting with Merkel 147 side-by-side...

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... just back in from Argentina.

Managed to tally-up 12,530 doves with a custom pair of Merkel 147 SL 20 bores...This in 4 days of shooting...Had 2 days of 4000 plus...Got sick one day and couldn't get much past 2000! Averaged 87.7% No great feat when compared to the guys who shoot autos, but not bad for a guy and his bird boy, drinking some suds and smoking cigars!!!

Who says that Side By Side shotguns can't handle the Argentine high volume shooting!!!

Anybody else ever take a SxS to Argentina?

Highly recommended, but make sure to wear a glove on your barrel hand...I developed severe heat blisters!!!

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It's been a while since I've had them side by side,I do not recall a full pound differance,between the 1620 and 147,maybe half of that.

Never handled a 147, but for some reason was under the impression they are on a 12 gauge frame. I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time. If it's actually a 12 on a 16 gauge frame it should make a pretty nice gun and something I'd like to try for early season on swamp ducks. My primary upland gun is a 1620 and it's an absolute delight. I have the combo with both 16 and 20 gauge barrels, use the 16's for birds and the 20's for target shooting.