John, I am considering purchasing a Merkel K3 single shot rifle. I would prefer it to be chambered for the rimmed cartridges 7x57R or 7x65R, but did not find any for sale. I have found .308, .270, etc. but have some concerns about ease of loading/ unloading and reliability of extraction with the small plunger extractors necessary for rimless cartridges in this design.
I live in Canada and often hunt in very cold conditions with gloves on, and I don't want to make handling cartridges any more difficult than cold weather already makes it. I understand you and your wife have some experience with a Merkel K1 in .308, so I ask - how is it to load / unload with gloves on? is extraction reliable? Would you recommend a .308 chambered rifle of this design?
