I own the Merkel in .470 and a Krieghoff in .500 NE. Both are great doubles.

A couple of things.

1. I always pull the back trigger first. and move forward. Just how I was trained and never had a problem.

2. I am quicker with taking the safety off with my .470 then my .500 NE. Mostly because the Merkel's are a straight safety and the Krieghoff you engage the cocking mechanism. That being said when you have a Buff in your sites that slowness is not an issue. I do like the Kriegoff a bit better as the cocking mechanism allows me to crawl through the underbrush with a fully loaded double with no safety concerns with it getting bumped off.

I have owned both for 6 years and found them very comparable in fit, finish etc. Find the one that fits you better, and you will be happy.

I took my .500NE for Buff Last year just because I like the bigger bullets.


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