SXS Choice

[crunch68]

I just looked at the Tradex site. They have 12ga. Sauer, Merkel and Beretta sxs shotguns at reasonable prices. I know all these makers by reputation only, as quality makers.
I was wondering if someone would be so kind as to give me a little more info on these models/makers so as to help me narrow my choices down before I contact the Tradex guys.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[catnthehatt]

I just looked at the Tradex site. They have 12ga. Sauer, Merkel and Beretta sxs shotguns at reasonable prices. I know all these makers by reputation only, as quality makers.
I was wondering if someone would be so kind as to give me a little more info on these models/makers so as to help me narrow my choices down before I contact the Tradex guys.

Thanks,

Bob

The bBrretas have a Dural receiver ( or Duraloy, depends on who is marketing it) which is basically an aluminum alloy.
The are light , with a Greener cross bolt lock up.
The Merkels and Sauers are heavier, , with case hardened receiver, but IIRC I saw a couple that had coined receivers.
Myself, I would be going for a decent Merkel, but that is just my choice!
Cat

 

[ben hunchak]

It is my belief that Merkel quality was much lower in the period from WW2 to when the Berlin Wall was removed and production was moved to West Germany. The East German Merkels were not even close to the current W. German produktion, of course the price has gone through the roof!!