Merkel Shotgun Instructions Manual

							OR CHAMBER OBSTRUCTIONS, PROPELLANT POWDER
OVERLOADS, OR BY DEFECTIVE, INCORRECT(GAUGE
OR LENGTH), OR IMPROPERLY LOADED AND ASSEM-
BLED SHOTSHELL COMPONENTS. IT IS EXTREMELY
DANGEROUS TO USE A SHOTSHELL WHOSE PRES-
SURE IS GREATER THAN THAT DEVELOPED BY SHOT-
SHELLS LOADED TO FACTORY STANDARDS. EVEN THE
STRONGEST SHOTGUN CAN BE BLOWN UP AS A
RESULT OF EXCESSIVE PRESSURE.
The following information describes the identification system used to
designate the gauge, chamber length and choke on your Merkel shotgun.
Be sure you understand this identification system before loading your
shotgun, and only use the correct ammunition. If there is any question in
regard to the proper ammunition for your shotgun, feel free to call GSI
at 205-655-8299 for assistance.
Shotgun gauge, chamber and choke designations are engraved on the
underside of the barrels where they interface the breech block of the
receiver (See figure 8). A typical example of a gauge/chamber length
designation would be 12/76 which identifies a shotgun bore diameter of
12 gauge and 76 mm (3 inch) chamber length. Bore diameters are avail-
able in 12, 20 and 28 gauge.
Figure 8 - Gauge, Chamber Length and Choke Designation
20
Gauge
Choke
Designation Chamber Length  
						

							Chamber lengths are identified by the numeral 70 or 76. The
numeral 76 designates a chamber length of 76mm which is equal
to the English measurement of 3 inches. A barrel marked with
the numeral 70 designates a chamber length of 70mm which is
equal to the English measurement of 2
3/4inches.
Use of shotgun shotshells with lengths shorter than the shotgun
chamber length is acceptable. However, never use shotshells
with chamber lengths greater than the length of the shotgun
chamber. For example, do not use 3 inch shells in a shotgun
chambered for 2
3/4inch ammunition.
Chokes are identified for each barrel below the designation for
gauge and chamber length on the underside of the barrels. Choke
designation indicates the dispersion pattern characteristics of the
shotgun bore. The following chart provides identification for
choke and a pattern percentage of shot pellets within a 30 inch
circle at specified ranges.
Choke
Identification
DescriptionPercentageDistance
1/1 Full Choke   70 - 75 35m
3/4 Improved  65 - 70 35m
Modified Choke
1/2 Modified Choke  60 -65 35m
1/4  Quarter Choke  55 - 60 35m
VZ Improved  45 - 50 35m
Cylinder Choke
S Skeet  70 - 75 20m
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							DRY FIRING
ATTENTION!!!!! Dry firing or pulling the triggers without live
ammunition is not recommended without the use of snap caps.
Snap caps absorb the inertia of the firing pins and protect inter-
nal parts from the full impact force of the hammers. Continuous
dry firing can potentially damage the internal parts and render
the gun inoperable.
DISASSEMBLY
Remove loaded ammunition from the chamber before disassembling the
shotgun. To disassemble the shotgun, grasp the shotgun barrel with the
non-firing hand and rest the buttstock against the upper leg. Pull the
forearm take down latch out and away from the forearm and pivot the
forearm away from the barrels.
Push the top lever to the right and carefully open the action to rotate
the barrel lug away from the receiver hinge pin and separate the barrels
from the receiver. The forearm can be reattached to the barrels for stor-
age.
Do not attempt further disassembly beyond barrel and forearm
removal!!! Further disassembly is not necessary for routine maintenance.
Any damage incurred due to further disassembly is not covered by your
service agreement.
FURTHER DISASSEMBLY BY UNQUALIFIED 
PERSONS COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE
SHOTGUN WHICH COULD RESULT IN
INJURY OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER.
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							CLEANING
Merkel shotguns require periodic maintenance and will perform more
reliably over a longer period of time if properly cleaned and serviced.
Never clean a loaded shotgun. Remove ammunition from the chambers
before performing any cleaning procedures.
Always wipe the barrels and action with a lightly lubricated cloth to
remove fingerprints, dirt and moisture from the gun after handling. Keep
a light coat of gun oil on polished metal surfaces and moving parts.
Clean inside the barrels periodically to remove fouling and residue
caused by fired ammunition.
If the action seems unusually tight or if you are unable to close the
breech to its locked position, disassemble the shotgun and give it a thor-
ough cleaning. If functional problems continue, call the GSI Service
Department or seek the assistance of a competent and qualified gun-
smith.
A light cleaning consists of oiling and wiping down the shotgun. This
can be accomplished without removing the barrels from the receiver. A
full detailed cleaning will require disassembly of the barrels and forearm.
General cleaning procedures are outlined as follows:
Make surethe chambers are unloadedon your shotgun. Wear protective
safety glasses during assembly, disassembly and cleaning procedures. Keep
ammunition away from the cleaning area. Nevertest the function of
your shotgun with live ammunition.
Remove the barrels and forearm from the receiver according to disassem-
bly instructions provided in this manual.
Use a cleaning rod with a tip and patch suitable for use in shotgun bores.
Lightly oil the patch and place it on the tip of the cleaning rod. Insert
the tip of the cleaning rod with the attached patch into the chamber
end of the barrels and push the patch back and forth through both bar-
rels several times.  Inspect the bores from both ends of the barrels for
residue caused by leading and plastic shot cups. This residue will form 
23 
						

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streaks that run parallel to the inside of the bore. Slight residue streaks
are common place and will not affect the performance of your shotgun.
If lead or plastic residue appears to be excessive it can be removed by
brushing the bores with a brass brush attached to the cleaning rod. 
First apply gunpowder solvent to the brush end of the cleaning brush.
Insert the cleaning rod into the chamber end of the bores. Push the
brush completely through the shotgun bore before pulling it backwards
to avoid breaking the bristles on the brush. Continue this scrubbing
action until the bores are clean.
When all fouling and residue is removed, push a clean dry patch through
both bores with the cleaning rod to remove any remaining debris or sol-
vent. When the bores are free of all solvent and debris, insert a lightly
oiled patch and lubricate the bores.
Wipe the metal surfaces of the barrels, forearms and receiver with a
clean rag. Lightly oil the metal parts on the receiver hinge, barrel lugs
and the forearm brackets.
Notes 
						

							Notes
25 
						

							QU ICKREFERENCE
FORYOURMERKEL
MODELNUMBER:________________________
G
AUGE:_________________________________
B
ARRELLENGTH:_________________________
C
HOKE:_________________________________
S
ERIALNUMBER:_________________________
D
AT EPURCHASED:_______________________
26 
						

							U.S. IMPORTER
GSI Incorporated, 108 Morrow Ave., 
P.O. Box 129, Trussville, Al  35173. 
Telephone (205) 655-8299 
Fax (205) 655-7078  
www.GSIfirearms.com