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Introducing the Merkel R15: A Bolt-Action Rifle for the U.S.

The following is a press release from Merkel

German firearms manufacturer Merkel has announced the introduction of the R15, a new bolt-action rifle designed and manufactured specifically to meet the expectations of American hunters and shooters. Available in both wood- and synthetic-stocked versions, the Merkel R15 rifle combines the classic hunting rifle style with old-world craftsmanship and the latest manufacturing technology to create a platform that is refined yet surprisingly affordable for the American market.

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Functional, practical and beautiful, the R15 features a newly designed receiver that is cold-forged and precision machined. With three lugs for maximum strength and safety, the R15’s full-bodied bolt has a 60-degree bolt throw and glides effortlessly in the receiver for fast follow-up shots. The receiver of the R15 is mated to a standard-contour cold-hammer-forged barrel, for which Merkel has become renowned.

The R15 features a direct trigger with a weight of just less than three pounds, as set by the factory. The rifle’s safety is located behind the bolt handle and acts directly upon the sear. It also features a separate chamber lock, which allows safe unloading while keeping the safety “on.”

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The detachable magazine is seated in front of the trigger. The mounting pattern for optics conforms to Savage standards.

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Merkel offers the R15 in two versions: a Grade-1 walnut stocked version and a fiberglass-reinforced, black synthetic-stocked version. Both versions are available in standard and magnum calibers: .243 Win., 6.5×55, .270 Win., .308 Win., .30-’06 Sprg., 9.3×62, .300 Win. Mag. and 7 Rem. Mag. The walnut R15 weighs 7 pounds, 4.4 ounces, and the synthetic R15 weighs 6 pounds, 9.8 ounces.

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The suggested retail price for the walnut R15 is $799, and the synthetic R15 is $699.

Merkel Rifle Specifications

* Model: R15
* Purpose: Hunting & target shooting
* Manufacturer: Merkel Jagd und Sportwaffen, GmbH
* Operation: Bolt-action repeating
* Caliber: 6.5×55, .243 Win., .270 Win., .308 Win., .30-’06 Sprg., 9.3×62, .300 Win. Mag., 7 mm Rem. Mag.
* Magazine type/capacity: Detachable steel/polymer box/standard: 3 rounds, magnum: 2 rounds
* Action material: Steel
* Barrel: 22 inch, Mag: 24 inch
* Rifling: 4 grooves, 1:12″ RH twist (.308 Win.)
* Sights: No sights, drilled and tapped for Savage-style mounts
* Finish: Blued
* Safety: 2-position-trigger-safety with separate chamber lock
* Trigger type: Direct trigger
* Pull weight: 2 lbs., 10.4 ozs.
* Stock material/type: Walnut or polymer/straight
* Length of pull: 14.5 inches
* Drop at comb: 1.5 inches
* Drop at heel: 1.5 inches
* Recoil pad: Elastomer; 0.7 inch thick
* Sling swivels: 1″
* Checkering: Machined checkering on grip and foreend (walnut)
* Weight, empty: 7 pounds, 4.4 ounces (6 pounds, 9.8 ounces: synthetic)
* Overall length: 43.3 inches
* Included accessories: Owner’s manual
* MSRP: $799 walnut; $699 synthetic

For more information, contact Merkel’s exclusive U.S. importer, Steyr Arms, 2530 Morgan Rd., Bessemer, AL 35022; call (205) 417-8644; or visit www.merkel-usa.com.

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