1978 Merkel 96K GDR Suhl Drilling 12GA 7x65R Zeiss Jena Scope Claw Mounts

Description:
MANUFACTURER: GEBRÜDER MERKEL SUHL
MODEL: 96K DRILLING
TYPE: SIDE-BY-SIDE SHOTGUN OVER RIFLE
YEAR MANUFACTURED: 1978
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: EAST GERMANY
SERIAL NUMBER: 994405
PROOF MARKS: SUHL PROOF HOUSE MARK, NITRO PROOF “N”, EAST GERMAN GDR ERA PROOF MARKINGS
BARREL CONFIGURATION: SIDE-BY-SIDE SHOTGUN BARRELS OVER SINGLE RIFLE BARREL
SHOTGUN GAUGE: 12 GAUGE
RIFLE CALIBER: 7X65R
CHAMBER LENGTH: 70MM (2.75") SHOTGUN / 65MM RIFLE
BARREL LENGTH: 24.75"
BARREL FEATURES: SPECIAL-GEWEHRLAUFSTAHL STEEL BARRELS, RIBBED SHOTGUN BARRELS WITH FRONT BEAD, REGULATED RIFLE BARREL
EJECTOR/EXTRACTOR: EXTRACTOR
OVERALL LENGTH: 41.50" 
LENGTH OF PULL: 14.00" 
OPERATING SYSTEM: BREAK ACTION COMBINATION GUN
ACTION: MERKEL BOXLOCK WITH GREENER CROSSBOLT LOCKING SYSTEM
TRIGGER SYSTEM: DOUBLE TRIGGER
SELECTOR: TANG SAFETY / RECEIVER RIFLE BARREL SELECTOR
OPTICS MOUNT: TRADITIONAL GERMAN CLAW MOUNTS
OPTIC: CARL ZEISS JENA DDR ZF 6X42S SCOPE WITH RUBBER EYEPIECE 
STOCK: EUROPEAN WALNUT WITH CHEEKPIECE
GRIP: CHECKERED PISTOL GRIP
ENGRAVING: TRADITIONAL SUHL SCROLL ENGRAVING
FIREARM FINISH: BLUED BARRELS WITH COIN FINISH ENGRAVED RECEIVER
CONDITION: GOOD CONDITION
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: SPECIAL-GEWEHRLAUFSTAHL BARREL STEEL, SUHL PROOFED ACTION, SLING SWIVELS, GREENER CROSSBOLT, CLAW MOUNTED OPTIC, CLASSIC EUROPEAN CHEEKPIECE STOCK
WHAT’S INCLUDED: FIREARM & CARL ZEISS JENA DDR ZF 6X42S SCOPE

This Gebrüder Merkel Suhl drilling represents the classic German “universal hunting weapon,” designed for the versatile European sportsman. Built in the historic Suhl gunmaking center and stamped “Made in GDR,” this Merkel drilling reflects the continuation of traditional German gunmaking craftsmanship during the East German era. Drillings were specifically designed to allow hunters to pursue both feathered and hoofed game with a single firearm in the field.

Mechanically, this Merkel Model 96K features the traditional side-by-side 12 gauge shotgun barrels paired with a powerful rifle barrel chambered in 7x65R. The break-action boxlock system uses double triggers for precise rifle shooting. A tang-mounted safety secures the action, while a separate barrel selector on the receiver allows the shooter to engage the rifle barrel when desired, enabling a quick transition from shotgun to rifle capability.

The 7x65R cartridge is one of the most respected rimmed sporting cartridges used in European combination guns. Known for excellent ballistic performance, it is well suited for deer, boar, and similar medium-to-large game. The 7×65R cartridge was introduced in 1917 by Wilhelm Brenneke, specifically for break-action rifles and combination guns such as drillings and kipplaufs. Combined with the 12 gauge 70mm shotgun barrels, this drilling offers exceptional versatility for mixed-game hunting situations where both bird and big game opportunities may arise.

Merkel firearms are renowned for their craftsmanship, and this drilling showcases classic Suhl styling with traditional German scroll engraving and a finely shaped European walnut stock featuring a cheekpiece and crisp checkering. The barrels are marked “Special-Gewehrlaufstahl,” indicating high-quality German barrel steel used in the construction of this firearm.

The Carl Zeiss Jena DDR ZF 6x42S is a classic East German hunting scope produced by Carl Zeiss Jena during the Cold War era. Known for its rugged construction and excellent optical clarity, the fixed 6× magnification and 42mm objective lens provide a bright, sharp image well suited for woodland and driven-game hunting. Scopes marked “DDR” were manufactured for export during the German Democratic Republic period and are often found on German combination guns and drillings. When paired with traditional claw mounts, these Zeiss optics represent the quintessential European hunting setup and are highly desirable among collectors of classic German sporting arms. Period Zeiss optics paired with claw mounts are highly desirable among collectors and hunters alike. 

This Merkel drilling offers both historical appeal and practical hunting capability, representing a classic example of German combination gun engineering.

***Please see pictures for condition and wear***

SHIPPING INFORMATION:
IF THE ITEM YOU PURCHASE IS C&R ELIGIBLE WE WILL ACCEPT A C&R LICENSE
WE TRY TO SHIP FIREARMS THE SAME DAY PAYMENT AND FFL IS RECEIVED
WE SHIP TO ALL 50 US STATES
IF YOU WANT INSURANCE FOR THE FINALAMOUNT PLEASE SELECT “OTHER”

PAYMENT OPTIONS:
*MONEY ORDER
*CERTIFIED CHECK
*CASHIER’S CHECK
*Credit Card (3% Fee)
*IF PAYING BY CHECK PLEASE MAKE CHECK OUT TO NATIONAL ARMORY

PROCEDURES:
IF YOU CANCEL AAND NO OTHER BIDS ARE RECEIVED YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO A 20% RESTOCKING FEE

SALES TAX:
PURCHASES ARE SUBJECT TO SALES TAX FROM

STATE & LOCAL LAWS:
CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS PRIOR TO

DISCLAIMER
ALL PRE-OWNED FIREARMS ARE INSPECTED FOR BASIC FUNCTION AND SAFETY. BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR LEGAL COMPLIANCE. ALL SALES FINAL.

Rifle Caliber: 7x65mmR
Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge
Manufacturer: GEBRÜDER MERKEL SUHL
Model: 96K Drilling
Serial Number: 994405
Barrel Length: 24.75
Bore Info: Strong
Condition: Good
Metal Condition: Good
Wood Condition: Good
Bore Condition: Good
Manufacture Date: 1978

Price: $2,849.99
Shipping: $34.99
Buy Now