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RX.HELIX
IT‘S TIME FOR A NEW BOLT ACTION
THE CHALLENGE
WAS ENORMOUS
The idea for a new rifle was born one October afternoon in 2007 in a hunting lodge
in the Thuringian Forest. With fresh concepts perfectly supplementing the cultural
genes of the old gunmaking town of Suhl, the ambitious goal was laid out – to develop a hunting gun for the 21st century. A straight-pull bolt action rifle that sets new
standards in terms of safety, ergonomics and handling. A gun for modern-day hunting.
This concept now has a name.
“Deluxe“ DESIGN
THE SUHL GENES
THE SUHL GENES
CREATIVE ENGINEERING
The safety of the rotary bolt head has proven itself since 1898, when Paul Mauser (a contemporary of the Merkel brothers)
introduced his legendary System 98. Some 112 years on, MERKEL has taken the strengths of this system and engineered
brand new concepts in the manufacture of hunting rifles for modern-day hunting.
MODERN HUNTING – DRIVEN HUNTS
A hunter must be able to handle his rifle safely and efficiently when under stress and with limited time at their disposal.
The HELIX offers everything the hunter needs – a true linear bolt action with transmission gear. This allows rapid reloading
while remaining in shooting position, and also means that the shooter‘s eye can remain focused on the target with a little
practice. This is because the HELIX does not use a breech which retracts towards the eye of the shooter.
The manual cocking and the bolt with MERKEL Safebolt technology ensure safe handling of the rifle and prevent
unintended shot firing.
MODERN HUNTING – HUNTING TRIPS AND VISITS TO far away HUNTING GROUNDS
Thanks to the standard Take-Down function on the HELIX rifle, discreet travelling with small pack
sizes and rapid dismantling are possible without the need for tools. Changing the calibre with
an interchangeable barrel can be made just as quickly.
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TWO HUNTERS, TWO GunS, ONE IDEOLOGY
These two men have been passionate hunters since their youth, which shows their years of experience. On the left is Georg “Schorsch”
Knobel with his Stutzen, a bolt action rifle from 1930. Next to him is Karl Schmider with his new MERKEL from 2011. Replacing old with
the new: Unboxing the new HELIX.
SAFETY
SAFETY
HUNTING WITH A GOOD FEELING
The HELIX is a straight-pull bolt action rifle that can be carried with a good feeling of safety. MERKEL does
not compromise on safety in the gun design. Tried-and-tested technology is applied and developed further.
A walnut-sized steel bolt head is found inside the HELIX, which has proven itself time and time again.
SAFETY OF THE HUNTER
The rotary bolt head used on the
HELIX is considered as one of the
safest locking methods on bolt action rifles. Six steel locking lugs ensure maximum safety for the shooter,
even when the system is considerably overstressed. Shooting at 8,000
bar under basic CIP conditions has
been documented.
MANUAL COCKING AND SAFEBOLT
The manual cocking lever of the HELIX
is located on the stock wrist. With a flick
of the thumb, it places the system under
tension just before the shot is fired –
and can be released again just as easily.
The MERKEL Safebolt ensures that a
shot can only be fired when the system
is locked.
IGNITION RELIABILITY
Manual cocking systems sometimes
suffer from a lack of ignition energy.
A patented hammer system with a
linkage-driven hammer has been developed for the HELIX that provides
maximum ignition energy. The HELIX
fires when the trigger is pulled. This
offers additional safety against dangerous game.
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Smart Bolt Head
Both Knobel and Schmider swear by the tried-and-tested bolt principle using steel locking lugs.
These are used in the modern HELIX from MERKEL and are similar in principle to Knobel‘s Stutzen from 1930 – safe and unbreakable.
ERGONOMICS
ERGONOMICS
THE INTUITIVE Rifle
Responsiveness comes when a gun sits well in the hand. However, MERKEL has gone even further and developed an
intuitive bolt action rifle. With three control elements (manual cocking lever, bolt handle and trigger) and ergonomic bolt
action shooting, the HELIX concentrates on the essentials – not on complex movements.
THE INTUITION PRINCIPLE
The principle of intuition runs consistently through the HELIX. This is
illustrated by optimally positioned
control elements, the perfectly cut
stock, the ergonomic magazine
removal and the Picatinny rail, which
makes the attachment of a scope
simplicity itself.
DRY-ACTION TRIGGER
The highly-praised direct trigger on
the HELIX is finely adjusted at the
factory for a precise shot. It is ideally
positioned directly underneath the
bolt handle, and is thus right next to
the bolt action. The dry trigger action
transforms this hunting gun into a
precision instrument.
STRAIGHT STOCK
When designing the stock for the
HELIX, MERKEL was inspired by the
legendary Suhl Africa rifles. The straight
stock with cheek piece and pistol grip
also gives the linear bolt action a precise counter-hold. This transforms the
HELIX into a fast-action, responsive
rifle which sits well in the hand.
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RAPID BOLT ACTION
Knobel admires how quick and easy Schmider makes it look – one thumb on the manual cocking lever, a shot, then “slish-slash”. One straight
pull on the bolt handle before being pushed back into place – the Helix is reloaded. This all takes place inside the system housing – nothing
moves towards the shooter‘s eye. “All he has to do now is hit the target!” says Knobel with a grin.
ERGONOMICS
ERGONOMICS
STAYING ON TARGET
Whilst precision is essential for a hunting gun, bolt action rifles have to go one step further.
The accuracy of rapid following shots is principally determined by the bolt action.
STRAIGHT-PULL BOLT ACTION
The HELIX combines a safe rotary bolt
head with a true linear bolt action.
A linear bolt action means without the
rotational or tipping movement found
on other straight-pull bolt action rifles.
GEARED STRAIGHT-PULL ACTION
The linear motion of the bolt handle is
transmitted to the bolt head at a ratio
of 1:2. The bolt action is made twice as
fast, which allows more time for aiming
and accurate following shots.
CLOSED SYSTEM
On the HELIX, the bolt action takes
place inside the system housing – the
bolt does not move towards the shooter‘s eye. The shooter then keeps their
concentration, which is a clear advantage when rapid following shots can be
made.
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IMPROVED SHOOTING
As the pair confront a group of wild boars, Schmider uses this unique ergonomic design of the HELIX to his advantage. Rapid following shots
during bolt action shooting – only those who are used to something more complicated have to think twice. Schmider now has more time and
concentration for the most important things. In other words, his shooting improves because everything else is easier. Even Knobel is impressed
(though he would never admit it, of course).
HANDLING
HANDLING
EASY TO DISMANTLE
Unique in this gun class: The HELIX has a fully-fledged Take-Down system.
TAKE DOWN
The magic words for dismantling a
hunting gun without tools are “TakeDown”. With the HELIX, MERKEL
can now offer a Take-Down solution as standard for the first time in
this class. The HELIX can be rapidly
dismantled down to its packing dimensions and reassembled in three
steps.
BOLT BARREL SYSTEM
The patented MERKEL Bolt-BarrelSystem is the ingenious principle
behind the HELIX concept. The barrel and bolt head assembly can be
removed quickly and replaced with
an assembly of a different calibre
without the need for tools. Impressive precision: The point of impact is
maintained on the HELIX.
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As the HELIX is easy to dismantle, cleaning the barrel and bolt head is simplicity itself. All components are easily accessible. The removable bolt head is the
ultimate safety device for preventing unauthorised use when travelling.
Remove the barrel
together with the
bolt head.
3
1
Press the button and
remove the forearm.
2
Switch the barrel lever, which
then releases the barrel clamp.
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CLEANING AND SAFETY
HANDLING
HANDLING
HELIX ON THE ROAD
Hunting has changed a great deal in the past few years. Travelling has increased, meaning hunting is also possible on holiday or
during business trips. A rifle which is easy to dismantle can also be a plus point when travelling to your own hunting grounds, as can
a rifle with interchangeable barrels which is ideally suited to a range of surroundings. With its unique, simple Take-Down system, the
HELIX was not only developed for hunting, but also for travelling.
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WELL PACKED
The packing dimensions of the
HELIX are highlighted here by
the “virtual” case. Without the
need for tools, Schmider has
dismantled and “packed” the
rifle in seconds – the barrel
and calibre are changed just
as easily and quickly. This is a
clear advantage when visiting other hunting grounds, as
Schmider does. When on the
road, the bolt head is carried in
his pocket, making unauthorised use impossible. After all
this theory, Knobel is now keen
to start hunting: “Pack up your
HELIX, Schmider, it‘s time to go
to the forest!”
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Integrated Picatinny rail
for all standard mounts
Closed system
housing with manual
cocking lever
Straight stock with cheek piece
and a rubber buttpad
Removable magazine.
Capacity: Standard
and Magnum 3+1.
With removable sling
swivels as standard
Direct trigger with dry
action - factory set to
1,000 grams
Total length approx. 107 cm (for barrel length of 56 cm) – Weight: approx. 2.9 kg
Linkage-driven hammer
Bolt-Barrel-System for tool-free
changing of barrel and calibre
Driven hunt sight
as standard
“BLACK” DESIGN
Full Take-Down
functionality
MERKEL Safebolt
The HELIX “Black” is completely fitted out, and comes with a hard-anodised
aluminium action assembly. Available from woodclass 2.
Calibre Groups
Mini: .222 Rem.; .223 Rem. Standard: .243 Win.; 6,5x55 SE; .270 Win.; 7x64; .308 Win.;
.30-06; 8x57 IS; 9,3x62 Magnum: 7 mm Rem. Mag.; .300 Win. Mag.
Barrel lengths: 56 cm Standard (Magnum: 61 cm; Short: 51 cm)
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RX.HELIX
Solid bolt head with
six locking lugs
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RANGE
HELIX MODELS
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“EXPLORER“ Design
HELIX Explorer with synthetic stock
The new HELIX synthetic stock combination is particularly suitable for tough hunting. The stock’s innovative
material is fibreglass reinforced composite in a dark shade of anthracite with a soft-grip surface. The soft material
has a low noise level and a greater breaking strength than wood, ensures a firm grip even at very low temperatures
and is dirt-resistant. The uniform surface is without adhesive attachments – nothing can come loose.
RANGE
HELIX MODELS
“ARABESQUE” DESIGN
“ARABESQUE”
The HELIX with classic arabesque engraving and highly-durable aluminium action
assembly. The plain elegance of the engraving is matched by the high-grade wood
stock – available in wood classes four an better.
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“WILD BOAR” DESIGN
“WILD BOAR”
The HELIX with driven hunt styling: The engraving on this high-class version depicts
a “Keiler“ surrounded by arabesques on an aluminium action assembly. Available
in wood classes four and better.
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RANGE
HELIX MODELS WITH ELABORATE HANDMADE ENGRAVING
“SPIRIT” DESIGN
“SPIRIT”
Ingenious and beautiful – owners of the HELIX “Spirit” can choose between two
hand-engraved animals surrounded by leaves or arabesques. The processed dural
aluminium action assembly perfectly matches the walnut wood (classes five to ten).
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“DELUXE” DESIGN
“DELUXE”
Refined and individual – owners can choose three animals, which are then hand-engraved in the dural aluminium action assembly together with leaves or arabesques.
The stock on this top-of-the-range rifle is made from refined Turkish walnut of wood
classes six and higher.
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Range | Accessories
HELIX – custom made in our manufactory
“Dubai“ Design
Challenge us!
Let us inspire you! The Merkel manufactory offers you any number of ways to
personalise your HELIX: delicately manufactured engravings, finest Turkish walnut,
engraved stocks, gold-plated components.
Combine one of today’s most modern
bolt-action rifles with a classical aesthetics
created especially for you by our gunsmiths, engravers and stock makers. The
HELIX “Dubai” is an excellent example of
an elaborately engraved weapon lovingly
worked with numerous details in the
MERKEL manufactory in Suhl. Almost
nothing is impossible – try us!
“Parforce“ Design
“Ukraine“ Design
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CUSTOM-MADE HELIX
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Choice of pistol grip caps
Silver pistol grip caps give the HELIX a personal touch: there
is a choice of caps with engraved initials or selected animal
motifs. The silver is trimmed to protect its fine features from
damage. Further motifs on request.
3- or 5-round magazine
For those who want more than the 3+1 magazine, Merkel now offers a
5+1-round magazine for the HELIX. The magazine is made of steel sheet
and the handle is covered with moulded plastic to protect against scratching. The 5-round magazine is not available for magnum calibres.
Accessories
ON TOUR WITH THE HELIX
HELIX TAKE-DOWN CASE
Two high-grade take-down cases: the larger one (see picture)
measures 38 x 78 x 9 cm and takes the dismantled HELIX, one
interchangeable barrel, two scopes and an extra magazine. The
smaller one measures 32 x 76 x 9 cm and takes one dismantled rifle
and a scope. This case has a velvet-lined register, to which the
weapon sections are fixed with Velcro strips. It is locked by two
robust combination locks and secured with a leather strap.
Further cases on request.
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Interchangeable SEMI WEIGHT barrels
Semi weight 19 mm barrels (standard: Ø 17 mm) are
available in three different lengths and weigh between 170 and 320 grams more than the standard
version, depending on the length of the barrel.
Excellent swinging and shooting!
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Standard barrel 560 mm / 610 mm
Semi weight barrel 560 mm / 610 mm
Semi weight barrel 510 mm
Barrel length
Barrel type
.222 Rem.
.223 Rem.
.243 Win.
6,5x55
.270 Win.
7x64
.308 Win.
.30-06
8x57IS
9,3x62
7 mm Rem.Mag.
.300 Win.Mag.
Sight
None
Driven hunt sight
560 mm
Standard barrel Ø 17 mm
Semi weight barrel Ø 19 mm
610 mm
Standard barrel Ø 17 mm
Semi weight barrel Ø 19 mm
510 mm
Semi weight barrel Ø 19 mm
MERKEL Jagd- und Sportwaffen GmbH
Schützenstraße 26 . D-98527 Suhl
Phone +49-(0)-3681-854-0 . Fax -201
www.merkel-die-jagd.de
Because we continously develop and enhance our
products, specifications and features described in this
catalogue are subject to change. The rifles can only be
purchased by those in possession of a valid permit.
All rights reserved.
7001 068E / 2/3/2012
www.rx-helix.com