[Jeff Higgins]

I have never been a big fan of break open rifles. Maybe doubles for very low pressure cordite or black powder cartridges, intended for very close range work. Certainly not for a "stalking rifle", meant to accurately place one shot at ranges potentially far enough to need that scope. And certainly not for high pressure cartridges, like the .30-'06. They tend to loosen up and go "off face" under the strain of high pressure centerfire shooting. And they are never as accurate to begin with as other single shot actions, especially the falling blocks.

If you want a classic single shot stalking rifle, look no further than the Ruger #1 Light Sporter. I have one in .30-'06 with a tiny little 2X Leupold on top. You can buy about five of them for the cost of that Merkel, and they are better rifles. Very light and handy, and very short with the 22" barrel. Undoubtedly the strongest centerfire rifle action made today as well; bar none. I currently have three of them; the Light Sporter, a Tropical Rifle in .458, and a custom Lilja barreled varmint blaster in .220 Swift. Great rifles.