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

Gauge

Choke

Designation

Chamber Length