The Explorer is the HELIX with the synthetic stock – for use in tough everyday hunting conditions. The fibreglass-reinforced composite stock material is in a dark shade of anthracite and has a soft-grip surface. The soft, low-noise material ensures a firm grip even at low temperatures. At the same time, it also has a system-compatible design: the wooden and synthetic stocks are interchangeable. Whether standard barrel or semi-weight barrels – the fore-end of the Explorer always fits while allowing the barrel to float free.

The helical breech is a further development of the classical rotary bolt head – no other principle locks bolt action rifles safer. The Merkel.RX combines a rotary bolt head with straight-pull bolt action using the Helix principle. The breech is sealed to the rear to prevent soiling and to provide an additional measure of safety.

The manual cocking lever of the RX.HELIX is located on the stock wrist. With a flick of the thumb, it places the system under tension immediately before the shot is to be fired – and can be released again just as easily. 

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 RX that provides maximum ignition energy so that the shot will be fired safely and reliably. 

The Merkel RX combines a rotary bolt head with true straight-pull bolt action – without the slightest annoying rotational or tipping movement that one gets with other straight- pull bolt action rifles. The hunter can keep his or her eye on the target, and the bolt handle is positioned exactly above the trigger. The straight shaft, which is in keeping with the tradition of Merkel´s Africa rifles, provides the necessary stability for this motion.

The linear motion of the bolt handle is transmitted to the bolt head with a ratio of 1:2. It travels along a helical path as part of a special design, and moves gently and quietly into and out of the locking position. The bolt action path thus benefits from a gearing, fastest bolt action guaranteed. This means you can take aim quickly and enjoy accurate following shots.

The breech does not move beyond the stock wrist during the bolt action, and thus does not get in the way of the hunter’s sight – this is a problem that hinders aim-taking with conventional systems. With the Helix system, the movement only takes place inside the system housing. Nothing gets in the way of the shooter’s eye, which can remain focussed on the target. Then comes the second shot: set off by a crisp direct trigger which can be finely adjusted – an ergonomic masterpiece!

The magic words as regards the dismantling of a hunting gun without tools are ‘take down’. With the Bolt Barrel system, MERKEL has perfected the classic take down and implemented it in series production in this class for the first time. This gun can be dismantled almost down to briefcase size in three steps. Even less experienced users will be able to do this within a few seconds, quickly reducing the RX.Helix to a convenient size for transporting.

The Bolt Barrel system of the RX.Helix makes it easier than ever before 
to dismantle the gun and change the barrel or calibre: remove the forearm by pressing a button, switch the barrel lever under the forearm, and then safely remove the barrel including the bolt head.

Technical data

• Caliber: .223 REM

• Rifle barrel:  Standard (Ø 17 mm).

• Barrel lenght: 560 mm.

• Overall lenght: 107 cm.

• Thread: M15X1.

• Sights: i-Sight system.

• Magazine: 3+1 .

• Weight: ca 3 kg.

• Trigger: Adj. 900 to 1900 g.

Attention! The modification of the weapon may vary, ask the Jahipauna stores for more information.