The Remarkable Merkel RX Helix — German Straight-Pull Hunter
EDITOR: Our story on the Strasser RS14 straight-pull rifle created quite a stir. So, we thought we’d serve up another straight-pull feature — this time the German-crafted Merkel RX Helix. We shot the Helix a few years back during Media Day at the Range. One notable difference between the German Merkel and the Austrian Strasser is the bolt travel. During cycling, the Merkel bolt stays completely inside the action (see video below at 00:30). By contrast the Strasser bolt moves pretty far back, outside the action. For some folks that makes the Helix better for fast follow-up shots. All we can say is that Merkles and Strassers BOTH cycle way faster than conventional bolt-action rifles.
Merkel RX Helix Range Report
One of the most innovative rifles we have ever shot was the Merkel RX Helix, a very impressive piece of rifle engineering. Merkel claims the RX Helix is the fastest-cycling centerfire bolt action in the world. We can’t confirm that claim, but the Helix certainly cycles faster than any other centerfire bolt-gun this Editor has ever tried. (Yes, a Fortner biathlon action can be worked more rapidly, but that’s a rimfire). Both Jason and I really liked Merkel’s RX Helix. It balances well, the action is smooth, the wood is gorgeous, and the overall design thinking that went into this German-engineered take-down rifle is very impressive. The Helix’s universal-sized action lets you shoot anything from a .222 Rem to a .300 Win Mag with the same gun. And — get this — you can really swap barrels (and change bolt heads) in a couple of minutes with no tools, employing a dead-simple bolt-release lever concealed under the push-button-released removable forearm. (Watch VIDEO BELOW to see Barrel Swap procedure).
Rotary 7-Lug Bolt
While the RX Helix is a straight-pull rifle, it retains the strength and safety of a rotary bolt head with seven locking lugs that seat in a barrel extension. Unlike a Blaser, the RX Helix has a fully-enclosed action housing. That’s an important safety feature. Moreover, since the RX Helix employs a closed action, the bolt body doesn’t travel outside that action. This means the shooter can maintain his cheekweld with an eye on the target as he cycles the bolt.
The RX Helix’s linear (back and forth) bolt-handle motion is transmitted to the bolt head through a 1:2 ratio “transmission” gearing system. This allows smooth and fast cycling without the rotational or tipping movement found on other straight-pull, bolt-action rifles, such as the Blaser.
The Merkel linear-movement action cycles exceptionally fast, which allows for faster follow-up shots — a good thing if you’re hunting dangerous game. The RX Helix features a manual cocking lever on the tang and a direct trigger system. And here’s good news for southpaws — though Merkel does not make a dedicated left-hand version, lefties can very easily use their right hand to work the bolt while maintaining cheekweld. That may sound awkward, but with practice, it’s actually pretty efficient.
Fast, Easy Disassembly and Barrel Exchanges
The video below shows how the Helix can be disassembled (for cleaning or transport) in a matter of seconds WITHOUT TOOLS. The forearm slips off with the push of a button. A short lever on the left side of the action holds the barrel. Simply rotate the lever and the barrel (with bolt head) slips off. That’s it — in 30 seconds the rifle is apart, and you don’t even need an allen wrench as with a Blaser.
The RX Helix has a universal action length that covers calibers from .222 Rem to .300 Win Mag. Changing calibers (or chamberings) takes less than a minute with the appropriate barrel, bolt-head and magazine. Weaver rails are integrated into the action, and iron sights with three-dot rear and one-dot front fiber-optic inserts are standard.
The RX Helix is available with a standard black finish as well as four levels of design—Arabesque, Wild Boar, Spirit, and Deluxe. An all-carbon-fiber version is also available either with or without a carbon-wrapped barrel. The RX Helix comes in a wide range of popular calibers including .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5×55 SE, .270 Win, 7×64, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg., 8×57 IS, 9.3×62, 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag. Barrel lengths vary according to caliber, and barrels, bolt-heads and magazines are available for caliber changes. EuroOptic.com sells the Merkel RX Helix with Grade 2 wood for $3,785.00.
Similar Posts:
- Sunday GunDay: Merkel RX Helix Straight-Pull Hunting Rifle
- Merkel RX Helix Straight-Pull Rifle — Teutonic Tour De Force
- Strasser Straight-Pull Hunting Rifles Now Available in USA
- Straight-Pull Strasser RS14 Hunting Rifles — Austrian Excellence
- Fast-Cycling Blaser R93 Offers Easy Barrel Switching
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Tags: Blaser, Eurooptic.com, Helix, Hunting Rifle, Merkel, Merkel RX Helix, Straight-Pull, Strasser, Switch-Barrel
Over complicated
I can’t believe how ridiculously high those rings are on that rifle!!
What always amazes me is that such complexity – to facilitate changes in chambering (not “caliber”) – are done with very expensive rifles with great wood, fit, and finish. If I was interested in buying a “deluxe” rifle, it have a full wood stock, single chambering, and no sights on the barrel. These very expensive, highly complex rifles seem (to me) a gross mis-match to the wherewithal of the target market customer. Seems just buy multiple rifles. Would be very interesting to see how many second and third chambering “kits” get sold.
EDITOR: One of the reasons for the barrel-swapping features of this rifle are European laws which tightly restrict the number of rifles that one person may own. In some areas, less than three total, including rimfire. Or, in some jurisdications, you may have extremely long waiting periods or high transfer costs, even if the number you can own is not limited. The design of these rifles — particularly the all-in-one features — reflects legal restrictions in place in many European nations.
WOW! I love innovation, and when it’s in a gorgeous package too, it’s a lust machine. Wish I could afford it, I didn’t ask how much. We are looking at the future with this one.
For those who can still own semi-autos, this is a nothing rifle, a curiosity at best.
For others, who lost the privilege many years ago, this is the only way we can get fast follow up shots. View it through that lens and you will understand, I hope.
EDITOR: Also understand that the ease of barrel change (with different chamberings) is important in countries where citizens have a limit on the number of rifles they may own, or where there is a very long wait period to get a rifle ownership permit.
The Lynx straight pull rifle from Finland is essentially cf T-Bolt with 7 moving parts in the action.
http://lynxrifles.fi/
Thank you Editor for explaining restrictions in place that make this type of firearm accessible for for some. Regardless, the workmanship and engineering that went into these firearms certainly is worthy of any affectionado’s apreciation. Thanks for bring these works of art to this reader’s attention.
D