Merkel Helix Speedster Black Compact, cal. 6.5 Creedmoor

The Helix from Merkel has set standards in terms of ergonomics and intuitive handling as a linear repeater with a translated closure. The Helix Speedster Black Compact also makes a good impression, especially in tight hunting blinds. The compact, front-heavy semi-weight barrel with a length of 47 cm oscillates optimally. Now, the Suhl hunting rifle specialist is introducing a stock development that is custom-made for the Helix system. The new SpeedStock is a plastic (hole stock) construction that takes completely new paths for a hunting rifle. With the open-top OmegaGrip, this stock concept combines two classic stock principles into an ergonomic and fast new development. The OmegaGrip guides the hand and thumb while reloading as if on rails. The SpeedStock is used exclusively for the new Helix Speedster for the first time. Features include a removable sight and muzzle thread M15x1.

Relaxed shooting position: Like the hole stock, the new SpeedStock allows for a relaxed stance with a steep pistol grip and the trigger finger parallel to the barrel axis—both ensure a reproducible, relaxed hold and an optimal precision shot. The good ergonomics of classic hole stock constructions reveal their weaknesses only during reloading: When quickly reloading, the thumb's insertion and removal from the stock hole can be cumbersome. This problem is eliminated with the new SpeedStock. The thumb glides along the ergonomic stock shape into shooting position in the OmegaGrip and back out while reloading. The safety slider can also be easily operated with the thumb using the open SpeedStock without awkward hand movements—another safety and ergonomic advantage of the innovative stock.

Hole stock with adjustable cheek piece: Merkel has further optimized its hole stock development. The automatically height-adjustable stock back, MemoryCheek-Piece, ensures a reproducible hold on the cheek. A spring storage element with memory function moves the stock back to the pre-set height at the push of a button, silently and in steps.

Grippy and individually adjustable: The stock is made from a high-tech plastic in a two-component process. Grippy, rubberized areas are integrated into the pistol grip, fore-end, and stock back. The surface of the SpeedStock is textured for better grip. Additionally, the stock length can be adjusted tool-free and easily to the hunter and their clothing. For this, Merkel offers stock cap carriers in various lengths that can be easily exchanged. The stock is screwed to the system from below via an eccentric-controlled body connector through the pistol grip. This elegant solution ensures that the grip area is free of screw holes, which can sometimes hinder handling with conventional hole stocks.

Practical are also the push-button sling mounts used here: The securely locked rifle sling can be easily detached on the shooting range and just as easily reattached later. The stock geometry with a straight stock back at the height of the barrel axis transmits recoil forces linearly to the shoulder; this reduces muzzle jump. The stiffness of the plastic construction, determined in laboratory tests, combined with a microcellular damper in the stock cap, absorbs defined recoil forces and facilitates shooting even with strong calibers.

Safety of the shooter: Safety is the good feeling of being able to pursue hunting carefree—because the rifle itself provides the best conditions for safety. The Helix closure is an evolution of the classic turn-head closure—no other principle locks repeaters more securely. In the Merkel RX Helix, the turn-head closure is combined with the Helix principle for linear repeating. The closure is encapsulated at the back for additional safety and against contamination.

Prevention of unintentional discharge: The manual cocking mechanism of the RX Helix is located on the stock neck. It puts the system under tension only immediately before the shot with thumb pressure—and it can be just as easily relaxed again.

Reliable function: Manual cocking systems sometimes suffer from a firing energy deficit. For the RX Helix, a patented hammer system with a joint-driven firing pin has been developed that delivers maximum firing energy: for a safe shot release.

Linear repeating: Repeating in the shooting position is the king's discipline of the quick follow-up shot. The RX Helix masters this discipline masterfully. The Merkel RX Helix combines the turn-head closure with true linear repeating in the shooting position—without the slightest disturbing turning or tilting movement as seen in other straight-pull repeaters. The eye remains on the target, and the chamber handle is positioned exactly above the trigger. The straight stock in the tradition of Merkel African rifles provides the necessary support for this movement.

Translated straight pull: The linear movement of the chamber handle is transmitted to the closure head in a 1:2 ratio. It moves softly and quietly into the locking mechanism in a special system of the Helix track—and back out again. The repeating path is thus translated: the fastest repeating is guaranteed. This benefits quicker target acquisition and thus the precise follow-up shot.

Staying on target: The closure does not move beyond the stock neck towards the shooter's eye when reloading, which can disturb aiming in conventional systems. The movement in the Helix system occurs only within the system housing. The eye remains undisturbed on the target. Now for the second shot: triggered by a finely adjustable direct trigger with a dry characteristic—that is true ergonomics.

Take-Down: The RX Helix is the first rifle developed not only for hunting but also for the journey there. Merkel defines a new quality of take down. The magic word for the tool-free disassembly of a hunting weapon is take down. With the Bolt Barrel System, Merkel has perfected the classic take down and implemented it in series for the first time in this class. This rifle can be disassembled into a transport size in three simple movements. Even those with little experience can do this in seconds—bringing the RX Helix to transport dimensions.

Bolt-Barrel-System: The revolution in the barrel. The Bolt Barrel System is behind the perfected Merkel take down: barrel, closure head, and system are connected by a coupling mechanism that can be released with a single lever—tool-free.

Definitely secure: The Bolt Barrel System is ideal for the definitive securing of the rifle. The closure head is no larger than a walnut and can be stored in a pocket—thus the rifle is securely protected against unauthorized use.

Easy to clean: Cleaning the barrel and closure is also made easy thanks to the Bolt Barrel System: remove the barrel, unscrew the closure head—all parts are easily accessible and easy to clean.

Mounting: A sight can be easily and cost-effectively attached. The top of the closure sleeve is designed as a Weaver rail. The sight can be removed and reattached with two simple movements without any changes to the point of impact. The eye relief can be varied (e.g., winter or summer clothing) by switching to one of the two rear cross studs of the Weaver prism.