Merkel Helix Speedster Orange, cal. .308 Win.

The Helix Speedster features SoftTouch inserts in signal colors and a durable plastic stock. The latter is equipped with a tool-free removable stock cap, while the stock back can additionally be conveniently and easily adjusted in height at the push of a button. A quick-release sling mount and a cleaning cord in the pistol grip complete the overall package sensibly. The repeating rifle has a short, illaflon-coated semi-weight barrel with a muzzle thread (M15x1) and a removable sight. The bolt-barrel system ensures a quick barrel change, the round chamber grip ball provides a secure grip during the reloading process, and the Picatinny rail allows for easy mounting of optional accessories. As a true take-down, the Helix Speedster can be disassembled tool-free and in just three hand movements. Helix Speedster The Helix from Merkel has set standards in terms of ergonomics and intuitive handling as a linear repeater with an offset bolt. Now, the Suhl hunting rifle specialist has developed a stock tailored to the Helix system. The new SpeedStock is a plastic (hollow stock) construction that takes entirely 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 during reloading as if on rails. RELAXED SHOOTING POSITION Like the hollow 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 stance and an optimal precision shot. The good ergonomics of classic hollow stock constructions reveal their weaknesses only when reloading: During quick reloading, the thumb's entry and exit into the stock hole is cumbersome. The SpeedStock eliminates this problem. The thumb glides along the ergonomic stock shape into shooting position in the OmegaGrip and back out during 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. HOLLOW STOCK WITH HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE CHEEK PIECE The automatically height-adjustable stock back MemoryCheek-Piece ensures a reproducible stance at the cheek. A spring storage element with memory function moves the stock back to the pre-set height at the push of a button, quietly 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. 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 hollow stocks. The pressure button sling mounts used here are also practical: 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, 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 offers the best conditions for safety. The Helix lock is an evolution of the classic rotating head lock—no other principle locks repeaters more securely. In the Merkel RX Helix, the rotating head lock is combined with the Helix principle for linear repeating. The lock is encapsulated at the back for additional safety and against contamination. UNINTENDED 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. SAFE 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 Reloading 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 rotating head lock with true linear reloading in the shooting position—without the slightest disturbing rotation or tilting movement as seen in other straight-pull repeaters. The eye remains on the target, and the chamber grip is precisely above the trigger. The straight stock in the tradition of Merkel African rifles provides the necessary support for this movement. OFFSET STRAIGHT PULL The linear movement of the chamber grip is transmitted in a 1:2 ratio to the bolt head. It moves smoothly and quietly into the lock and back out in a special system of the Helix track. The reloading path is thus offset: the fastest reloading is guaranteed. This benefits quicker target acquisition and thus the precise follow-up shot. STAY ON TARGET The bolt does not move beyond the stock neck towards the shooter's eye during reloading, which can disturb aiming in conventional systems. The movement in the Helix system only occurs 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 for the first time in series in this class. This rifle can be disassembled into a transport size in three hand movements. Even little effort can achieve this in a few seconds—and bring 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, bolt head, and system are connected by a coupling mechanism that can be released with a single lever—tool-free. DEFINITELY SAFE The Bolt Barrel System is ideal for definitively securing the rifle. The bolt 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 bolt is also made easy thanks to the Bolt Barrel System: remove the barrel, unscrew the bolt head—all parts are easily accessible and easy to clean.