Merkel RX Helix Straight Pull Rifle

Introduction: Why Choose a Straight Pull Rifle?

Straight pull rifles have become popular in Europe, most probably because they are so perfect for driven wild boar hunting where the game comes in thick and fast, shots need to be taken at running animals, and fast repeat shots are frequently needed. For that sort of scenario traditional hunters will tend towards a double rifle or double rifle drilling, and the younger generation often choose a straight pull bolt action rifle. A straight pull rifle will normally be somewhat less expensive than a double rifle or double rifle drilling, which can be another factor encouraging their use: a double rifle without doubt permits the firing of two shots faster than any other action, but becomes much slower for the third and subsequent shots, even if you have an ejector double rifle.

Merkel RX Helix Black heavy barrel — Merkel RX Helix Black with heavy barrel option.

Why then not choose a semi-automatic? There are two downsides to the use of a semi-automatic action; the first is that they are often illegal in places we may want to hunt, and the second is that when you fire a semi-automatic it automatically chambers a fresh cartridge ready for the next shot. The fact that a semi-automatic makes chambering a fresh live round compulsory takes away the shooter’s ability to choose whether or not they want to do that, with a semi-automatic you don’t have a choice. But if you want to have complete control over your rifle then a repeating action such as a straight pull bolt action provides that. In a driven hunt situation where there will be a number of shooters, having that additional level of control is desirable.

The Merkel RX Helix

A few straight pull hunting rifle models have appeared in recent years and one of the more highly regarded is the Merkel RX Helix. The Merkel RX Helix has attracted quite a following of enthusiasts because of its short-bolt-throw operation, which literally halves the required bolt-handle movement by comparison with other straight pull rifle actions. To achieve this Merkel engineers employed a geared linkage hammer system that provides a 2:1 advantage so that for each inch of bolt handle movement the internal bolt moves about two inches. Locking and unlocking of the six lug rotating bolt head is accomplished by use of a cam in the bolt sleeve.

Caliber Groups

The Merkel RX Helix is made in three groups of calibers, Mini, Standard and Magnum. The Mini group is the .222 Remington and the .223 Remington. The Standard group is the .243 Winchester, 6.5×55 SE, .270 Winchester, 7×64, .308 Winchester, .30-06, 8×57 IS, and 9.3×62. The Magnum group is 7mm Remington Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .338 Winchester Magnum.

The Merkel RX Helix is not made in heavy dangerous game calibers and is at its best used as a general purpose stalking rifle that provides the speed needed for driven wild boar hunts, and the accuracy needed for deer stalking and open country or alpine hunting.

Switch Barrel/Caliber System

The Merkel RX Helix can be switched to any of the calibers in the same group by changing the barrel and, if necessary, the magazine. The rifle can also be used for calibers of the other groups by changing the rotating bolt head and magazine.

Merkel Helix bolt head — The bolt head of the RX Helix is easily removed and changed. Refitting is done by inserting it into the detached barrel and rotating it until the red dots on barrel and bolt head line up.

The Merkel RX Helix is made for easy field stripping both for cleaning and for interchanging barrels if desired. To remove the barrel the bolt is pulled back to its rearmost position and the magazine removed. The stock fore-end is removed by rotating the button under the fore-end anti-clockwise to release it, then depressing it. The fore-end can then be removed by pulling it forward and away: almost as easy as removing the fore-end of a double barreled gun. If it is desired to remove the bolt head then this procedure is done with the bolt in the forward (locked) position so that when the barrel is removed the bolt head comes out of the action with it. It can then be rotated and removed and a different one inserted and rotated to lock into place (see diagram above).

The stock fore-end is removed by rotating and then depressing the button under it and pulling the fore-end forward.

Once the fore-end is removed the barrel can be removed by rotating the barrel locking lever through 90° anti-clockwise and sliding it out of the action body.

Merkel RX Helix barrel switch — The barrel is detached by rotating the locking lever 90° anti-clockwise and then pulling the barrel out.

Field stripping the Merkel RX Helix is a quite simple process so maintenance is kept as easy and intuitive as possible. Barrel removal and replacement can be accomplished in a little less than one minute.

Merkel RX Helix exploded diagram — Merkel RX Helix stripped down to basic assembly groups.

For full instructions you will find the complete manual if you click here.

For the section in English go to page 25. The diagrams begin on page 121. We recommend you read those instructions in full before attempting to use or field-strip an RX Helix.

Safety System

The Merkel RX Helix uses the cock/de-cock style of safety system that is common on many European rifles nowadays. These systems provide an excellent level of safety for a rifle used for non-dangerous game, but are often not recommended by Professional Hunters for use on dangerous game, where provision of “safety” takes on an additional dimension. A dangerous game rifle must be easy and instinctive to fire, and it must fire instantly with absolute reliability. If it does not then the shooter can find themselves being masticated on by a big cat or reduced to a red stain in the dust by a grumpy elephant or hippo. For the sake of safety, when dealing with game that can kill you, carrying a rifle that is cocked and locked is more reliable than carrying one that must be cocked before it can be fired. So, for a stalking and hunting rifle for non-dangerous game the de-cock safety system is excellent: but for a dangerous game rifle a professional hunter will often advise a rifle with a normal safety catch that will be carried cocked and locked.

Merkel double rifles are made with conventional safety catches and are carried cocked and locked. These rifles are suitable for dangerous game and you will find more information about them if you click here.

The cocking lever of the RX Helix is conveniently located on the tang much like the safety of most shotguns. To cock the rifle push forwards.

To cock the RX Helix the cocking slide lever on the tang is pushed fully forwards: to de-cock the button on top of the slide is depressed as the slide lever is pushed forwards and then allowed to move back to the safe position. When the rifle is cocked a red warning spot is visible behind the cocking slide, when it is de-cocked the red warning spot is no longer visible.

When the cocking slide is pushed forward the rifle is cocked and the red warning spot is visible. When the cocking slide is in the rear position the rifle is de-cocked and the red warning dot is no longer visible.

Specifications

Action: Straight pull bolt action with 1:2 gearing to provide short manual bolt operation. Rotating steel bolt head with six locking lugs that lock into the barrel making this a front locking action. Action body made of aluminum alloy with integral Picatinny profile bases. Weaver or Kilic mounts optional. For full information on mounting options click here.

Trigger: Direct trigger adjustable from approx. 900 to 1,900 grams. Optional: TAR-GT trigger smoothly adjustable from approx. 500 to 1,500 grams. Gold plated trigger

Magazine: detachable box magazine, 3 rounds in standard magazine and 5 rounds in extended magazine. Rifle can be loaded with a cartridge in the chamber making the total capacity 3+1 for a standard magazine and 5+1 for an extended magazine.

Barrels: Standard barrel (Ø 17 mm), with or without driven hunt sights. Optional: Semi-weight barrel (Ø 19 mm), fluted barrel, muzzle thread M15x1 with cap. For full barrel options and information click here.

Dimensions: Length 107cm with 56cm barrel fitted. Weight approximately 3kg depending on barrel, stock material, and other fittings.

Options: Extended magazine, Muzzle brake, Merkel Suppressor, Stock key, Harris bi-pod.

Models

Helix Black

The Helix Black is a traditionally styled sporting rifle with blackened action and barrel, and walnut stock in a classic configuration. The Helix Black is available in a range of wood options and is also available with the Lady DS style stock. The Helix Black is fitted with a rubber recoil pad as standard.