Merkel · Rifle

Merkel RX Helix Explorer

Name: Merkel RX Helix Explorer
Brand: Merkel

Straight-pull bolt · .30-06 Springfield · introduced 2010

Also known as Merkel Helix Explorer, RX.Helix Explorer

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About the Merkel RX Helix Explorer

The Merkel RX Helix Explorer is the all-weather synthetic-stocked version of Merkel's German straight-pull bolt-action hunting rifle. Like the wood-stocked RX Helix, it uses a 1:2 transmission gearing that halves the linear bolt-handle travel for exceptionally fast follow-up shots, with a six-lug rotary bolt head cycling inside a fully enclosed action housing. The Explorer swaps walnut for a fibreglass-reinforced composite stock in dark anthracite with a soft-grip surface, and retains the tool-free takedown and interchangeable barrels that let one receiver be rechambered across calibers from .223 Remington up to .300 and .338 Winchester Magnum.

The Helix straight-pull mechanism originated not with Merkel but with Sheikh Hamed of the Abu Dhabi royal family, whose concept for a short-throw geared bolt was engineered into a production rifle by the Suhl-based maker; the Explorer trim dresses that action in a soft-grip composite stock for foul-weather stalking.

Merkel RX Helix Explorer specifications

General

Type: Rifle
Action: Straight-pull bolt
Firing mechanism: Hammer-fired
Trigger: Single stage
Trigger pull: 1.3 kg (2.9 lb)
Calibres: .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum, .308 Winchester, 6.5mm Creedmoor
Magazine capacity: 3 rounds
Magazine: Detachable box magazine

Dimensions

Barrel length: 560 mm (22.0 in)
Overall length: 1070 mm (42.1 in)
Weight (empty): 3.00 kg (6.61 lb)

Barrel

Rifling: Right hand

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Stock: Carbon fiber
Finish: anthracite_soft_grip

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 850 m/s (2789 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical): 4200 J (3098 ft·lb)
Effective range: 300 m

History

Introduced: 2010
Production status: In production
Country of origin: DE
Designer: Merkel (Helix concept attributed to Sheikh Hamed of the Abu Dhabi royal family)

Available calibres

.30-06 Springfield.300 Winchester Magnum.308 Winchester6.5mm Creedmoor

Features

Straight pull action
1-to-2 transmission gearing
Short bolt throw
Interchangeable barrels
Tool free takedown
Six lug rotary bolt head
Enclosed action housing
Soft grip synthetic stock
Picatinny rail base
I-sight open sights
Adjustable trigger

Safety

Manual cocking lever
Hand cocking system

Explorer-specific feature is the fibreglass-reinforced composite stock (dark anthracite, soft-grip surface) purpose-built for adverse weather; the stock can be swapped for walnut. Calibers are grouped into Mini (.223 Rem), Standard (.243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, 7x64, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, 8x57 IS, 9.3x62), and Magnum (7mm Rem Mag, .300/.338 Win Mag). Standard barrel is 560mm (107cm overall); magazine holds 3+1 with an optional 5+1. Direct trigger adjustable 900-1900g; optional TAR-GT trigger adjustable 500-1500g. i-Sight configurable open sights and a Picatinny rail base are standard.