Location: Suhl, Germany

Merkel brothers began manufacturing rifles and shotguns in Suhl, Germany in 1898. Company is best known for its over/under and side-by-side shotguns, but has also produced double-barreled express rifles, drillings with various rifle/shotgun combinations, falling block single-shot rifles and bolt-action rifles. Many experts consider Merkels to be equal in quality to some of the better Italian and English guns. Because of the company's long and complex history, including years during which it operated behind the Iron Curtain, there are many un-catalogued models that may be encountered. Merkel firearms are imported by Merkel USA, a subsidiary of Steyr Arms in Trussville, Alabama.