RX.

HELIX
IT‘S TIME FOR A NEW BOLT ACTION
THE CHALLENGE
WAS ENORMOUS
The idea for a new rifle was born one October afternoon in 2007 in a hunting lodge
in the Thuringian Forest. With fresh concepts perfectly supplementing the cultural
genes of the old gunmaking town of Suhl, the ambitious goal was laid out – to devel-
op a hunting gun for the 21st century. A straight-pull bolt action rifle that sets new
standards in terms of safety, ergonomics and handling. A gun for modern-day hunting.
This concept now has a name.

“Deluxe“ DESIGN
 THE SUHL GENES
THE SUHL GENES

CREATIVE ENGINEERING

The safety of the rotary bolt head has proven itself since 1898, when Paul Mauser (a contemporary of the Merkel brothers)
introduced his legendary System 98. Some 112 years on, MERKEL has taken the strengths of this system and engineered
brand new concepts in the manufacture of hunting rifles for modern-day hunting.

MODERN HUNTING – DRIVEN HUNTS

A hunter must be able to handle his rifle safely and efficiently when under stress and with limited time at their disposal.
The HELIX offers everything the hunter needs – a true linear bolt action with transmission gear. This allows rapid reloading
while remaining in shooting position, and also means that the shooter‘s eye can remain focused on the target with a little
practice. This is because the HELIX does not use a breech which retracts towards the eye of the shooter.
The manual cocking and the bolt with MERKEL Safebolt technology ensure safe handling of the rifle and prevent
unintended shot firing.

MODERN HUNTING – HUNTING TRIPS AND VISITS TO far away HUNTING GROUNDS
Thanks to the standard Take-Down function on the HELIX rifle, discreet travelling with small pack
sizes and rapid dismantling are possible without the need for tools. Changing the calibre with
an interchangeable barrel can be made just as quickly.
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TWO HUNTERS, TWO GunS, ONE IDEOLOGY
These two men have been passionate hunters since their youth, which shows their years of experience. On the left is Georg “Schorsch”
Knobel with his Stutzen, a bolt action rifle from 1930. Next to him is Karl Schmider with his new MERKEL from 2011. Replacing old with
the new: Unboxing the new HELIX.
 SAFETY
SAFETY

HUNTING WITH A GOOD FEELING

The HELIX is a straight-pull bolt action rifle that can be carried with a good feeling of safety. MERKEL does
not compromise on safety in the gun design. Tried-and-tested technology is applied and developed further.
A walnut-sized steel bolt head is found inside the HELIX, which has proven itself time and time again.

SAFETY OF THE HUNTER MANUAL COCKING AND SAFEBOLT IGNITION RELIABILITY

The rotary bolt head used on the
HELIX is considered as one of the
safest locking methods on bolt ac-
tion rifles. Six steel locking lugs en-
sure maximum safety for the shooter,
even when the system is consider-
ably overstressed. Shooting at 8,000
bar under basic CIP conditions has
been documented.
The manual cocking lever of the HELIX
is located on the stock wrist. With a flick
of the thumb, it places the system under
tension just before the shot is fired –
and can be released again just as easily.
The MERKEL Safebolt ensures that a
shot can only be fired when the system
is locked.
Manual cocking systems sometimes
suffer from a lack of ignition energy.
A patented hammer system with a
linkage-driven hammer has been de-
veloped for the HELIX that provides
maximum ignition energy. The HELIX
fires when the trigger is pulled. This
offers additional safety against dan-
gerous game.
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Smart Bolt Head
Both Knobel and Schmider swear by the tried-and-tested bolt principle using steel locking lugs.
These are used in the modern HELIX from MERKEL and are similar in principle to Knobel‘s Stutzen from 1930 – safe and unbreakable.
 ERGONOMICS
ERGONOMICS

THE INTUITIVE Rifle

Responsiveness comes when a gun sits well in the hand. However, MERKEL has gone even further and developed an
intuitive bolt action rifle. With three control elements (manual cocking lever, bolt handle and trigger) and ergonomic bolt
action shooting, the HELIX concentrates on the essentials – not on complex movements.

THE INTUITION PRINCIPLE DRY-ACTION TRIGGER STRAIGHT STOCK

The principle of intuition runs con-
sistently through the HELIX. This is
illustrated by optimally positioned
control elements, the perfectly cut
stock, the ergonomic magazine
removal and the Picatinny rail, which
makes the attachment of a scope
simplicity itself.
The highly-praised direct trigger on
the HELIX is finely adjusted at the
factory for a precise shot. It is ideally
positioned directly underneath the
bolt handle, and is thus right next to
the bolt action. The dry trigger action
transforms this hunting gun into a
precision instrument.
When designing the stock for the
HELIX, MERKEL was inspired by the
legendary Suhl Africa rifles. The straight
stock with cheek piece and pistol grip
also gives the linear bolt action a pre-
cise counter-hold. This transforms the
HELIX into a fast-action, responsive
rifle which sits well in the hand.
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RAPID BOLT ACTION
Knobel admires how quick and easy Schmider makes it look – one thumb on the manual cocking lever, a shot, then “slish-slash”. One straight
pull on the bolt handle before being pushed back into place – the Helix is reloaded. This all takes place inside the system housing – nothing
moves towards the shooter‘s eye. “All he has to do now is hit the target!” says Knobel with a grin.
 ERGONOMICS
ERGONOMICS

STAYING ON TARGET

Whilst precision is essential for a hunting gun, bolt action rifles have to go one step further.
The accuracy of rapid following shots is principally determined by the bolt action.

STRAIGHT-PULL BOLT ACTION GEARED STRAIGHT-PULL ACTION CLOSED SYSTEM

The HELIX combines a safe rotary bolt
head with a true linear bolt action.
A linear bolt action means without the
rotational or tipping movement found
on other straight-pull bolt action rifles.
The linear motion of the bolt handle is
transmitted to the bolt head at a ratio
of 1:2. The bolt action is made twice as
fast, which allows more time for aiming
and accurate following shots.
On the HELIX, the bolt action takes
place inside the system housing – the
bolt does not move towards the shoot-
er‘s eye. The shooter then keeps their
concentration, which is a clear advan-
tage when rapid following shots can be
made.
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IMPROVED SHOOTING
As the pair confront a group of wild boars, Schmider uses this unique ergonomic design of the HELIX to his advantage. Rapid following shots
during bolt action shooting – only those who are used to something more complicated have to think twice. Schmider now has more time and
concentration for the most important things. In other words, his shooting improves because everything else is easier. Even Knobel is impressed
(though he would never admit it, of course).
 HANDLING
HANDLING
EASY TO DISMANTLE
Unique in this gun class: The HELIX has a fully-fledged Take-Down system.
TAKE DOWN
The magic words for dismantling a
hunting gun without tools are “Take-
Down”. With the HELIX, MERKEL
can now offer a Take-Down solu-
tion as standard for the first time in
this class. The HELIX can be rapidly
dismantled down to its packing di-
mensions and reassembled in three
steps.
BOLT BARREL SYSTEM
The patented MERKEL Bolt-Barrel-
System is the ingenious principle
behind the HELIX concept. The bar-
rel and bolt head assembly can be
removed quickly and replaced with
an assembly of a different calibre
without the need for tools. Impres-
sive precision: The point of impact is
maintained on the HELIX.
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CLEANING AND SAFETY 13

rx.helix
As the HELIX is easy to dismantle, cleaning the barrel and bolt head is simplic-
ity itself. All components are easily accessible. The removable bolt head is the
ultimate safety device for preventing unauthorised use when travelling.

Remove the barrel

together with the
bolt head.

1
Press the button and 2 Switch the barrel lever, which
remove the forearm. then releases the barrel clamp.
 HANDLING
HANDLING

HELIX ON THE ROAD

Hunting has changed a great deal in the past few years. Travelling has increased, meaning hunting is also possible on holiday or
during business trips. A rifle which is easy to dismantle can also be a plus point when travelling to your own hunting grounds, as can
a rifle with interchangeable barrels which is ideally suited to a range of surroundings. With its unique, simple Take-Down system, the
HELIX was not only developed for hunting, but also for travelling.
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WELL PACKED 15
The packing dimensions of the

rx.helix
HELIX are highlighted here by
the “virtual” case. Without the
need for tools, Schmider has
dismantled and “packed” the
rifle in seconds – the barrel
and calibre are changed just
as easily and quickly. This is a
clear advantage when visit-
ing other hunting grounds, as
Schmider does. When on the
road, the bolt head is carried in
his pocket, making unauthor-
ised use impossible. After all
this theory, Knobel is now keen
to start hunting: “Pack up your
HELIX, Schmider, it‘s time to go
to the forest!”
 SYSTEM OVERVIEW Integrated Picatinny rail
for all standard mounts
SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Closed system
housing with manual
cocking lever

Straight stock with cheek piece

and a rubber buttpad

Removable magazine.
Capacity: Standard
and Magnum 3+1.

Direct trigger with dry

With removable sling
action - factory set to
swivels as standard
1,000 grams Linkage-driven hammer

Total length approx. 107 cm (for barrel length of 56 cm) – Weight: approx. 2.9 kg
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Solid bolt head with RX.HELIX 17

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six locking lugs

Bolt-Barrel-System for tool-free Driven hunt sight

changing of barrel and calibre as standard

“BLACK” DESIGN

Full Take-Down
The HELIX “Black” is completely fitted out, and comes with a hard-anodised
functionality
aluminium action assembly. Available from woodclass 2.

Calibre Groups
MERKEL Safebolt
Mini: .222 Rem.; .223 Rem. Standard: .243 Win.; 6,5x55 SE; .270 Win.; 7x64; .308 Win.;
.30-06; 8x57 IS; 9,3x62 Magnum: 7 mm Rem. Mag.; .300 Win. Mag.

Barrel lengths: 56 cm Standard (Magnum: 61 cm; Short: 51 cm)

 HELIX MODELS
RANGE
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“EXPLORER“ Design

HELIX Explorer with synthetic stock

The new HELIX synthetic stock combination is particularly suitable for tough hunting. The stock’s innovative
material is fibreglass reinforced composite in a dark shade of anthracite with a soft-grip surface. The soft material
has a low noise level and a greater breaking strength than wood, ensures a firm grip even at very low temperatures
and is dirt-resistant. The uniform surface is without adhesive attachments – nothing can come loose.
 HELIX MODELS
RANGE

“ARABESQUE” DESIGN

“ARABESQUE”

The HELIX with classic arabesque engraving and highly-durable aluminium action
assembly. The plain elegance of the engraving is matched by the high-grade wood
stock – available in wood classes four an better.
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“WILD BOAR” DESIGN

“WILD BOAR”

The HELIX with driven hunt styling: The engraving on this high-class version depicts
a “Keiler“ surrounded by arabesques on an aluminium action assembly. Available
in wood classes four and better.
 HELIX MODELS WITH ELABORATE HANDMADE ENGRAVING
RANGE

“SPIRIT” DESIGN

“SPIRIT”

Ingenious and beautiful – owners of the HELIX “Spirit” can choose between two
hand-engraved animals surrounded by leaves or arabesques. The processed dural
aluminium action assembly perfectly matches the walnut wood (classes five to ten).
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“DELUXE” DESIGN

“DELUXE”

Refined and individual – owners can choose three animals, which are then hand-en-
graved in the dural aluminium action assembly together with leaves or arabesques.
The stock on this top-of-the-range rifle is made from refined Turkish walnut of wood
classes six and higher.
 HELIX – custom made in our manufactory
Range | Accessories

“Dubai“ Design

Challenge us! “Parforce“ Design

Let us inspire you! The Merkel manufac-

tory offers you any number of ways to
personalise your HELIX: delicately manu-
factured engravings, finest Turkish walnut,
engraved stocks, gold-plated components.
Combine one of today’s most modern
bolt-action rifles with a classical aesthetics
created especially for you by our gun- “Ukraine“ Design
smiths, engravers and stock makers. The
HELIX “Dubai” is an excellent example of
an elaborately engraved weapon lovingly
worked with numerous details in the
MERKEL manufactory in Suhl. Almost
nothing is impossible – try us!
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CUSTOM-MADE HELIX 25

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Choice of pistol grip caps 3- or 5-round magazine

Silver pistol grip caps give the HELIX a personal touch: there For those who want more than the 3+1 magazine, Merkel now offers a
is a choice of caps with engraved initials or selected animal 5+1-round magazine for the HELIX. The magazine is made of steel sheet
motifs. The silver is trimmed to protect its fine features from and the handle is covered with moulded plastic to protect against scrat-
damage. Further motifs on request. ching. The 5-round magazine is not available for magnum calibres.
 ON TOUR WITH THE HELIX
Accessories

HELIX TAKE-DOWN CASE

Two high-grade take-down cases: the larger one (see picture) and a scope. This case has a velvet-lined register, to which the
measures 38 x 78 x 9 cm and takes the dismantled HELIX, one weapon sections are fixed with Velcro strips. It is locked by two
interchangeable barrel, two scopes and an extra magazine. The robust combination locks and secured with a leather strap.
smaller one measures 32 x 76 x 9 cm and takes one dismantled rifle Further cases on request.
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Interchangeable SEMI WEIGHT barrels 27
Standard barrel 560 mm / 610 mm

rx.helix
Semi weight 19 mm barrels (standard: Ø 17 mm) are
available in three different lengths and weigh bet-
ween 170 and 320 grams more than the standard Semi weight barrel 560 mm / 610 mm

version, depending on the length of the barrel.

Excellent swinging and shooting!
Semi weight barrel 510 mm

Barrel length 560 mm 610 mm 510 mm

Barrel type Standard barrel Ø 17 mm Semi weight barrel Ø 19 mm Standard barrel Ø 17 mm Semi weight barrel Ø 19 mm Semi weight barrel Ø 19 mm

.222 Rem.

.223 Rem.

.243 Win.

6,5x55

.270 Win.

7x64

.308 Win.

.30-06

8x57IS

9,3x62

7 mm Rem.Mag.

.300 Win.Mag.

Sight
None

Driven hunt sight


MERKEL Jagd- und Sportwaffen GmbH
Schützenstraße 26 . D-98527 Suhl
Phone +49-(0)-3681-854-0 . Fax -201
www.merkel-die-jagd.de
www.rx-helix.com
7001 068E / 2/3/2012
Because we continously develop and enhance our
products, specifications and features described in this
catalogue are subject to change. The rifles can only be
purchased by those in possession of a valid permit.
All rights reserved.