The original Merrill pistols were accurate, but as they were chambered in heavier calibers, many of them had extraction difficulties, due to a relatively weak extractor. Many of those guns could be seen on IHMSA firing lines in the late 70's and early 80's with their users carrying a cleaning rod "just in case", to punch out the empties that failed to extract.
Mr. Merrill sold the business (perhaps in the 70's, as I recall) to Jim Rock, who subsequently renamed the pistol the RPM XL (for Rock Pistol Manufacturing). Jim ultimately developed an improved lever actuated mechanical extraction system which worked well. The external extractor and lever could be seen on the outside of the action on these guns.
Jim was an extraordinary long range shooter and set perhaps 80 or so national silhouette records shooting his guns. Bob Kelly, who worked for Jim was also a frequent record setter and championship winner, fully the equal of Jim. Jim finally retired, well into his 70's, around the turn of the century, and his son-in-law, Gary Wrigley, a well known silhouette shooter, began to produce some pistols. I don't recall the name of the new small manufacturing company, but it might be "Granite Mountain..?"
The RPM and earlier Merrills could have interchangeable barrels, but each had to be fitted at the factory, as opposed to the "over the counter" adaptability of their competitor, the T/C Contender.
I own only one RPM XL with 2 barrels: a .356 Win. 12", and a .30 Merrill in 14 1/2". Both are quite accurate, particularly the .30 Merrill.
Mr. Merrill sold the business (perhaps in the 70's, as I recall) to Jim Rock, who subsequently renamed the pistol the RPM XL (for Rock Pistol Manufacturing). Jim ultimately developed an improved lever actuated mechanical extraction system which worked well. The external extractor and lever could be seen on the outside of the action on these guns.
Jim was an extraordinary long range shooter and set perhaps 80 or so national silhouette records shooting his guns. Bob Kelly, who worked for Jim was also a frequent record setter and championship winner, fully the equal of Jim. Jim finally retired, well into his 70's, around the turn of the century, and his son-in-law, Gary Wrigley, a well known silhouette shooter, began to produce some pistols. I don't recall the name of the new small manufacturing company, but it might be "Granite Mountain..?"
The RPM and earlier Merrills could have interchangeable barrels, but each had to be fitted at the factory, as opposed to the "over the counter" adaptability of their competitor, the T/C Contender.
I own only one RPM XL with 2 barrels: a .356 Win. 12", and a .30 Merrill in 14 1/2". Both are quite accurate, particularly the .30 Merrill.
