You might also look at the newest CZ stalking rifle. Look on czusa website. Similar in function to Merkel but a LOT cheaper. CZ used to make an economy breakopen single shot which was an excellent buy; apparently they don't import it any more. I had one in .222 and regret trading it for something I have probably forgotten. It really shot.
I wish somebody would make an updated Savage 219 with plain decent walnut wood and the barrel drilled for scope mounts. Shouldn't be hard with an investment cast frame to cut costs. I have one in .25-20 that I added a Savage 220 .410 barrel to, and a beat up .22 Hornet that I had rebored to .25-35. Both accurate fun guns.