Today we join Tim Pilbeam as he heads out after Fallow Deer armed with the Merkel Helix. Does the rifle's ergonomic design improve his aim?

First up is to test the Merkel Helix hunting rifle with some stationary targets to ensure the data from the scope and rifle are perfectly in tune. The scope can be customised to the specific rifle, atmospheric conditions, and choice of bullet to improve performance, and Tim demonstrates this nicely showing how a second reticle appears at a further distance to compensate for bullet drop. The combination of the data from the scope, and the fastest straight-pull centrefire rifle works well as Tim cleanly hits all the targets, before deciding to begin hunting.

Today’s shoot is to build up venison reserves for a catering company. Then first two farms are a bust, but on the way back, Tim spots a herd of fallows running through one of the fields. Tim uses his binoculars to observe closely, before setting up 220 metres away from a pair that have broken away. The doe manages to jump a fence into some woodland, and Tim takes a shot on the thorn, which hits cleanly as the thorn falls to the ground.

As Tim inspects the thorn, it’s clear that the Merkel Helix can deliver near perfect aim, helping Tim to have a successful shoot.