If you've ever spent an afternoon browsing through used gun racks at a local shop, you might have stumbled upon the simson suhl model 100e and wondered why it feels so much more solid than the price tag suggests. It's one of those firearms that carries a lot of history, hailing from a corner of Germany that's been making high-quality barrels and actions for literally hundreds of years. While it might not have the flashy marketing of a modern Italian semi-auto, this side-by-side has a sort of quiet dignity that really appeals to shooters who appreciate traditional craftsmanship without wanting to mortgage their house for a boutique English piece.
The town of Suhl has a reputation that's almost legendary among double-gun enthusiasts. For a long time, it was the heartbeat of German gunmaking. Even during the era of the GDR (East Germany), when many factories were pushed toward mass production, the craftsmen in Suhl managed to keep their standards remarkably high. The Model 100e is a prime example of that era. It's a boxlock shotgun that doesn't try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it just tries to be the best version of a classic design.
The Feel and Build of a Classic Boxlock
When you first pick up a simson suhl model 100e, the first thing you'll probably notice is the balance. It's got that "between the hands" feel that makes a side-by-side so intuitive to shoot. Most of these were built as 12-gauge or 16-gauge models, and they tend to be relatively light. If you're planning on walking through tall grass or heavy brush all day looking for upland birds, your arms will definitely thank you for choosing something like this over a heavy, clunky autoloader.
The action itself is a standard Anson & Deeley boxlock, which is about as reliable as a mechanical design can get. It's simple, it works, and it's easy for a competent gunsmith to service if something does go wrong. You'll usually find these with a scalloped receiver, which is a nice little touch that adds a bit of elegance to the profile. It's a small detail, but it shows that the folks in Suhl weren't just slapping parts together; they cared about how the gun looked as much as how it functioned.
The wood is usually a decent grade of European walnut. It might not always have the "exhibition grade" swirls and patterns you'd see on a $10,000 gun, but it's sturdy, functional, and usually finished with a traditional oil or lacquer that ages gracefully. Most 100e models feature a pistol grip and a cheekpiece, which is very much in line with the Continental style of the time.
Why the "E" Matters
In the world of Suhl shotguns, that little "e" in simson suhl model 100e stands for ejectors. Now, I know some traditionalists actually prefer extractors because they don't like chasing their brass (or plastic) hulls across the field, but there's no denying that ejectors add a level of mechanical sophistication. The timing on these ejectors is usually quite crisp. When you break the gun open after a shot, those shells fly out with a satisfying "tink," letting you reload quickly if a second covey flushes.
The triggers are typically double triggers, which, in my opinion, is the only way to go for a side-by-side. It gives you instant choice over which barrel—and therefore which choke—you want to use. If a bird flushes close, you hit the front trigger for the more open choke. If it's a long-shot, you go straight to the back. It's a mechanical simplicity that modern selectors just can't quite beat for pure speed.
Performance in the Field
Shooting the simson suhl model 100e is a bit of a throwback experience. It doesn't have a recoil pad that looks like it belongs on a space shuttle, and it won't cycle 3.5-inch magnum shells. But that's not what it's for. This is a gun for the person who enjoys the hunt as much as the hit.
The barrels on these guns are often bored quite tightly. German makers were famous for their full chokes back in the day, so if you find one, don't be surprised if it patterns a bit tighter than you'd expect. That said, they are usually fantastic for late-season pheasants or doves where you need a bit more reach. The sighting plane of a side-by-side is wide, which some people find distracting, but once you get used to it, it's like looking down a tabletop. It naturally guides your eyes to the horizon.
One thing to keep in mind is that many of these older German guns were chambered for 2 3/4-inch (70mm) shells. You definitely don't want to be shoving modern "high brass" heavy loads through them without checking the proof marks first. Most 100e models are perfectly safe with standard field loads, but it's always worth a quick look at the flats under the barrels to see what they were rated for.
The "Poor Man's Merkel" Label
You'll often hear people call the simson suhl model 100e the "poor man's Merkel." To be honest, I think that's a bit of an unfair jab. While it's true that Merkel was the "premium" brand coming out of Suhl at the time, the Simson models were often made in the very same factories by the very same workers.
In many cases, the differences between a Simson and a Merkel of that era were purely cosmetic. You might get slightly less intricate engraving or a simpler grade of wood on the Simson, but the steel, the heat treatment, and the internal mechanics were essentially identical. If you're a shooter rather than a collector who stares at guns through a magnifying glass, the Simson is arguably the better value. You're getting world-class German engineering for a fraction of the "name brand" price.
What to Look for When Buying
If you're on the hunt for a simson suhl model 100e, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for. First, check the lockup. When the gun is closed, there should be absolutely no wiggle or "play" between the barrels and the frame. It should feel like a solid block of steel. Because these guns are often 40 or 50 years old, some might have seen a lot of rounds, and while they are tough, they aren't indestructible.
Take a close look at the bores, too. Many of these guns were used with corrosive primers back in the day, or simply weren't cleaned properly after a rainy day in the field. You want to see mirrors in there, not "darkness" or pitting. Also, check the wood-to-metal fit. On a well-maintained 100e, the wood should still be tight against the receiver. If you see gaps, it might mean the wood has dried out or the gun was stored in a damp basement.
Lastly, check the screws. One of my biggest pet peeves is seeing a beautiful German shotgun with "buggered" screw heads where someone used a flat-head screwdriver from a junk drawer instead of proper gunsmithing bits. It tells you a lot about how the previous owner treated the gun.
Final Thoughts
The simson suhl model 100e represents a time when you didn't have to be a millionaire to own a well-made European double gun. It's a workhorse with a soul. It's the kind of gun you can take out on a cold November morning, get a few scratches on the stock, and not feel like you've ruined a museum piece—yet, you can still come home, wipe it down, and admire the lines and the craftsmanship.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or someone just getting into the world of side-by-sides, there's a lot to love here. It's reliable, it's historical, and it swings like a dream. In a world of plastic and aluminum, the Simson Suhl is a reminder that steel and walnut still have a place in the field. If you find one in good shape, don't let it pass you by—you might find it becomes your favorite companion for those long walks in the woods.