Melvin Forbes Sells New Ultra Light Arms to Wilson Combat

[AuNEagle]

Legendary Rifle Maker Melvin Forbes Sells New Ultra Light Arms to Wilson Combat

Rifle maker Melvin Forbes is selling his company, New Ultra Light Arms, to the custom gun maker Wilson Combat.

www.fieldandstream.com

Honestly, I did not know about the NULA rifles until I saw this article. And when I searched these forums, most of the results for NULA rifles had to do with rifle/ammo sales. I'm curious as to what the bolt action rifle experts think about the NULA rifles and also about the sale to Wilson Combat.

 

[Skunkworx]

I remember reading an article about Nula about 25 year ago in either Guns and Ammo or Guns Magazine. This was still dial up internet days and those rifles seemed neat. Sadly, I haven’t really seen much written or advertised about them in decades. They had some cool stuff, I hope Wilson can pump new life into them.

 

[4O6shootist]

He originally spun off the Forbes line, more affordable ultralight hunting rifles. I have an early serial number 270 that's 5.5# and shoots pretty well. The company running the manufacturing fell to substandard production and sold to Barret and the lightweight fieldcraft bolt gun waa spun off on the Nula/Forbes footprint. Those were generally great guns but they've ceased production early last year or maybe even late 2020. Hopefully Wilson does the Nula name honor, as they were regarded as excellent light rigs. He full length bedded the action AND barrel to remove harmonics. Vast majority his stuff built was in the 4.8-5.8# range, light weight medium range hunting applications. It's pretty difficult to shoot rigs that light at longer distance.

 

[Totoro]

Back in the day, I fancied a few stoopid light rifles; ULA, Bansner's, MGA, Rifles Inc.

For back pack hunting, I was happy to have any of them; all very well built and capable of shooting better than I.

That said, with the advancements arms/components/cartridges today building a light weight AND long range rifle isn't voodoo magic anymore and the mystic of owning a "lightweight" is now available to the masses.

Best of luck to Bill Wilson to continue the legacy!

 

[4O6shootist]

Building an ultra light rifle capable of shooting tiny 3 shot groups from a bench isn't the difficult part. It's driving them to their ability in field conditions that is. I had a 7.2# all up 65 saum, was a handful just to keep it steady in Eastern Montana winds.

 

[Woodlanddude]

I saw them first in Morgantown, WV 30 years ago. Mr. Forbes seemed to be a knowledgeable shooter and manufacturer clear back in the 90's.
Colt made them for a short time as the light rifle. They f'd them up royally. My boss bought 3 of the same model in 30-06 on clearance. 1 was fabulous, and the others had a minor bolt issue that was easily fixed. My friend bought one in 250 savage. Absolutely loves it. Accuracy was not an issue on these rifles. All were moa ish.

 

[nagantguy]

I saw them first in Morgantown, WV 30 years ago. Mr. Forbes seemed to be a knowledgeable shooter and manufacturer clear back in the 90's.
Colt made them for a short time as the light rifle. They f'd them up royally. My boss bought 3 of the same model in 30-06 on clearance. 1 was fabulous, and the others had a minor bolt issue that was easily fixed. My friend bought one in 250 savage. Absolutely loves it. Accuracy was not an issue on these rifles. All were moa ish.

Funny that you mention the 250 savage flavor : my uncles best friend as same said model and I’ve listed after it for years. It’s a sweet shooting little fly weight . I’ve pestered him on a trade or outright selling it to me for years - saw the guy recently and as soon as we shook hands he said “no!” Before I even asked.