Forbes 20B Ultralight Questions

[Duke1]

Anyone has experience with these rifles, I ran across one available at decent price $1000 but don't know much about them except what the seller is saying, he states it is sub moa, 3 years old and weighs 4.75 lbs. Any first hand info will be appreciated.

 

[std7mag]

I had a 24B in 280 Rem.
20B is just the short action version. And 3/4lb less weight.

You can go to NULA's website & read more about them.

NULA Bolt-Action Rifles - Wilson Combat

Wilson Combat has been the innovator in custom pistols, long guns, and accessories since 1977. Home of the Wilson Combat 1911, EDC X9, WCP320, and more!

newultralightarms.com

My opinion...

New rifle starts, starts, at $3,600.
I consider $1,000 a good price if it wasn't used to chop firewood!

 

[Hal]

Anyone has experience with these rifles, I ran across one available at decent price $1000 but don't know much about them except what the seller is saying, he states it is sub moa, 3 years old and weighs 4.75 lbs. Any first hand info will be appreciated.

Good price, what caliber ?

 

[Duke1]

Thanks 308

 

[Duke1]

Was wondering on accuracy and recoil being so light

 

[snert]

Accuracy will be fine. Recoil is a function of mass, velocity and physics.

 

[Prose]

A Forbes rifle and a ULA/NULA rifle are not the same thing. If it is a genuine NULA don’t pass on it under any circumstances. If it is a Forbes Rifle make sure it shoots and if it’s in good condition then that’s still a very good price but passable if the gun doesn’t function.

Melvin Forbes website has a really good history.

 

[Duke1]

How would I know if its genuine NULA, thanks

 

[Prose]

A Forbes rifle it is made by colt and it’s not a nula. The name on the rifle is all it takes to discern. If it is a Forbes rifle than it's not possible that it's only 3 1/2 years old.

 

[Duke1]

On the receiver its inscribed Forbes Rifle

 

[oldroper]

How would I know if its genuine NULA, thanks

I have Forbes Model 24 and rifle was build before he sold out to Colt. First two serial # is year rifle next was how many was build. Looked like this year XX-012.

I'm not sure how Forbes marked actions after he got company back.

 

[fishermen0105]

Lots of incorrect information on this thread. Forbes rifles were made well after the Colt deal. Lots of info via google searches. Lots of later Forbes rifles have quality control issues after Melvin Forbes left Forbes Rifles. Forbes rifles are not the same thing as ULA/NULA rifles but similar. 1k could very well be an ok deal but the rifle could also have issues that would entail sending it to Melvin Forbes for repair if he will still take on more work now that he's sold NULA to Wilson. He would support these rifles for a reasonable fee prior to the sale.

 

[lotech]

I can't comment on a Forbes, but will comment on a NULA regarding weight and recoil; those aspects should be very similar to the Forbes. I bought a new NULA Model 20 .308 in 2010. With a 6x Leupold scope, it weighs just under six pounds. The rifle is equipped with the lightest barrel, a #1 contour 22" in length.

Recoil is very manageable, even with 180 grain bullets at maximum velocity, though the kick is probably a little more than heavier .308s. The rifle has been fired a great deal doing a lot of load development with many different bullet designs and weights between 150 -180 grains. I certainly can't shoot half-inch groups every time like the Internet crowd with their "all day long" rifles, but I've gotten enough small groups that I'd call the rifle very accurate.

As for barrel weight, the skinny #1 contour has been no disadvantage, but if one's bench technique is less than it should be, such a light rifle will not shoot well. I found this out immediately and made necessary personal improvements.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Forbes rifle, but the price would have to be very good in case something needs reworking. I assume Mr. Forbes will still do this after selling NULA.

 

[slm9s]

At that price buy it. I've had an ULA and have 2 Forbes and I couldn't tell the difference. All are accurate, high quality, and a joy to carry.
One thing, rifles that light are harder to shoot accurately, especially off-hand.