Anyone see a Forbes Rifle around Westside?

[johns8168]

Been toying with the idea of trading my Kimber Montana in for a Forbes 24B, have never seen one in western washington, would like to put my hands on one before going down that road?

[RadSav]

Do a search for NULA on here.  I know Romulous1297 has one, but he is not westside.  Seems there were a few westside guys that had them.  I know that is not the exact same rifle, but most people I know that have one have, or had, the other.

[jackelope]

Forbes shut their doors.
No longer making rifles.


From a thread on another forum:

Talked to Melvin the other day and he said they are done, if you have one and need service he will do it for a reasonable fee. Also heard today something about a major investor running away with a lot of money (not sure what this means), pretty much tanking them but who knows if that is true, didn't come from Melvin.

 Hopefully none of this is true but doesn't look good. On the plus side if you have a Forbes Melvin will do his magic to pretty much make it a NULA for a very reasonable price.

[johns8168]

Crap, i heard a rumor to that effect but was hoping it was a short-term shut down. sounds like I should proceed with caution on going with a Forbes just for any follow-up work that may be needed on the rifle.

[Jaques Bonet]

If you want a light weight Rifle , Look at lane precision. not cheap but quality all the way. I have a sheep rifle being made from Dallas lane. hope this helps. Jaques Bonet

[westsidehntr]

I didn't take it, I swear. 

[jackelope]

If you want a light weight Rifle , Look at lane precision. not cheap but quality all the way. I have a sheep rifle being made from Dallas lane. hope this helps. Jaques Bonet

Forbes was/is about $1500.00
Lane Precision is $4k+
 

I think you can still get a NULA, which is the company that Melvin Forbes started before Forbes rifles started.

Here's some more off of NULA's website:

He continued on making his rifles that were so appreciated 75% of his customers would buy another within 12 months. In 2013 Forbes had another chance to turn his custom rifle into an over the counter, mass produced rifle. He partnered again and Forbes Rifles was launched. The outlook was grand but the new company could not build the rifles to demanding standards Melvin Forbes  continued to apply to his full custom offerings. Melvin stepped away from Forbes Rifles and in 2015 they folded.

http://newultralightarms.com/

NULA's are ~ $3900

[johns8168]

Would love ro go the NULA route but unfortuneately thats a good bit over my budget, looks like the Forbes is the poor mans NULA.

[carpsniperg2]

I'm not westside and a bit of a drive but I have a wholesaler I can get the forbes from. Might be able to save you some money. If you want me to get you a price send me a PM with what one you want and I will get back with ya.

[slm9s]

I shoot a Forbes 30-06.  Its my "lightweight" elk rifle.  If you can find an early serial # forbes, buy it.  Melvin was watching closely during the initial production and many have said theses are very similar to an NULA/ULA at ~ $1200.  I had an ULA 7RM before my Forbes and there is VERY little difference IMO.  Some of the later rifles had bedding problems and other issues and customer service was, to put it gently, lacking.

You're welcome to handle/shoot mine sometime if you're around Tacoma.

[johns8168]

Thanks slm, how are you liking the Forbes, hows the accuracy on it? Any direct xomparison to a Montana?

[safehunter]

 You can do a search for a Colt light rifle, same as the original's. I have handled Rom's original 24 and yes it is very light! At one time, some were supposed to have weak firing springs, don't know for sure though, just hearsay.
  Another light guy to check out might be Wayne York @ Oregunsmithing(yes spelled correct). He did a good job on a 338 RUM build awhile back. Never had a Really Light Rifle, just my preference.

[slm9s]

Thanks slm, how are you liking the Forbes, hows the accuracy on it? Any direct xomparison to a Montana?

I really like the Forbes.

-very lightweight, but not TOO light
-excellent hunting trigger out of the box
-smooth action
-balances well, not tough to shoot offhand
-very good accuracy with the couple of bullets i've tried ~0.75 MOA average with several much better

The only Montana I've had was an 8400 300wsm.  I never felt comfortable with it, maybe the stock just didn't fit me well.  (I'm 6'5 260)  It was accurate and well built though.  I also sold a Tikka T3 Superlite 30-06 to get the Forbes, again accurate and well built, but it just had too much plastic & not enough "soul." 

[johns8168]

Great info Slm, may have a line on an early model forbes 3006was wondering your take on the grip of the rifle, have read some people dont care the "pistol type" grip on it compared to typical rifles, did you have any issues with the grip or getting accustomed to it?

If it works out I may need to PM you on loads you found, thats a darn impressive group especially for a lightweight rifle.