Considering purchasing a NULA, but haven't been able to talk with anyone who owns one.

Looking for any information I can find. So long response posts are encouraged.

I'm looking for a rifle for eastern whitetail hunting. Considering either .257 Roberts, .257 Roberts A.I., or 7x57.

Any input on cartridge choice is appreciated too.

BTW, I do handload and the shots in the areas I hunt are rarely over 125 yards.

Thanks
Ken

I have owned one of the original ULA. Wonderful and accurate. Would not hesitate to get another one if need and opportunity arose. John

I have a number of friends that own NULA muzzleloaders. If you have any interest in speaking to any of them for general reference just drop me a PM.

JC

I've got a left handed 30-06. It's a great rifle. I had Mel replace the stock trigger with a Jewell. In a rifle this light, a great trigger helps. I would suggest you go with the 257 Roberts. At the ranges you mentioned, the AI is unnecessary and not worth the time fireforming brass. I wouldn't go any bigger than 30-06, as it has a rather sharp recoil.

While NULA are nice, there are other quality lightweight builders out there. I have a MGA 375 H&H with a 24" bbl + brake and 3x9 Nikon Monarch that weighs in very close to jt's rifle.....and I could have went with a .5 lb lighter stock yet. A tack driver yet. Not a big kicker either. NULA is not the only game in town, but that said they are nice rifles too and a bit less expensive that a MGA or Mark Bansner rifle.

Woody

I'm going to downsize and upscale my guns. If you're interested I've got a slightly beat up ULA (I don't think it is a NULA but would have to look) in .280 AI that I will sell, scopeless for $1900 delivered. I'd have to look again, I think the "beat up" part is a nick in the grip area, not obnoxious but there. That kind of stuff doesn't bother me, since I am fairly hard on my guns that I use, but it might be a major concern to someone who babies theirs (and I'm not being critical of such behavior, it's just not the way I'm structured). I've had it for at least 5 years, have only sighted it in with about 5 or 6 shots of "normal" .280 ammo and it shot around an inch. Recoil is snappy but not ridiculous. Also have one or two MGAs (I think, am pretty sure but would have to double check) that I might part with, but would have to check on caliber. Two reasons for selling this gun.....I don't use it and I don't like non-factory ammo guns (although, of course, you can shoot .280 in this if you have to). If someone is interested, PM or email me and I'll dig it out to confirm details.

Hello Ken:

I have two of Mel's rifles. One in 284 Win, the other in a 30-cal wildcat based on 8x68S. Both have killed whatever they've been pointed at and fall into the "old favorite" category.

In my experience, ULA/NULA rifles are precise, simple, and designed from the ground up to give top performance in a light package--they're not worked-over standard-weight actions. If you're looking for the ultimate in lightness and strength in scope rings for your NULA, call Dennis Gentry for a set--he has bases, etc. that fit NULA patterns.

Dave Manson

I have a Colt Light Rifle which is a Mel Forbes Rifle with a Colt lawyer's trigger. I put mine in a NULA stock Mel makes for the Colt and can't tell the difference. Great rifles.

I have one and would buy another. Well made, light, works, is reasonably accurate

Hey Ken, Unless things have changed a good bit, you get the rifle the way Mr. Forbes wants to make it, or you move on.

Back when it was still ULA, I called to see if he would make one for me in Stainless. He told me he only made them in Blue and I could get one in Blue or none at all. (It is my understanding that has since changed.)

A few days pass and I called him back, told him who I was and he said that he remembered. Asked him if I was to pay for everything up front(100% pay to start with) would he send a barrel and receiver to Armoloy, have them coated and then assemble the rifle for me. He said very clearly, "You can either get one in Blue or go to someone else."

I thanked him and went to someone else. I'd think it could best be described as Mr. Forbes' operation was not Gun Smithing but rather a small quantity, nice quality, Manufacturer back then. May still be.

I feel sure Mr. Forbes makes a fine product - if - you like what he makes. Or that is the way it was back then. Perhaps I got spoiled on being able to discuss "Options" with Gun Smiths back then that would do what "I" wanted.

If I was doing it all again today, I'd pick out a Remington in either a M7 or a Titanium Mountain rifle and see if it fit my needs. Then if I wanted it even lighter, I'd go to "Rifles Inc.", Lex Weiberneck(spelling may be hosed) and let him do "what I wanted" to it.

Or I'd got to Dave Tooley, John Lewis or Kenny Jarrett and let them make just what I wanted from the beginning.