I am picking up a Forbes 20B rifle in 308. It is a clone of Melvin Forbes NULA, but with a 21” ER Shaw barrel. Melvin mostly used Douglas #1 contour barrels out to 24” on his genuine NULA rifles. Melvin full length bedded his barrels, and I’ve read that he used an oscilloscope to aid in “tuning” the barrel bedding. Does anyone happen to know if the Forbes 20B barrels have the identical contour as the NULA barrels? I would like to re-barrel this rifle to 22–250, or 257 Roberts at 22” to 24”. I have also read that the ER Shaw barrels were terribly inconsistent, and one of the reasons that the Forbes rifles were not very successful. I will be using a genuine Douglas XX. Thank you.

I’d call Douglas and ask if they will turn a barrel to match your .308 barrel. They’re pretty flexible about stuff like that.

The last time I was in there the guys were playing with a new CNC lathe that was turning out barrels that almost didn’t need a final polish. It’s funny when somebody who knows what he’s doing surprises himself with how good he is.

quote:

Originally posted by Rick R:
I’d call Douglas and ask if they will turn a barrel to match your .308 barrel. They’re pretty flexible about stuff like that.

The last time I was in there the guys were playing with a new CNC lathe that was turning out barrels that almost didn’t need a final polish. It’s funny when somebody who knows what he’s doing surprises himself with how good he is.

Thanks for the advice! Just found out (from fellow on 24 hour campfire) that OutKast Arms, in WV, rebuilds these guns, and the Forbes rifles use Douglas #1 contours, but made by ER SHAW. I’m going to end up sending it to Outkast for a rebuild.

I wouldn't use a shaw barrel for anything but a tent stake.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
I wouldn't use a shaw barrel for anything but a tent stake.

Yup. I’m getting Douglas.