There are few things that we chase as much as a light rifle with the perfect balance of power, accuracy and ease of shooting. This has been as much a matter of alchemy as it is science. A company that has a serious handle on the mix of magic and machining is Wilson Combat. Today, they are releasing a new special rifle that is an ultra-light shooter. A Tribute NULA Rifle.
Ultralight Hunter -Tribute NULA Rifle
“To recognize Forbes’s groundbreaking contributions, we’re proud to release the Wilson Combat 40th Anniversary Melvin Forbes Tribute NULA. This limited-edition rifle is a testament to Melvin Forbes’s mission to build lightweight, accurate firearms, celebrating four decades of innovative craftsmanship that have revolutionized the shooting world.” – Wilson Combat.
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Wilson’s Forbes NULA Model carries the spirit of Melvin Forbes’ original New Ultra-Light Arms concept into today’s backcountry reality. It is a true mountain rifle that feels light in the hands. The goal is simple. Build a hunting rifle that disappears on the hike yet performs when the shot matters. On that job, the Forbes NULA delivers.
Weight and Balance
Weight is only half the story. Balance is the other half. Many ultralights feel whippy or butt heavy. The Forbes NULA carries its mass between the hands. That keeps the muzzle steady and makes it easier to plant the crosshairs from field positions. The action cycles with a smooth, low-drag feel that encourages quick follow-ups.
The action is cut from 4140 bar stock and EDM machined for precision. The safety is a two-position unit that locks the bolt on safe. Wilson used a Timney Elite Hunter trigger with a smooth 2.75- to 3.25-pound trigger pull. They also included a redesigned one-piece bolt handle for smoother operation and improved ergonomics.
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Wilson Combat Barrel
Wilson manufactures barrels using their own 416R stainless steel, which undergoes button-rifling, honing, and stress-relief processes. The barrels showcase a lightweight profile and come with 5/8×24 threads, complete with a thread protector included with the rifle. You can easily attach a brake or suppressor. The finishes are designed to withstand harsh weather, and Armor-Tuff protects the visible steel. Each rifle features an ultra-lightweight AG Composites carbon-fiber stock, which has reinforced receiver walls to enhance strength while keeping the overall weight low. Additionally, the rifles come equipped with a Pachmayr 1-inch Decelerator recoil pad and nitride-coated sling studs.
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MFT Woodland Camo
Enthusiasts will recognize Melvin’s beloved striped camo pattern, expertly applied and reintroduced by Wilson Combat’s renowned paint shop as the limited MFT (Melvin Forbes Tribute) woodland camo. This classic pattern—along with the limited laser-engraved floorplate—ensures that each 40th Anniversary Melvin Forbes Tribute NULA is not just a firearm, but a collectible piece of shooting history.
This commemorative rifle is chambered for the versatile .284 Winchester, known for its flat trajectory and excellent long-range capabilities. Feeding is handled by a hinged aluminum floorplate. It has an oversized magazine box that offers handloaders an advantage to load at a higher ballistic coefficient.
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Tribute NULA Rifle
This special project will be limited to 20 rifles and includes a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Bill Wilson and the Forbes family. Wilson Combat is also including two 20-count boxes of .284 Winchester ammunition. If you want a piece of history that shoots as good as it looks, head over to Wilson Combat today and secure your new 40th Anniversary Melvin Forbes Tribute NULA.
For more information, visit here.
40th Anniversary Melvin Forbes Tribute NULA. Features
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| Base price: $4,995 |
| Caliber: .284 Winchester |
| Barrel: 20″ (1-8.5 Twist) |
| Lightweight: 4 lb 15.2 oz |
| Timney Elite Hunter Trigger (2.75#-3.25#) Safety locks the bolt closed when on safe |
| 8-40 Scope Base Torx Screws |
| Aluminum hinged floorplate with positive latch inside the trigger guard |
| Lightweight AG Composites carbon fiber stock with Pachmayr 1″ Decelerator recoil pad and nitride-coated sling studs |
| Receiver machined and EDM cut from 4140 bar stock with Armor-Tuff coating |
| Bolt fully machined from 4340 bar stock, PVD coated |
| Traditional style round bolt knob |
| Button rifled Wilson Combat 416R stainless barrel, honed and double stress relieved |
| 5/8″x24 barrel threads with a nitride coated thread protector |
| Corrosion-resistant 17-7 stainless springs |
| 40th Anniversary engraved floorplate |
| Oversized magazine box offers handloaders an advantage to load at a higher ballistic coefficient |
| Limited to twenty rifles |
| Includes a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Bill Wilson and the Forbes family |
| Includes two 20-count boxes of .284 Winchester ammunition, shipped separately directly to the purchaser (in accordance with all state laws and regulations ) |
