Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Forbes 24b 280AI

Anyone have experience with a Forbes 24b in 280AI? If so, would appreciate hearing about quality and accuracy. Any difference in the early models with the jeweled bolt versus the newer ones with the Ti style bolt? Thanks in advance.

The big difference in the early models and today's is Melvin Forbes was actually part of the company, and isn't now.

That would be a big difference for me. Didn't Melvin make the stocks for the first run of the Forbes rifles? I love his stock.

I would like to shoot a NULA in 280AI. Would have some concerns about recoil. I hate brakes but am guessing that a 280 AI would be the ragged edge of manageable recoil with such a light gun. Concern would not be the discomfort just the amount of quick jump such a rifle would have.

I had a CLR in 7RM for awhile that Melvin upgraded. Recoil was a non-issue with his NULA stock(and I'm kind of wimply). I have shot an ULA 30-06 with 165 grain bullets and a max load of IMR 4350 and its not bad.

John,

When did he depart from Forbes? And why?

Do the Forbes rifles still use NULA stocks John ?

I have a 5lb NULA 260. Obviously not a hard kicking cartridge but in such a light rifle it jumps up pretty quickly on the bench. Non issue in the field. I agree that the stock seems to nicely distribute the felt recoil. Melvin told me the wider butt section helps this. I recently sold a 280ai in a manners stock. Only thing did not like about the stock was the relatively thin area of the butt.

John,

Does Melvin no longer have any interest in Forbes Rifles at all? What can you tell us of his relationship with them these days?

It would be a shame if he were totally out of the picture there. I have heard that he will service/work on them though.

Thanks

My 300 WM Nula isn't bad to shoot at all, it does jump up a little but recoil isn't bad. I just sold my Remington 700 30-06 mountain rifle it would kick a lot harder than the Nula, and would leave bruises on me.

Is forbes still using timney triggers? Who is making their barrels? I hate the roughness of the finish, but would love to find one cheap enough to justify ceracote..

I wouldn't buy one.

Buy the real thing, give Mr. Forbes a call.

I think for the money, the Forbes is a good rifle. I used to own a Rem. titanium in 270 and have now a Forbes 20b in 7mm/08 and I would take the Forbes any day. I would also take a Forbes over a Kimber too. Obviously, the original nulas will be better, but they are 3X's the price.

If you can find a early jeweled bolt Forbes I think they are gtg, I have one in 25/06 and it is a laser. Don't know if Melvin's hands touched this one, but it is good for sure.

I have a CLR/NULA 280 AI, was definitely wondering about kick. My gun weighs 6.8 lbs with a zeiss conquest. He must do something right with the stock, cause this thing is a pleasure to shoot.

How is a Forbes?

If you're asking about recoil, the stock is excellent, probably the same design as a NULA. Very pleasant to shoot.

Recoil from my Forbes 30-06 is not bad at all.