Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Nula question

This was exactly my thinking on my recently purchased one. Melvin is 75 years old.

I would do prezactly this – paint scheme and all.

What's the weight of your bare rifle without the scope and mounts?

Thanks,
CH

Exactly what I would do as well, however, I would do a 6.5 Creed.

One of the first things I asked Mel about was 7/08 or .284 and he didn't hardly say much about the .284. His comment was that 7/08 is completely capable with anything except the big scary bears. Not sure how many rifles he's building in .284 anymore but I have seen that Hornady is now making brass.

How about 7-08 Imp?

Melvin is known for his .284 builds and built more than any gunsmith that ever lived. With brass now readily available, a Melvin 284 is just damn classy and sexy. He will definitely build you a great one.

7/08 Imp solves some of the ammo availability problems with the 284, just not sure the extra 50fps is worth the extra work with brass prep.

284 has a certain nostalgic appeal for sure. Seeing Hornady brass in 284 made me wonder if there's been more interest in the chambering recently. Seems most have moved on to 7/08 these days?

No matter what you decide you will be happy with one of Melvin’s rifles. My 22, 243, and 7mm-08 have 22” #1 barrels and my 270 & 300 have 24” #2 barrels. All of them balance well and are a pleasure to carry.

I'm sure you're right about that, probably hard to go wrong no matter what!

If I were to build another NULA I would have to consider the .284 Winchester with the availability of brass now...Peterson is making it also!

Just a thought, stick with the light contour, but go 24", or maybe 23". I did that on a Kimber 84M, factory contour but 23.25". The extra 1.25" is noticable, in my opinion balances better than the factory 22". Doesn't add much weight, but it's out there where it makes a difference.

Not sure how far you live from Southeastern Ohio but you are welcome to handle and shoot the ones I have.

I have 2 fieldcrafts, my 7mm/08 is a joy to shoot and carry, and the 6.5 Swede is a beaut but I had to have a a NULA because at some point there won't be any more built by Melvin, I have an original ULA in 284 and a newer anniversary edition NULA in 260 and they both shoot house a fire. Simple load work up. You'll be pleased. I do prefer Melvins stock shape.

Thank you for the offer HShunter36, I'm in NV which makes it hard to stop by, but very generous of you.

I wanted to get a feel for Melvin's usual balance point at the front action screw and started experimenting with my 22" Fieldcraft in 65.

I took the scope off and taped wheel weights to the stock until balance was about at the center of the front action screw. After I put the scope back on (old model razor hd lh 3-15x), balance shifted rearward about 3/8".

Just handling and pointing it in my garage I can't say it's noticably less stable offhand than my Fieldcraft in 270 (balance with scope ~7/8" ahead of the front action screw). If anything it felt easier to hold offhand for longer periods of time.

Without feeling any obvious improvement in offhand stability I'm questioning the idea of going with a heavier #2 barrel.

This is also a nice idea, improved MV and shift in balance.

I've never spoken with nor met Mr Forbes. I do remember reading about his rifles in the 80's/90's and lots on here as well. I can imagine the conversation regarding #1 vs. #2 in a 7-08 went something like:

"I can only make them so light, but, I can add as much weight as you want......"

When I first asked him about barrel contours he thought I had doubts that a #1 could be made accurate. After that misunderstanding was cleared up, he was happy to put a #1 or #2 or whatever I wanted on the gun. He'll make whatever the customer wants.

Not a Nula, but a 7# 2 ounce 7/08 all up with a 1.5-6x42 30mm scope on it. I opted for a 20” #1 taper Shilen barrel and as my go to WI. whitetail rifle it works just fine though it is light in the front end. For longer range or a rifle that I would shoot more off hand, I would have made it a #2 taper.