|
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 6,036
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 6,036 |
Thanks everyone. I'm really happy with both of my Fieldcrafts, just wanting one of Melvin's rifles while he's still at it. I spoke with him briefly today and will probably finish up on Monday.
Leaning toward 22" #2 in 7/08 and his classic green stripe paint scheme. He said lead time is around 10 mo these days. This was exactly my thinking on my recently purchased one. Melvin is 75 years old.
Tarquin
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 24,651 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 24,651 Likes: 1 |
Leaning toward 22" #2 in 7/08 and his classic green stripe paint scheme. He said lead time is around 10 mo these days.
I would do prezactly this – paint scheme and all.
WWP53D
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 481
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 481 |
I received a 7-08 m20 last week with a no1 and it balances fine but kinda wish I went with a no2. I ordered it in November What's the weight of your bare rifle without the scope and mounts? Thanks, CH
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,915
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,915 |
Leaning toward 22" #2 in 7/08 and his classic green stripe paint scheme. He said lead time is around 10 mo these days.
I would do prezactly this – paint scheme and all. Exactly what I would do as well, however, I would do a 6.5 Creed.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
Campfire Member
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 6,036
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 6,036 |
Tarquin
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,883
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,883 |
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. 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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
Campfire Member
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103 |
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?
Last edited by Pabst; 08/08/20.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 321
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 321 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
Campfire Member
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103 |
I'm sure you're right about that, probably hard to go wrong no matter what!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,549
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,549 |
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!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,141
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,141 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 321
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 321 |
I'm sure you're right about that, probably hard to go wrong no matter what! Not sure how far you live from Southeastern Ohio but you are welcome to handle and shoot the ones I have.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,035
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,035 |
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.
Enough already, just shoot it!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
Campfire Member
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103 |
Thank you for the offer HShunter36, I'm in NV which makes it hard to stop by, but very generous of you.
Last edited by Pabst; 08/08/20.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
Campfire Member
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
Campfire Member
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103 |
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. This is also a nice idea, improved MV and shift in balance.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 9,559 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 9,559 Likes: 1 |
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......"
I can walk on water.......................but I do stagger a bit on alcohol.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103
Campfire Member
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 103 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,377
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,377 |
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.
My other auto is a .45
The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price has faded from memory
|
|
|
|
671 members (22250rem, 160user, 10gaugemag, 06hunter59, 1beaver_shooter, 204guy, 70 invisible),
2,713
guests, and
1,468
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,192,609
Posts18,492,450
Members73,972
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|