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I have never seen a used NULA rifle on line or in a gun store. Guess no one wants to let one go once they have one.

Question:

Does any company carry NULA rifles, or are they available only direct?

Some sporting goods store do stock NULAs, and not just in the U.S. My .30-06, for instance, was the indirect result of an order I placed in 1996. After using and owning several in chamberings from .223 Remington to .300 Winchester Magnum and .338-06 over the previous few years, I realized a .30-06 would be most practical, partly because I started traveling to hunt far more during the 1990s, and ammo availability can become an issue.

But Melvin called me not long afterward, saying that he'd sold two .30-06s to a store in Germany, and while they'd sold one they wanted to return the other for a rifle in a different chambering. The returned rifle happened to be exactly what I'd ordered--a 24" No. 2 contour Douglas barrel, and a plain black stock. So I took it, which is why I have one of the few NULAs in America with German proof marks.

I've also seen a few for sale in the Campfire Classifieds. But in general, NULA owners do tend to keep them, though once in a while an owner decides he wants a different chambering, and sells his present NULA to buy one.

There was one on the used rack at a local store a few years ago. I picked it up and found it was a 300 Weatherby. I put it back down.

Speaking with Melvin, placing an order for exactly what you want and anticipating delivery is much more enjoyable than purchasing used. Melvin is a great guy.

I’ve been mulling the idea of ordering one for a couple of years now. My biggest dilemma has been what chambering to order. I’m leaning towards a Model 20 in 257 AI with a 23” 1:9 barrel. Does anyone know how much of a deposit is required to place the order?

257,

Call Melvin and talk to him directly. I assure you that it will be an enjoyable discussion.

I've had two for some years now, a .308 and a 7x61 Sharpe & Hart, pretty good rifles, very accurate and light enough to really appreciate when hiking in the mountains. The 7x61 is on its third barrel. I doubt Mr. Forbes will be building these rifles forever.

1:8 twist no 2 barrel. Everything else sounds great. I have a 257 r and it is really a nice combo in the m20

Mr. Forbes quoted me half when you place your order the other half upon completion.

Anyone know how far out Melvin is on new orders? Would love to order a Model 20 in 260 Rem 8 twist or 7-08 9 twist.

My dilemma is that I doubt I could get more than one past the Mrs. and similar to 257Deland "what chambering"?
Further, I have sort of fit myself to the Remington 700 and now those stock dimensions feel right. I wonder if other dimensions would be best?

I’ve never seen any for sale in a gun store. Between my father and I we have seven rifles built by Melvin. Four were ordered direct through him and the other three picked up here in the classifieds. We live within 2hrs of Melvins’s shop. If you ever pass through central Ohio you are welcome to try ours out.

Over the past couple of years I’ve upgraded all of my Rem 700s and Kimber 84s to TriggerTech. Since TriggerTech isn’t an option, should I go with a Timney or a Jewel? I’m using Timneys on a couple of 98s, I like them, but I’ve never tried a Jewel.

From looking at the NULA website Melvin doesn’t seem to offer stainless actions only stainless barrels. What kind of finishes are offered for the action is Nitride an option? I hate to call someone and potentially waste his time if he doesn’t offer what I want but the website leaves a lot to be desired.

Why don't you call Melvin and ask him? He answers the phone--and is happy to do so--and gives much more detailed answers than a website can provide.

Good point. And other “arrangements” have not produced the results that Melvin has when he has been personally involved. Anyone wanting a NULA probably should think hard about taking action.

Wait time is minimal now. You'll be pleased if you order.

I don't know what the finish is on the actions, but I've soaked one of my rifles hunting elk on a rainy day and had no sign of rust. Call Mr. Forbes; he's easy to talk to, can answer any questions, and he may offer some worthwhile advice you weren't even aware of.

Exactly--and he has reasons for just about every detail on the rifles, due to thorough testing both before he started building them in 1985, and added experience since.

not a nula but same as, i just listed a forbes 20b 308 that just got back from melvin in the classifieds if your interested