Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters New Ultra Light Arms

My first thought is that they are one of the few bargains on the custom rifle market. Melvin has consistently refused to raise his prices any faster than inflation and materials, unlike some other makers, because (and this is a quote) "I want the average guy to be able to afford one."

This is despite the fact that this stance has caused some marketing problems. One question he often gets is, "How can your $3000 rifle be as good as So-And-So's $6000 rifle?" I have shot and owned a bunch of "modern" custom rifles (syn-stock push-feed type) and have yet to find one that would do anything a NULA wouldn't--and many that wouldn't do things a NULA can.

The NULA would not be my first choice as a dedicated dangerous game rifle, though plenty of people have used them that way. For everything else it would be hard to imagine a more practical hunting rifle.

They balance better than any other lightweight I've tried, and I've tried a bunch. This is because the light action allows more weight to be put in the barrel, out where it helps hold the rifle steady. Some people actually prefer a little heavier barrel on NULA's for this reason. I have had no problem with the #1 contour, but often choose a 24" #2 myself, just because it holds a little steadier--and the rifle is still REALLY light. My .30-06 has this barrel, and still weighs 6.5 pounds with a typical 12-ounce 3-9x scope.

I have hunted with NULA's up to .300 Winchester Magnum and never had any problem with the recoil, but I have also never had any problem killing any big game animal with somewhat lighter rounds either. The .30-06 is a really good choice, but so is the .270 or 7x57 or .284 or .280 or whatever.

The big thing is that (as somebody already said) if you buy an all-around NULA you will probably want another one anyway pretty soon, and maybe more than one. Melvin makes a great varmint rifle too! And a NULA in .257 Roberts or whatever deer cartridge you like is pretty addictive as well.

Here is my model 24 .338-06 on the rim of a Colorado canyon. It is a couple ounces shy of seven pounds loaded and ready to go. I always say I will have Melvin rebarrel it standard .30-06 when I use up my supply of .338 bullets. Trouble is, it shoots so well I keep buying more!


I think the 7-08 or Melvin's favorite the .284 would be the ideal deer to elk rifle. Especially for us aging boomers who know how to shoot. Ditto to all that Mule Deer just said. Especially about the #2 contour barrel and wanting more!

I can't add anymore positive too what you've already heard but would recommend you consider a 280 or 30-06 if elk is on the menu. Just my .02

My limited experience with Mel and his rifles are GOOD.

Dave

Meant to add, Probably one of BIGGEST errors since finding the campfire was NOT buying Steve's ULA in 30-06 a couple years ago.

Dave

I Had just about convinced myself to keep saving my pennies for a semi-custom of some sort instead of a NULA, then you guys start this thread....

BTW, can the M20's in the 284 Win rounds fit three in the magazine?

Friend Dave,

Yup, it was a major brainfart. The rifle was really clean and it shot amazingly well. I don't recall ever shooting a five-shot group as large as one-inch.

Amazing rifle and I sincerely hope that the fella who bought it appreciates the gun.

If I were to pick the perfect rifle for myself right now, it would be a NULA in .257 Weatherby. And a .223 would be awesome-cool, too. It's kinda looking like my hunting days are pretty much over, so even thinking about it, while entertaining and fun, is prolly totally academic.

Anyway, YEAH, I wish you'd stepped up and bought the rifle that Melvin hunted caribou with and that I killed a fair number of elk with. She still had lots of critters left in her and she was clean, clean, clean.

Steve

Hmm 257WBY....

How about a 280AI in a M24?

What really draws me to the 7mm-08 is that this gun will become my companion and will be using on smaller stuff like coyote as a varmint gun. Those 100gr varminteers would be fun.

What would keep me from going to something in a Mag is I will probably put well over 500 a year though this and worry about barrel wear.

So to me the 7mm-08, 7X57, 284, and if available 280AI are probably a the top of the list..

What about optics?
Not a die hard leupold guy but wouldn't a VX-III 2.5-8 with a B&C be pretty king with this gun?

Steve, I did contact a friend of the fellow that bought the 30-06 and tried to buy it but to no avail......

Mike, The scope choice is fine but I would prefer a VXII with LR. 3-9x40 is my vote. I still would recommend a straight 280 but that's me........

Dave

I haven't ever looked at that reticle. I think I just might like better.. What other reasons do you prefer that scope? Wish they offered in the VX-III.

The price, the power range, the 40mm obj, the LR duplex. The optics are same as the old Vari-XIII that we thought were fine.

Dave

Man, that sucks! Why is that? If it's too personal, I understand.

Thanks. Called Melvin, what a neat guy.
The 7mm-08 is looking good right now.
What BBL lenght would you guys recommend?
Thinking 20-21"?

Counting the muzzle break?

Hey, no problem, life is great. Just getting old; slower, weaker, I hurt in places that didn't used to hurt and I just don't have the drive. Absolutely no regrets here; goodness knows I've had a long and wonderful hunting career.

Steve

It would then be 19" from me having it cut-off!

Lol.

Well, that's good news. More game for the rest of us!

I would go for the magic 21.75" length on a short action. I copied JB's 24" No. 2 in my NULA M24 .30-06. I also recommend going for the stainless steel barrel option as well (resists corrosion; longer barrel life; and likely better average accuracy).

jim

I would go 22". It's not going to effect weight or balance much and it's free..... You can always have it bobbed off but hard to reinstall it.......

Dave

+1, my Model 20 rf is the most consistent .22 LR I've ever owned. They are worth every penny.