Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles If you had the $, would you go NULA or GAP Non-Typical?

John,

What would you think of a NULA/CLR hybrid, either with the original Colt/Saco barrels in 270, 7mm Rem Mag, 30-06, or 300 Win Mag or with a new Mel Forbes installed NULA barrel, stock, and trigger for $1600+/-? I'm waiting to receive a CLR in 30-06 and am thinking that a NULA stock, SS barrel, and trigger/safety upgrade to 256 Newton might be $1,065 well spent.

When I spoke to Mr. Forbes on the telephone, he told me that he, personally, does most of the work on the NULA/CLRs, which I assume is a good thing.

JEff

Of those three chamberings, it would be a hard decision between the .257 and .270 Weatherbys. Might also go for a .264 Winchester--or a .270 Winchester!

Or a 280AI... One could get tired of waiting for a Kimber 84L Montana and go with a CLR/NULA hybrid for just a little more $$...

Thanks for the info. I need to call Melvin and get his take on the 7 WSM vs. the .284 win in his rifles. The lighter recoil in the .284 win might be better suited for a lighter rifle than the 7 WSM would be. Something to think about anyway!

Less is often more.

Doc-sounds like a couple of nice choices. I've never had a Gap in my paws so can't comment about them them. Have handled and shot the NULA and that I can likey.

Keep in mind I rarely do things the way others would but, I'd go with a NULA with a #2 barrel on it cut to 23"(could cut to 21" if it didn't quite feel right). Cals, well tons would work but would most likely gpo 284. Also, the 7/08, .260 or .270 would rate a thunk from me. But for some reason or another I'm fairly sure I'd go .284 with tiger stripes on it..grin

6x36 Leo w/dotz and you're golden!

Best of luck to you in your decision.

Dober

Pat let me paw some of his stash.

Those GAP rifles are slick. I'd love to have one in 308 or 300WSM.

Clue me in here, what is the CLR?

Colt Light Rifle

I haven't even handled, let alone hunted either rifle. But I can tell you that it is possible to go too light for some types of hunting. I've got four custom built rifles. Based on my experience in the field, I really don't want anything lighter than 7 lbs. That's empty and w/o it's sling. I am not a long range type hunter.
I've noticed is that when it comes to settling down for a longer shot, weight helps alot. Ditto for trying to shoot with your heart pounding and/or when you are out of breath.
NULA rifles stike me as first class, all around sporters. The GAP strikes me as a light version of a long range, precision rifle.
So the question would be, what sort of shooting do you do when you hunt ? Or, as has been said, how light does it need to be ? E

I am assuming your chasing elk, because of the desire to have a WSM caliber. Why not consider a Model 20 in a .338 federal? That will steam roll Wapiti.

Both nice rifles (obviously)but I have not owned either one.

I'd get a NULA in 7WSM or 270.

A NULA in a WSM wouldn't be my first pick, just can't warm up to a magazine only holding 2 rounds...

No doubt Melvin is a great man, have enjoyed picking his brain in the past, and nearly pulled the trigger on a NULA. However, I have a GAP non typical on order right now. Let the painful wait begin!

My ultimate goal would be a long range/elk capable rifle that weighs less than 8 lbs locked, loaded and ready to fire. I'm looking at a 20oz S&B scope for it, so I'm by no means looking for an Ultra-light rifle, but i don't want to tote a 10lbs plus rifle (which is what I have now). Borden Rifles has been brought to my attention, and I think deserves some serious consideration. I think the GAP will probably lose out on weight, but they are certainly a fine rifle from what I've read.

Doc-to what kinds of ranges do you practice on a weekly/monthly basis and how far are you capable of killing game at?

Thx
Dober

You have the money - the obvious answer is one of each. Nula in 243 or 260 and gap in 300 wsm

8lbs all up is quite easy to build. M700 w/ Ti flutes and skeletonized handle, Callahan SL, Talley LWs, #2 of your choice, and a Ti stock pillar bedded. Coat however you want and drop whatever trigger you like in it(however the old triggers are quite nice for a hunting rig when adjusted properly). I'd rather have 7.5 to 9 than lighter myself, much easier to hold steady in an intense situation.

+1 for the lighter weight.

I have been lucky enough to shoot both. For long range the GAP would be hard to beat because of the extra weight and stability. But for hunting where you carry the rifle for miles just to get a shot, the NULA makes alot of sense.
As I get older I am liking lighter rifles for just that reason, and I can still snap it to my shoulder at the end of a long hike to get that quick shot that the 8-9 pound rifle, unless very well balanced, will not alow.
As someone else said, if you have the money, buy both and use them alternately when conditions favor one or the other. Or try each for a year then sell the one you use less. Not like either one will lose much value during that time.

Can almost guarantee that Melvin will steer you toward the 284win.....

Mark,
I can shoot out to 300yds at home and can get to longer distances at a range about an hour from the house. The place that I hunt mule deer lends itself to longer shots and that is my interest. I took my deer last year at 429 yds, broadside, no wind, Styer 7WSM & NF scope (10+lbs), prone w/ bipod and rear bag. I'm lucky in that I can shoot pretty much anytime I want to, and I'll usually shoot 1-2 times a week when it starts to cool off a little more. I can't really imagine shooting at an animal over 600yds away. I'd like to be able to make the shot I made last year and do it with a 7.5 lbs rifle if that makes sense.