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

Dreaming about a new 7WSM for hunting out west. I have heard really good things about both rifles, which would you choose?

NULA, probably would want a model 28
http://www.newultralight.com/HTML/custom-rifles.html

GAP, Non-Typical
http://www.gaprecision.net/ga-precision-2011-custom-rifles/ga-precision-non-typical.html

I'm tending towards the NULA because of the light weight, but my ultimate goal is a really accurate rifle that carries easily. Thanks!

If I did a NULA I'd do a 20, but that's me.

Can you get a Model 20 in 7WSM? I assumed you had to go with a 28 if you wanted a WSM?

If I was going to spend $3K with Mr. Forbes, I'd do it via NULA/CLR hybrids.

$ 500 - CLR donor (basically the NULA 24)
$ 500 - NULA SS barrel ($450 for CM)
$ 450 - NULA stock
$ 165 - Timney trigger & NULA safety
$1,615 plus shipping/insurance

Maybe a matched pair in 6.5-06 & 338-06.

JEff

No experience with the GAP but plenty with the NULA. My pop ordered 2 more of them this year, they should be arriving any time now and he's in his seventies, that will make 4 NULAS in his stable of rifles. I handload all his ammo for him and can say from first hand experience that they are very high quality, frighteningly accurate, easy to carry and a joy to shoot. The next custom I order will be from Mel also. Give Mel a call, he will answer everything you want to know about his rifles.
JMHO,
BD

Having one of each myself I would say get one of each and you won't be disappointed.

I assume you intend to go to a 28 SHORT for a WSM. In any case the NULA is about a pound and a half lighter than the GAP (5 lb-12oz vs 7 lb-3oz). That's a big difference if you want a light rifle. I'd go NULA.

I've got 6 NULA's and no GAPS.

But I love my NULA's. They are extraordinary rifles, and dealing with Mel Forbes is a real pleasure.

Steve

I'll throw in a plug for my old buddy, George Gardner. GAP rifles have a steller reputation for accuracy and craftmanship.

He sent me a Non Typical in .300WSM last summer for T&E.....I have told him I'm not quite done testing it and it may take several years.....grin!

Are you opposed to just having one built with the exact components you desire?

It will be less expensive and exactly the way you want it.

Honest question...what about Kimber Montana with an aftermarket barrel? Still come in half the price of a Nula.

Neither the stock or action would be as nicely made. Whether or not that makes any practical difference is another question.

NULA all the way. Great rep for accuracy and strength. You could build for less money but if you ever sold that you'd lose money. Not to say you're guaranteed a profit on a NULA but it is a known commodity and will keep it's value far better than a custom build.

DocGlenn,

I went with the NULA from Melvin. He is a great guy to deal with, and stands be hind his rifles.

My first was a ULA I bought from him in '93, and I sent it back in '06 for a check up.

jim

No, you can't.

I'm with you. Model 20 in a 7mm-08 or Creedmore would be great.

I found I couldn't shoot a 5 pound NULA well. But I do shoot a 6 pound Remmy very well. The GAP is more intriguing to me than a NULA, in a 260.

The action used in the 7WSM NULA is the 28S. Handy combo and good choice.

I don't know anything about the GAP NT but would also do a test drive happily!

What Lawdwaz didn't explain is that the 28S is a Model 28 shortened to fit short-fat magnums. It weighs about 24 ounces, as I recall. It was originally developed to work with the 6.5 and .350 Remington Magnums, but works fine with the WSM's and SAUM's too.

NULA's are typically VERY accurate. My beat-up old NULA .30-06 will still put five shots into two inches or so at 300 yards with the right load, even though the barrel isn't quite what it used to be. It was originally ordered by a gun store in Germany, so has the tiny red-stag proof mark on the barrel. I am going to run the original barrel as long as possible before giving up that funky little stamp!

While I haven't fooled with a GAP, I've heard great things from people I trust. Like NULA's, they appear to be great bargains in a world where synthetic-stocked rifles are often priced for 2-3 times as much, or even more.

The choice to me would come down to how light a rifle is desired. I still haven't found any other lightweight rifles that beat NULA's for toughness, balance and consistent accuracy.

John,
I know that you know NULAs. I was wondering that for a dedicated sheep rifle in a NULA which flavor would you prefer a 257 Roberts,
257 Roy or a 270 roy.

Sincerely,
Thomas