Trying to make my final decision .....it's between these two. how about a bit of help. I'm thinking the Forbes will shoot better, and Melvin always stands behind everything from what i hear. Kimber is a nice looking rifle as well......what does the campfire say? I have held a Kimber many times and also felt a NULA24 at the shot show....they both fit me just fine!Help me out guys.....what do you think! Thanks in advance, Goodshot

from the reviews I would go for the forbes


gene

I'd go Forbes if accuracy is your primary goal. Lots of good things to be said about a Kimber Montana though....

That's got it covered, especially of the ranges will be in the 300+ arena.

Dober

I'd go with the Forbes. In fact, when I finally find a Forbes available locally, I will.

I'd at least wait for a stainless Forbes...YMMV

Unless you just HAVE to have it right now, I tend to agree.

I just bought a Montana last week and am real happy with it. I considered the Forbes but didn't want to lose the 10% restocking fee on the layaway on the Montana.

Good luck with whatever way you go !!!

Forbes, and not even a close call.

Have six Forbes rifles, and they are incredible.

Steve

What is a 25-06 optimum for?

Man, seems that there are flies all over the Montana. I'm sure glad that nobody told mine it couldn't shoot.

Yep . . . for just a few hundred more dollars you could have got a chrome-moly Forbes




Six Forbes . . . six ULA / NULA ? Any Colt Light Rifles in the mix?

They are all ULA/NULA'S and all left handed.

Love the rifles. It's amazing what they do to make me look like a very accurate shot.

Steve

They are both nice rifles. I have a Forbes in 270 and two 84M Montanas. I was getting good (1.5" groups) but not great accuracy from the Forbes with factory ammo. However, I recently found a load of 130 gr Bergers that it likes. The accuracy is pretty impressive to me (0.7"). I need to shoot it some more to confirm. The Forbes seems heavier since it has a thicker barrel and thus it is front heavy. That is actually a good thing. That is where you want weight stiffening the barrel and it seems to help stabilize shots. I still usually grab a Montana, or recently the Ascent, when going out. They fit me slightly better than the Forbes.

I've got a Montana 25-06 and it's become one of my two main guns. Ise it for deer and coyote's and the other is a Montana 338 fed i use for walking deer and bear. Im more than satisfied with my 25-06 Montana

Glad no one told me my Montana wouldn't shoot either.


And Steve, I don't think you can put your ULA / NULA in the same class of the Forbes. That's like saying that a factory rem 700 is the same as a kampfeld custom. And as long as the makers of the Forbes are in business it's not mr. Forbes job to stand behind there product.

My Montana is a solid eight MOA rifle, does that help?

Yet you still own. Cry me a river...

Haven't people offered to buy it? Multiple times IIRC.

Again, you don't own one. That whole imagination thing that boxer talks about.

Yep. I had cash in hand waiting on a pm with info on where to send funds and ffl info. Idiot doesn't even have a Montana. Lets see some pics.

To all, thanks very much for all of the feedback. What I think is this . The Kimber 84L is a fine rifle. It seems that Kimber has worked out some growing pains on this model and it indeed is a fine rifle. You can currently get a stainless Kimber for 2-300.00 dollars less than a Forbes 24B. Forbes is working on a Stainless, price yet to be determined. the Forbes has a Timney trigger designed by Melvin, the Kimber has there own design which is very good. The Forbes is bedded different than the Kimber. Both rifles shoot deer accurate farther than I would ever take a shot. I'm a lucky guy to have the oppertunity to choose.......I will let you guys know my decision........I am curious about a SS Forbes.......wonder what it will run. Thanks again for all the feedback......goodshot.

No brainer-Forbes.

You guys know if the stainless Forbes will have the stainless action or just the stainless barrel with a blued action?

From the Forbes website......



Thursday, December 27, 2012

HomePressCatalogFAQ'sContact Us
FAQ's
Login
Register

Frequently Asked Questions



How can I place an order?

You can place an order by contacting your local Federal Firearms licensed dealer, gun shop, or retailer. Please supply your dealer with model, caliber, and scope ring size.

What Calibers are offered in the model 24B rifle?

We are currently in production on 30-06, 25-06, and .270 win. We will be adding .280 Rem and 35 Whelen by the end of the year.

When will left hand rifles be available?

Left hand Model 24B rifles will be available for order by the end of the year.

When will short action rifles be available?

Short action, Model 20B rifles will be available, however the timeframe and calibers are not yet determined.

Will stainless guns be available?

Stainless guns are planned for release by the end of the year.

Are there any other stock colors available?

Current production guns are only available in charcoal at this time.

Who makes the barrel?

E.R. Shaw Inc. of Bridgeville, PA

Are scope mounting rings included?

Yes, Talley scope rings are included in either 1� or 30mm. (Please specify size with order)

What type of safety is used on Forbes rifles?

We use the same two positions, three function safety as the custom made NULA Model 24.

How many rounds does the magazine hold?

The magazine holds 3 rounds plus one in the chamber.

What is the length of pull on a Forbes rifle? Can it be changed?

The length of pull is 13.5� and it cannot be changed.

What�s the recoil like . . .?

Despite the light weight of the Forbes Rifles, the in-line orientation of the stock and action coupled with the ability of the composite stock to absorb some of the initial �shock� results in recoil that is appropriate for firearms in the calibers we offer.

What is the stock made of?

The Forbes Rifle stocks are a true composite, constructed of hand-laid carbon fiber and Kevlar [reinforcement].

Is the barrel free-floated of bedded?

All Forbes Rifles are bedded the entire length of the stock and barreled action interface. This type of bedding dampens vibrations, increasing potential accuracy and yielding more consistent POA/POI between projectile weights.

Do you work on or supply parts for ULA/NULA/Colt Light Rifles?

All custom ULA, NULA, and Colt Light Rifle components can be ordered from New Ultra Light Arms, Granville, WV by contacting Melvin Forbes at 304-292-0600.

What is the typical delivery time frame on a Model 24B?

Currently the lead time for delivery on a Model 24B rifle with a carbon or stainless barrel is 90-120 days.

What is the warranty on the rifle?

Limited Lifetime

Thanks for the info. A lefty in an all stainless Forbes rifle might just be the next rifle I buy.

According to the Forbes web site, both options will be available.

All stainless 24B is $1,499

Stainless barrel and blued action is $1,467

Interesting that they're coming out with the Forbes in .280 Rem. Given that I have a Montana in .280 Ackley, however, it falls squarely in the "needless want" category.

I've been toying with getting the Montana in 280AI, but would rather have a stainless Forbes in .280. I can't think of anything that the Montana would have over a SS Forbes.

My ratings - YMMV
Accuracy - advantage Forbes
Stock construction - advantage Forbes
Weight - advantage Forbes
Corrosion resistence - TBD, but the Montana leaves a bit to be desired
State of manufacture - advantage Forbes (Maine - no bias here )
Customer service - I'll take my chances with Melvin and a bunch of Mainers over the Yonkers crowd.

Again, YMMV

Opti opti ah heck how do I spell that word? Anywho, I don't know if anything is this world is optimum for anything.

This much I do know and that's aside from Brownies there's nothing on this side of the pond that I'd not take out with a 25/06. And only one thing across the pond that I care to hunt that I wouldn't with a 25/06 that I was intimate with.

That doesn't answer your question but it should be sporty anyway...

Hope your Christmas was a good one and that you have a super 2013!

Dober

The .30-06 Forbes I've been testing groups around .7 consistently with Hunting Shack factory ammo loaded with 185 Berger VLD's, which is just about exactly how my 15-year-old NULA Model 24 .30-06 groups with the same ammo. I have no doubt the Forbes will do around 1/2" with handloads developed specifically for it.

Like NULAs, it also groups fine and to the same point of impact when the barrel is hot. The fit and finish also seem to be just as good as a NULA--including the lapped locking lugs. You just don't get any custom options.

John-that sounds like a really nice rig, can't wait to get my paws on it...grin

Any chance you've ran any 200's or 125-130's thru it?

Thx
Dober

The best to you as well Dober.

Montana was an early goal for me to visit. I found my Glacier National Park 15-Day Automobile Permit dated Aug. 5 1960.

I always wanted to see those glaciers and I drove all the way out there and back to CT then. The glaciers were indeed most impressive and in the summertime yet!

If it were not for rifle competition here, sailing the coast, and the camp in VT some Western hunting could have been done.

This forum is so good for getting thru the winter. We got some snow and then rain last night and then it froze here in CT . I ran the snowblower through the slush and now we can drive over the lumps.

Tomorrow I might take a ride to a farm for some deer hunting. What with the snow and ice I don't know!

Mark,

Nothing lighter than 150's or heavier than 185. Dunno why it wouldn't shoot lighter and heavier bullets, though.

JB-How about the 155 Hybrid and or 168 Berg? I bet it'd really bug hole those bad boys.

Dober

My opinion is the Forbes over the Montana. Had/ have both. Forbes fit me a little better but i do like the stainless option on Kimber. I spike with Forbes and the stainless bbl version should be available soon. No mention of the stainless action. As mentioned before the lugs are fit well and the bedding is nice. Both are nice touches. Waiting to get my hands on some matrix 165's to test in it.

I would think both are very good rifles.

Which one feels better in your hands?

Are you committed to push vs. control feed?

Agreed. Both are great sticks.

Here is a 3 shot group i did with my Forbes today. I have seen some kimbers do the same.

$850 shipped and it can be your problem. Same offer I've made repeatedly. Not a single taker.

I've got three Kimbers and they all have required a little tinkering. But, I don't mind the tinkering. It's kind of rewarding actually. All of mine shoot lights out now, following a little bedding and a trigger tune, which can be done with an allen wrench and a open end wrench. I would not hesitate to buy another Kimber.

I've got two kimbers and out of the box they both will do under an inch with my handloads. Haven't shot a factory load in either but I expect they'd do well. Both of my guns were manufactured post August 2011 if that means anything. Neither of my kimbers shoot under an inch consistently if I don't hold the forearm. I held a Forbes at scheeles and it is definitely a nice gun. I have light covered now so I'll probably never by a Forbes and I like the control round feed as well.

This is just me but I say air them both out a bit. I can get most Marlin 336's with a scope to shoot sub 1"...grin

Take the Montana and the Forbes to 300,400 and 500 and lets see how the accuracy race is going. I have no idea as I've not even groped a Forbes yet but I'm for betting it's gonna be a walkaway.

While I have fun shooting @ 100 it's mainly offhand and sitting anymore. But that's just my way.

Saying they're about the same @ 100 is kind of like me saying that out of the blocks I'm just as quick as Usain Bolt is so I'm just about as fast at 100...

Dober

Usain isnt that fast is he?

I have a 100yd range in my back yard that i test loads on. Living here in MN I have a few to many people and trees to get to 300 at my place. I will test this load out at 100 again to verify then stretch it out to 300. That is as far as my local range has. Wish i had somewhere close that had longer.

:othx for the vote of confidence.

I'm just not a fan of saying things like, see this 100 yard group...this gun shoots

Just one of the many hang ups of mine.

Dober

They ain't unraveled until you get them to at least 300..

I have not done much long-range shooting. The range where I shoot is limited to 200 yards, although they have a new range in the works on a separate parcel of land that might be developed into a 600 yard range in the next few years.

Anyway, can a rifle be a real tack driver at 100 yards and then schit the bed at long range? I know some of you guys have real experience shooting at long range, but I'm having trouble seeing how this makes sense.

If a rifle is shooting 0.5 MOA at 100 yards, what can happen over the next several hundred yards that turns it into an inaccurate rifle, other than the shooter's ability? If bullets fly true out of the barrel to 100 yards, how can they suddenly go to crap on account of the rifle?

Of course, my questions assume that everything such as barrel twist rate, bullet selection, B.C., shooter ability, stock configuration, etc. is a given.

I've seen rifles that turn in 1 moa at 100 yards, that can't hold 3 moa at 500.

So yeah, it happens.

100 yards is fun, but stuff changes past 250 yards, and you have to shoot at those ranges to KNOW.

Is that usually due to twist?

I don't know why....but it happens.Errors in loads,conditions,vertical/horizontal dispersion,differences in velocity,changes in position,parallax,yadayada....they show up at long range.You might have a load that groups tight at 100 but vertically,and that vertical shows up as distance increases.Small discrepancies get magnified as distance increases.

In theory I guess you're right;it shouldn't happen but no matter how tight the groups are at close range,few are perfect,and there is this natural dispersion that takes place as distance increases;if it didn't a rifle should theoretically shoot as tight at 600 yards as it does at 100.Our efforts to put them all in the same hole is really an effort to minimize all this stuff.

Just one little example was a 30/06 that grouped equally well at 100 yards with 165 Partitions as it did with 165 Sierra's...but at 400 yards the Sierra consistently out shot the Partition...not by a lot, but several groups confirmed it just "did".

Sometimes it's us,too.But since we are part of the whole package,you can't exclude it as a factor...we just shoot better with some rifles than others.Not all of it is the rifle of course but you still have to confirm because the total package has to be tested.

Formidilosis and Mule Deer do a much better explanation over on the Light Rifles/Cold Temps thread.

For the most part 3 Nulas will go out to 300-normally as far as I can go-and hang with their 100yard standard and this is with 3-4 and 6x scopes for the most part. Providing I have an appropriate sized aiming point. Ringing 400yard 10 inch steel at another range is not all that difficult. Admittedly from a bench.

I'd not own a NULA, Kimber or Forbes. For that kind of money I'll be using a Kreiger or Bartlein, why risk the money on a sub-tier barrel. I don't the benchrest guys are running Douglas or Shaw.....grin

Doug and Wally have always treated me well. I've yet to run into Shaw, but don't think I would worry about it all that much....

I'm giving thought to another sub-tier barrel...

For ease in cleaning up and not copper fouling, that particular .243W Kimber barrel is damn good.

I have my eye on a couple of used Montana's--neither of which is in a caliber I want.....thinking a trip to IT&D could fix that. I'd finish the tube at .6 too.

Maybe my 2013 experiment?

Please do one in 260 Rem and let me know how it turns out!

Have a .338Fed that Bruno is going to do exactly that this winter. Hart or Douglas whichever he can get first.

Really like the .338Fed, but it is not that much fun to shoot in a Montana.

260 is the plan....this one is currently a 338 Federal. I agree with Battue...more "kick" than I need for KY whitetails. I need a light 260 anyway.

I have absolutely no doubt how this will work out. If you do it more will follow...

Dober

Looks like I'll have some info to work with in 2013! What bbl contours are each of you going with? Will you have to alter the stock? Though I've only handled a few MTs in a store, I think I'd like a bit more weight out front. I just can't decide if it'd be better to pay the extra for a custom contour (dupe factory till past forend then change taper to finish at .6ish) or to reshape the stock for a provided #2...

I've talked to a couple of guys about it, but I've not made a decision yet. I personally think duping the contour and eliminating the taper at the end would be the way to go. No stock issues to consider.

Beings am as handy as Maxwell the Pig with hand tools, that'd probably be the route I'd go. IIRC smokepole did something just like that with one of his Kimber rebarrels. Maybe he'll post up how that went...

Talked with Bruno about this today. He said he will turn it down to whatever final diameter I desire, but will probably have to bed the channel again.

.260? Thinking about that and may go with something a little different just for giggles. Another .22-250 which is a cartridge I've always liked, or an old timer Pa Deer cartridge in a modern package: .300Savage or .250Savage.

Going Grouse hunting tomorrow and will drop it off.