doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Remembering Melvin Forbes

I consider myself frugal and sensible. I grew up reading every page of the Outdoor Life, Field and Stream, and Pennsylvania Game News. I dreamed of hunts and gear and guns. I worked my first job at Burger King to buy my own deer rifle, and I splurged to get the left handed Savage 110 in .308. Savage offered Left handed rifles and a package gun with a sling and a scope. $362. Circa 1995. THe Marlin 336 like Dad's could be had a Walmart or Kmart for under $250. I wanted the accuracy and the class of the .308 bolt gun. I remember seeing ULA rifles in the magazine tests. I didn't dream of a $2500 or $3000 gun, I considered them ridiculous and ostentatious. I still prefer wood and classic styling, but 2 decades later I stumbled on a cheap ULA Model 20 left handed rifle in an auction. The feel of that rifle cannot be described in a manner to change opinion the way simply holding and shooting it did. There is no finer implement to be had. I am a believer. I rounded up a few more along the way and got to meet Mr. Forbes a few times in the process. I stopped in his shop a couple of times, and I enjoyed everytime I spoke to him. A Resident of Morgantown WVa, he reminded me in many ways of my Grandfather from Pittsburgh PA> the dialect and accent, and even his look and mannerisms were very similar. He was a great man and joy to know. He was helpful in everyway possible, even to a kid that bought his rifles second hand. The world is a solid one man weaker without him.

https://www.grayssportingjournal.com/lord-melvin-appreciated/

I never met Melvin but I talked to him a few times. I have built quite a few rifles in my life, including two target rifles which won three national championships. Twice I bought actions from Melvin to build personal rifles a centerfire and a rimfire. In neither case would a standard barrel shank or recoil lug fit the action (which was designed to be Remington compatible). Both times I contacted him and his reply was that his actions were threaded to Specification XXXX and the barrels and lugs were not the right size. The same comment was made about the rear bridge scope mount hole spacing. These were all when using components from famous and well respected sources. Another quirk was that the rimfire action had the bolt and receiver were made from the same alloy and would gall at the slightest chance.

His guns were unique when made and he spawned an entire new class of rifle (the accurate lightweight) His perfect faith in himself and his perseverance were characteristics that led to his success, but his designs were never destined for the mass market.

I am sad to read of his loss, but am glad to know such a man lived.