The Passing of Melvin Forbes

[LostFarmer10009]

Fellow Roksliders: I'm sad to share that I learned that Melvin Forbes passed away. I was honored to call him a friend. Please keep his family in your prayers.

 

[warrbuk]

Legend RIP

 

[Bubblehide]

My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends! May he rest in peace.

 

[StupidLightweight]

Melvin was the godfather of ultralight rifles. His innovations changed the firearm industry. Rest in peace, sir.

 

[TaperPin]

I’ve never even held one of his rifles, but from a young age have oogled and appreciated everything he did via magazine articles. My first box of 284 ammo would never have been purchased if it wasn’t for him chambering it his little mountain rifle. He seemed to have overall good judgement - his ideas worked, looked good and every kid on the block for the last 40 years would like to own a model 20. (Well, most kids).

Fast forward from the first mention of Melvin in Peterson Hunting in the 1980’s, and just the other day I bid on another used 284 barrel. At least for me, he’s the one that made that cartridge synonymous with the high country.

He’s always smiling in photos - that says a lot about a guy - I’m sure he was good company at the range and at hunting camp.

 

[t_carlson]

Sorry to hear about that. He was a true genius in firearms design.

 

[ghostrider272]

Recently picked up my first NULA Model 20 and it is everything I've heard they are. He was a man far far ahead of his time. Would have loved to sit around the campfire with him... Rest in peace..

 

[z987k]

Recently picked up my first NULA Model 20 and it is everything I've heard they are. He was a man far far ahead of his time. Would have loved to sit around the campfire with him... Rest in peace..

It's too bad Wilson Combat didn't stay true to the model 20. Seems every time anyone but Melvin Forbes tried to build a Forbes rifle they just can't help themselves but to screw it up. Colt screwed it up, the guys that bought Forbes rifles screwed it up, ULA. The closest was probably Barrett.

 

[yfarm]

Have never owned a Forbes rifle but my sons and I own 4 Fieldcrafts and have no complaints, great rifles. Wish they made a left version, my Cooper M92 is an acceptable alternative for more money.

 

[prm]

He certainly had a vision for a unique hunting rifle. I wish I could have had him build one for me. RIP.

 

[Mauiguy]

I had the great fortune to be one of Melvin Forbe's customers back in 2015. He built a custom model 20 for me in 7mm-08 that came out beautiful. It's a sub-MOA gun as you'd expect that weighs 5.2lbs (6lbs with the scope and rings). May he RIP.

 

[medvedyt]

RIP. is he also the father of the now talley lightweight rings and bases combined in one?

 

[LostFarmer10009]

RIP. is he also the father of the now talley lightweight rings and bases combined in one?

Yes, he confirmed that to be the case in one of our conversations.

 

[cowboybart]

I took 4 rifles out this weekend to get ready for pronghorn and deer. 2 were Colt Light Rifles that had been worked over by Melvin. Of course those 2 were the best shooters - tearing out the centers of the targets. I talked to him on the phone but never met him. He always talked in a logical pattern and made complex things simple. He will be missed and I thank him for bringing back the 284 from near extinction.