Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award Winner Melvin Forbes

by
posted on May 4, 2011
am2015_fs.jpg

Melvin Forbes, founder of New Ultra Light Arms, was presented the 2011 NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award during a breakfast at the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Pittsburgh, May 30.

In presenting the award, NRA Publications Editorial Director John Zent said that Forbes “shook up the shooting and hunting world with his five-pound rifles that shoot every bit as good as many twice that heavy.” As a young master gunsmith in West Virginia, Forbes had a vision of an accurate, reliable, bolt-action hunting rifle that weighed less than 6 pounds. He introduced his masterpiece at the 1985 SHOT Show and today his revolutionary approach to paring weight without sacrificing accuracy has created a template that sets the industry standard.

“Other firearm manufacturers and gunsmiths paid attention, studied what this fellow was doing, and, to varying degrees, have copied his ideas,” said Zent, adding that American hunters have embraced this trend wholeheartedly, creating a high demand for lightweight rifles and ultra-lightweight rifles. “Nowadays there’s no shortage and many models to choose from, quite a few that are pretty darned good—but only one original, still being made by the man we honor today.”

NRA Publications Executive Director Joe H. Graham said that for a quarter of a century, hunters have banked on the superb performance of easy-carry rifles from New Ultra Light Arms.” Melvin Forbes is a shining example of how achieving one’s dream involves sheer determination, dedication and a commitment to excellence where only the best will do,” he said.

Watch video of Forbes as he receives his award, and learn more about selection criteria for the Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award.

Latest

Last Day To Bid
Last Day To Bid

NRA Foundation "Firing Into Fall" Auction Ends Monday

The NRA Foundation’s online “Firing into Fall” Auction ends Monday, giving potential bidders only the weekend to get their bids in.

Gun Of The Week: Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol

On this Gun Of The Week episode, the American Rifleman staff has an American-made, 12-ga. tactical shotgun from Beretta. Meet the A300 Ultima Patrol.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 29, 2023

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Bond Arms .45-70 Gov't Cyclops

This one-eyed pistol, the single-barrel Cyclops from Bond Arms, packs a punch with a venerable straight-walled rifle cartridge.

Springfield Armory Offers Gear Up Promotion

Receive three magazines and a Springfield Armory dual pistol bag featuring the company's crossed-cannon logo in this latest special promotion. Read on for full details:

Rifleman Review: Colt Gold Cup National Match

When Colt's Paul Spitale arrived at the company, his mission was to develop a refined version of the Colt Gold Cup National Match M1911. The pistol here is exactly what he came up with, and it harkens back to the glory days of Colt's classic guns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.